I’ve reached that point in life where I’ll soon have to start responding when I hear the word “Grandpa” – or “Abuelo”, in Spanish. I may not quite feel old enough to call myself a grandfather, but my excitement and eagerness to embrace this new chapter in life are absolutely intact. I’m as thrilled as a little child.
So, while we wait for the little boy to enter our lives, it seems only fitting to capture a few photos of the expecting couple.
The photo session with my daughter and son-in-law took place in our small living room, using a white canvas backdrop and a single softbox. This is my go-to setup, one I have used for years. Whenever I take portraits or family photos, I always bring this equipment, which I know inside and out and which I trust to deliver fantastic results every time. The only things that change from session to session are my models and my creative ideas. Sometimes I have a plan; other times, clients come with specific requests. But more often than not, the best ideas arise spontaneously during the conversation and through the dynamic between photographer and model.
These two images are vastly different. The first, featuring the ultrasound scan, is a type of photo that tells a very clear story – we immediately understand its purpose. This style of imagery is often used to illustrate memories or dreams, things that can otherwise be difficult to capture in a photograph. It’s a form I use with caution, as the result can sometimes feel rather cliché. A picture of text on a wall, a road sign, or an advertisement all fall into the category of “pictures of pictures” – perfect for Instagram or other fleeting platforms, but rarely more than that. In this case, however, I feel the story is strong enough. The image conveys the anticipation and the new stage of life awaiting these young parents-to-be.
The second image, the silhouettes, stemmed from an idea to focus on simplicity and form. The graphic lines themselves become the subject. The couple stands close, yet with a slight gap that sharpens the lines even further. I love the minimalism of silhouettes – they strip away all unnecessary details, leaving us with a simple and beautiful story.
A huge thank you to my wonderful models.
