Grand parents are a special gift. I know mine adored me and spoilt me rotten, even from abroad. My extended family, including grand parents were all the way over in Ireland, so a lot of our relationship was via snail mail (in the absence of text, Skype & cheap international call cards), so when I got a special package in the mail, I knew it would be loaded with special treats and gifts, that mum & dad would never think of getting!!
Mum’s parent’s were able to make the big trip over twice during my childhood, and those times are some of the best memories I have as a kid. I learnt all I know about playing cards from my Granny, and my grand father (we called him) Jim would take me down to the football, I just loved it. I think it was something about the patience they had with me, they would just focus on me, my shows I would make up, the games I would love to play, for as long as I wanted. What more does a child want for? As a parent now, I can see it really was all about the time they were able to give me. That illusive chestnut, that as a parent can seem to run away, daily.
After high school, I moved to Ireland and spent 2 ½ years living with them, and our bond got even closer. My Granny would like to say that she reared me, and smack me on the butt whenever I was out of line. A little tear wells up for me now as I am writing this, as they are gone now. Those memories are so powerful & close to my heart.
I truly believe that children can be raised by the village, that is the entire family (and friends) unit. The more positive adult role models they have, who all have different opinions, strengths and even weaknesses, the more well rounded their little view of the world can be.
And so I was really craving to photograph 3 generations in my new studio, I put it out to the universe… and then my best friend suggested her cousin’s family… I was soooo excited. I personally know Trina & Carole, and so it was wonderful to get to give them an awesome experience in my new space. Carole & Ian have recently moved up from Sydney to be close to their 2 precious grand daughters. With my own parents soon to make the same move, I loved seeing how devoted Carole & Ian are to the girls and can’t wait until my parents are close by for my daughter (& of course me) to experience the same.
I was so happy with how the images have turned out, and more importantly, so were they…


The girls may, or may not remember this experience, but they will always have these precious images.