LOVE FOR GREAT GRANDMA

I am passionate to capture photographs that are "deeply seen, deeply felt, deeply remembered."  This recent image, recording a special moment between my mother and her great grandson (my grandson), is a particularly moving example for me.  

This month, I was fortunate to help arrange a family reunion in South Carolina to celebrate my mother's 80th birthday.  This was a special get-together because it had been a number of years since Mom had seen my daughters and she had yet to meet their new babies born into the family last year.  The main gift that my mother wanted for her 80th birthday was a four-generations family portrait.  (And, despite the excessive heat wave, we all obliged!)  Needless to say, it was an emotional three-day event.  I cannot remember a time when Mom was so happy.  

This candid photograph of Mom and Gavin, a busy 15-month toddler, was taken at the end of the day, after Mom's official birthday dinner and party.  When Gavin was presented to Mom to say his "night-nights," he became unusually calm and quiet.  He studied his Great Grandma's face for a very long time before giving her several lingering hugs and kisses.  

The moment gave me chills.  

I felt as if Gavin were a little angel or little buddha, gazing upon the wrinkles of his Great Grandma's face, acknowledging the hardships she had endured in her life, and sharing with her the wonderful grace of an unconditional love.  

It was a beautiful moment I'll never forget.  Perhaps, in this photograph, you too can see a little bit of that magic.  

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To schedule your multi-generational portrait by Northern Virginia family photographer Roger Hammons, contact Roger Hammons Photography today!