pops

 
It’s not unusual for a grandparent to come along to a photo session involving a young child and offer assistance to the parent in what can often be a challenging shoot, but “Pops” is particularly special. Approaching ninety years old, he not only arrived to lend a hand at the recent maternity shoot of his daughter, but every weekend he makes the 100 mile solo drive from his home to hers just to spend time with his grandson and give his adopted daughter a welcomed respite from the demands of motherhood.

Keeping up with me as I chase a busy 3 year old around outdoors isn’t an easy task for anyone, but Pops managed to stay with it for the duration, standing close behind me and doing some sort of crazy antics that kept his grandson wildly entertained while looking in the direction of the camera. I told him I’d like to hire him to assist me on all my shoots with kids, as apparently he’s a pretty funny guy.

As is the case with most grandparents who tag along to help with photo shoots, Pops wasn’t there to be photographed himself. But at one point when his grandson was losing interest in the shoot and it was Pops who was gently speaking to him and encouraging him on, I couldn’t resist taking a few shots of their tender interaction. Pops noticed this and remarked that he wasn’t dressed properly to be professionally photographed, but I think he looked dashing.

These unintended images certainly weren’t the best of the session, but I’m so glad and grateful to have made them. For some reason they really get to me in viewing them, more than I might have expected is reasonable. Maybe it’s because they cause me to remember the wonderful relationships I had with my grandparents and the invaluable roles they played in my growing up. Or perhaps more because I look at Pops and see a vital, spirited and loving man who isn’t allowing his advancing years to keep him from participating fully in life, and making whatever contributions he can. He reminds me that we always have something yet to give that is uplifting and of value to someone else.

. . . . . And I still say he’d make a great kid photographer’s assistant, should he ever aspire to such lofty ambitions as that, ha!

 

~Cynthia