Three Generations in Swansea: A Family Photo Session
On a sunny morning in Swansea, I joined a young family for a special session—one that brought together three generations under one roof. With the grandparents and uncle visiting from overseas, the parents decided to invest in something meaningful: a set of documentary-style family photographs that captured everyday moments with their spirited two-year-old.
This family made a conscious choice not to share their daughter’s face online in any format. It's a decision that deserves real respect—especially in a world where social media and AI evolve faster than most of us can keep up. There’s something powerful in drawing that boundary, in choosing to protect a child’s digital footprint before they’re old enough to understand what it even means.
One of the most awarded family photographers in the world, Sabine Doppelhofer, has taken this idea even further. For the past three years, she’s built a stunning portfolio—filled with joy, connection, and visual poetry—without ever showing the faces of children. Her work proves something important: that real storytelling doesn’t require eye contact with the camera. It requires presence, trust, and an eye for the in-between moments. (You can read more about her philosophy here).
Back to the shoot. When I arrived at their condo, the family was finishing their morning tea. Their daughter was already a blur of energy—zipping from room to room, full of curiosity and joy. We eased into the session naturally, with couch snuggles and playroom chaos. Nothing was staged. Just the flow of an ordinary morning, filled with family fun.
From there, we headed down toward the waterfront. The family played on the beach, took turns on the swings, and even managed a quick game of catch. These weren’t just playful scenes—they were connection in motion. Grandparents laughing. A young dad chasing his toddler. A proud mom soaking it all in. These are the moments that shape our memory of family.
We ended the session with a few gently posed group portraits—images the family didn’t have before and were excited to finally capture.
It was a session full of laughter, fun, and legacy—and even without the child’s face in view, the love in these images shines through.
