Five generations does not happen very often.  When April first emailed me about photographing her son with her grandmothers, I assumed two of the same generation, maybe her grandmother from each side of the family... No way she meant her grandmother, and HER mother!? Through our conversation, I learned that she wanted me to photograph five generations of her family and I was thrilled about the opportunity to do so. Its always an honor to capture a special moment in a person's life/family, which is why I absolutely love my job. I probably do not admit it enough to myself, because lets face it, I've got daily struggles like anyone else... plus the stress of owning a business. It is easy to get caught up in the worries of the business, making appointments, answering emails, executing contracts, editing images, delivering orders, faxing my accountant, paying bills... Ok ok, you get the picture. But, every moment that I get to pick up the camera and create something magical for someone is my favorite part of the day. And, especially, on days like this one getting to meet five generations of a family in one place, I feel pretty grateful for photography being my job.

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April, her son Max, and her mother, Wendy, live in Florida. They came back to Pittsburgh for a visit and to have this photo shoot done with the grandmothers when all five generations would be in the same city at the same time. We decided on Station Square for the shoot. A location outdoor with wheelchair accessibility, and also with fun "Pittsburgh" elements like views of the city, The Smithfield Street bridge, Grand Concourse, trains rushing by, and giant equipment left from the steel days.

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The oldest generation with the youngest.

Max and his great-great-grandmother Ruth. 

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April suggested we photograph each parent with their child... So we started at the top. Ruth with her daughter Lynn. It almost brought a tear to the eye watching how their mother-daughter relationship glowed as strong as ever, and was evident that that type of bond just never fades.

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No one can deny Max's cuteness. I admit, he stole the show.

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Wendy and her mother Lynn

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April and her mother Wendy 

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Max with his great-grandmother Lynn

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Max and mama, April 

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The iconic, Smithfield Street Bridge in the distance... one of my personal favorite Pittsburgh bridges

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I told Ruth when we finished... "you know you're responsible for all of this beauty here. Look what you've created." I hope she had a moment to reflect on this group of family members around her and know what a special woman she really is. 

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Special thanks to April for the opportunity to photograph her family!