Although we make it important to get our children photographed every year we don’t do the same for our parents and grandparents. My goal with this project is to show the sunny-side of the aging process and highlight what is most amazing about those people in our lives we love.

The Sunny-Side Up Project came to be when I was inspired by a photo shoot with my mother. I asked my her if I could come over one day and take some photographs of her. Her first response was, “Oh Robin I don’t know, I really don’t like my hair right now.” I laughed at her and said that this was not a glamour session or even the traditional photo shoot where she would be smiling at the camera in her best dress. I told her this was something different and more meaningful. I asked her what she loved doing in her moments of solace. I already knew the answer, but I wanted to start the conversation and get her to feel comfortable with my vision.

When I think about my mother I picture her in her bedroom praying and reading her bible because that is what brings her peace. I remember as a child I always loved looking at her rosaries. To me, they were beautiful pieces of artwork, not to be worn but tucked away in a special box only to be used when it was time to worship. As I started photographing her my heart filled with love and admiration. Love for this woman who raised me and admiration for her complete and unshakable devotion to her faith. I then asked her to sit in her spot in the house where she would read her bible. She told me she got the bible when she was 19, 72 years ago...WOW. As I looked through my lens at her fingers supporting the book, they reminded me of tree roots holding up what would be the foundation of my mother’s beliefs for her entire life. The image was strong and I couldn’t wait to ask more questions and dive deeper into my family history.

As I reflected back on this time with her I knew with certainty this was something I wanted to do for other families. Although we make it important to get our children photographed every year we don’t do the same for our parents and grandparents. My goal with this project is to show the sunny-side of the aging process and highlight what is most amazing about those people in our lives we love.

Please check out my blog, click here, on Bob Jackson and also inquire about my gift certificates. This very special portrait session is $375 and comes with a custom 11x14 print. Custom packages are also available upon request.