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A Cosy Winter Family Session with Michelle and Baby Gigi – Cherishing Generations at Home

  • Writer: Ashley Chapman
    Ashley Chapman
  • Jul 14
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 17

Winter in Cape Town may bring a chill in the air, but it certainly doesn’t dim the warmth of family. Recently, I had the joy of capturing an intimate at-home session with Michelle, her 10-month-old baby girl Gigi, and two very special women—Michelle’s mother and mother-in-law. With soft light filtering in through the windows and the comforting ambiance of home all around us, this session turned into something truly heart-warming.

Family Photography in Cape Town.
Family Photography in Cape Town.

Gigi, with her twinkling eyes and inquisitive expressions, was a bundle of curiosity and sweetness. At 10 months old, she’s at that magical stage—just beginning to explore the world, flashing cheeky grins, and sharing the most adorable moments of connection with those who love her most. It’s incredible how fast our little ones grow, and this session served as a beautiful pause in time to celebrate just how far she’s come already.


Despite the winter season, the indoors offered the perfect setting. A cosy corner of the house, warm tones, and the natural light peeking through created the ideal atmosphere for storytelling through photos. From the moment I walked in, the love between these four generations of women was undeniable. There was laughter, gentle snuggles, and a strong sense of legacy—each moment echoing with meaning and connection.


One of my favourite parts of this session was the coordinated leopard print outfits—yes, you read that right! Gigi and her mom, gran, and granny-in-law were all dressed in fabulous animal print looks that brought a fun, bold personality to the shoot. It was stylish, full of character, and showed off a family that doesn’t shy away from making memories in style.

There’s something truly special about photographing multiple generations together. You can feel the layers of history—the wisdom of the grandmothers, the nurturing love of the mother, and the blossoming joy of the newest addition. These kinds of sessions are more than just portraits; they’re time capsules of heritage, femininity, and enduring connection.

The beauty of at-home sessions is the comfort they bring. Everyone is more relaxed in their own space. There are familiar sounds, favourite toys, and cosy blankets within arm’s reach. For little ones like Gigi, this means they feel safe and free to be themselves. And that’s when the magic happens. That’s when I get to capture those spontaneous giggles, the unprompted cuddles, and the little glances that tell an entire story in one frame.


From a photographer’s perspective, sessions like these are a dream. The slower pace, the genuine moments, and the opportunity to be a fly on the wall make for honest, emotive images. My style leans into warm tones, natural light, and capturing the in-between moments—the ones that feel the most real. This session with Michelle and her family was filled with those moments. No stiff posing, no rush—just real life, real love, and beautiful connection.

Family photography in Cape Town.
Family photography in Cape Town.

Another wonderful aspect was witnessing the grandmothers’ bond with Gigi. You could see how deeply they cherish her, and how proud they are of Michelle as a mother. Generational love like this doesn’t always get documented, but it absolutely should. Imagine how much these images will mean to Gigi when she’s older—seeing herself surrounded by the powerful, loving women who shaped her earliest years.


These kinds of sessions also serve as a beautiful reminder to document the now. Life can be chaotic, especially with little ones. We often wait for the “perfect time” to schedule a shoot—when the weather’s better, when we’ve lost a few kilos, when the baby’s sleeping better. But sometimes, the perfect time is simply now. In your space, with your people, just as you are.


Thank you to Michelle and her beautiful family for inviting me into your home and allowing me to freeze a few precious moments of Gigi’s early years. I have no doubt she’ll grow up surrounded by fierce love, strong women, and the most incredible memories.


If you’ve been thinking about doing a family shoot but aren’t sure about the weather or timing—don’t wait for perfect. Sometimes, the most meaningful moments happen right where you are, just as you are.

Ready to capture your own at-home memories? Let’s create something beautiful together—rain or shine.


 
 
 

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©Ashley Chapman

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