Take a Picture With a Grandparent
Ask a grandparent to join you, choose a spot and pose, take a clear photo together using a camera or phone, and share it.
About this activity
Ask a grandparent to join you, choose a spot and pose, take a clear photo together using a camera or phone, and share it.
What you need
Step by step
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Step 1
Ask your grandparent to join you for a fun photo together.
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Step 2
Walk with your grandparent to a cozy spot that has lots of light.
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Step 3
Pick a fun prop or hat to hold or wear for the picture.
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Step 4
Decide if you and your grandparent will sit or stand for the photo.
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Step 5
Think of one pose and practice it once with your grandparent.
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Step 6
Choose how the photo will be taken by deciding if a helper will take it or if you will use a camera or phone timer.
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Step 7
If you chose a timer, place the camera on a steady surface and set the timer.
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Step 8
If you chose a helper, tell them when you will say "ready" so they know when to press the button.
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Step 9
Get into your pose and smile when it is almost time to take the picture.
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Step 10
Press the shutter or let the timer run or ask the helper to press the button so the photo is taken.
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Step 11
Look at the picture and choose your favorite one.
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Step 12
Share your favorite photo on DIY.org.
Fun facts
How do I take a picture with my grandparent?
Start by asking a grandparent if they’d like to join you and agree on a time and place. Choose a well-lit spot with a simple background and any props you like. Pose together — try candid actions or a few posed smiles. Use a camera or phone, hold steady or set a timer/tripod, and take several shots. Review photos together, pick favorites, and share them with family after you get permission.
What materials do I need to take a picture with a grandparent?
You’ll need a camera or smartphone with enough battery and space, plus a charger or power bank if you’ll be out long. Optional helpful items: a tripod or selfie stick for steady shots, simple props (like hats or a blanket), and a small stool or cushion for seated poses. Bring a cloth to clean lenses. Also have contact info and permission for sharing the photo with family or on social media.
What ages is taking a picture with a grandparent suitable for?
This activity works for most ages — toddlers through teens — with adult supervision. Young children (2–5) need help posing and holding still; school-age kids (6–12) can suggest locations and try simple poses; teens can take lead on framing and sharing. Adapt for mobility or hearing limitations by choosing comfortable seating, quiet spots, and allowing extra time. Always get the grandparent’s consent and ensure their comfort during the photo.
What are the benefits of taking a picture with a grandparent?
Taking a picture together builds family bonds and creates a lasting memory grandparents and children can revisit. The activity boosts kids’ social skills, confidence, and respect for older relatives, while giving grandparents joy and a sense of inclusion. It’s also an easy way to teach phone/camera basics, storytelling, and sharing. Photos can become gifts, scrapbook pages, or part of family history that strengthens intergenerational connections.
Watch & Learn
Need help?
What can we use instead of a prop, hat, or a camera if we don't have those items listed in the instructions?
If you don't have a prop or hat, use a colorful scarf, stuffed animal, or a printed picture and if you don't have a camera use a smartphone on timer or place it on a steady surface like a stack of books and ask a helper to press the button.
What should we do if the pictures come out blurry or the timer doesn't give us time to get into our pose?
If photos are blurry or the timer isn't enough, place the camera or phone on a steady surface (for example a stack of heavy books), set a longer timer, or ask a helper to take burst shots so you can pick the sharpest image.
How can we adapt the activity for very young children or older kids while following the steps like choosing a pose and deciding sit or stand?
For toddlers, choose a simple seated pose in a cozy, well-lit spot and have an adult helper press the button, while older kids can try standing or creative poses, experiment with fun props, and use the timer themselves to practice before sharing on DIY.org.
How can we extend or personalize the final outcome beyond choosing a favorite photo and sharing it on DIY.org?
Turn your favorite picture into a small framed print or digital collage, add a handwritten caption or a short memory about the pose or grandparent, and upload the photo plus the caption to DIY.org as a mini-story.