Our laid back family photo shoot at Grandpa's hardware store

When you're considering a family photo shoot, it's sometimes easiest to just take everyone to a park for pretty scenery. But sometimes unexpected locations, especially those that mean a lot to a family, can create the most dynamic and meaningful shots.

Take this beautiful family, for instance, who decided to take advantage of all the nooks and crannies at grandpa's hardware store in Wisconsin to capture a few moments in a family store with a couple, their parents, and their two little boys, aged four and one.

Let's see the magic that they created and learn a bit about the inspiration from the family…

The hardware store was established by my great grandpa in 1923.  My grandfather and great uncle bought it in 1973 and  it has since been passed down to my dad and uncle.  My grandpa still goes in when he can.

My great grandma lived in the apartment above the store her entire life. It’s a space filled with history. The working draft beer company is new to the neighborhood but the building it’s in is owned by my grandpa and great uncle. We love spending time there. They really want it to feel inviting for families with young kids and during the winter months we find ourselves there a lot!

I love so many of the photos because they tell a story that goes beyond the person in the picture. I have two favorites of the day. There is one of my son Henry behind the desk in the back room of the hardware store. He’s ‘working’ and has a look of concentration on his face. The photo  background shows the walls of an office that hasn’t changed in 45 years. I also love a picture of my dad leaving the hardware store with the Ace sign in the background lit up. He’s just locked up the store for the night and is carrying my diaper bag for me. He looks content.