5 Tips For Successful Family Photos With Teens

Jul 13

I have a feeling I know what you are thinking…I can barely get my teen (or pre-teen) to unload the dishwasher, or hang out as a family playing a game…how am I going to get them to cooperate for a family photo session without a lot of stress for everyone? Are they too old for family photos?

Well, I’m here to tell you that it can and should be done, and all it takes is a little bit of preparation (and perhaps a small amount of bribery) with your teen prior to the photo session.

Teen Girl With Long Brown Hair And Braces Smiles Up At The Camera

Teen Boy Wearing A Black Sweater And Black Pants Sits On Rock Steps In The Forest

How to prep teens (and tweens) for family photos

Teen Girl And Boy Sit On Steps Smiling And Laughing With Each Other

Mom Stands In Front Of Greenery With Her Two Daughters Smiling At Each Other

No Forced Smiles

So…going into the session I want you (as the parent) to know that I will not force your child (of any age) to smile. But, I will encourage interaction, tell jokes, and play silly games to elicit natural expressions and natural smiles. Having a gallery full of images with natural expressions is so much better than forced cheesy smiles. It’s also important for you to let your teen know that they don’t need to force smiles or happy facial expressions. And, this leads to the second tip.

Family Stands In Front Of Water And A Large Bridge Smiling And Embracing

Monochrome Image Of Teen Brother And Sister Sitting On Steps Smiling At One Another

Allow Them To Be Themselves

In all honesty, nothing will derail a person more than being pestered during a session…to be a certain way, pose like this, place their hair like that etc. So, my biggest piece of advice when having a family session with teens is to let them be themselves!!

Allow them to participate in the outfit selection for the session. Let them show their style by wearing their hair the way they would like, and even encourage them to bring a favorite item or something from their favorite hobby to incorporate into a photo.

If you are worried about everyone’s outfits working together, share the wardrobe guidelines I provide with your teen, and then show them the color pallet you are working with. Then see what outfits they can select within those parameters. By encouraging their involvement, and allowing them the freedom to show their individual style and to be themselves, they will already be excited before the photo session.

I’m trained with working with kids of all ages, including teens…so don’t worry about how I’ll work with them. We’ll have a great interaction, and in the end everyone will have fun. Just allow them to be their true selves, and everyone will shine.

Teen Girl Wearing Overalls And A Black Shirt Sits On Curb In Front Of Teal Brick Wall And Greenery

Discuss Their Photography Comfort Level (and communicate that with the photographer)

Having a candid conversation with your teen/tween about photography in general is a great idea, regardless of your upcoming photo session. Discussing when they are ok with you photographing them (for example at home only, in public, at sporting events…..etc.), if they want to pose or be only in candid photos, if they are ok with you sharing photos online etc. It’s also important to chat about what they feel comfortable with during the upcoming session. Are they ok with hugs and holding hands with their family but don’t want to kiss on the cheek? Are they nervous about the session being in a public area with other people? Would they prefer a session at home? Then, let your photographer know about your preparation and conversation with your teen so everyone is on the same page.

Portrait Of Teen Girl Wearing A Striped Black And White Dress

Portrait Of A Teen Girl With Curly Brown Hair Wearing A Maroon Shirt And Jean Jacket

Portrait Of A Teen Girl With Long Dark Hair and A Blue Shirt Standing In Front Of Trees

Give Them Something To Do

Although this is something I do with all of my families regardless of age, it’s important to know that this works well for teens too. I like to give them something to do, such as checking out a flower, selecting the next location during the session, tickling a younger sibling, or hugging their pet. Natural interactions with others creates natural expressions and body movement, eliminating uncomfortable poses and expressions. If you have a dog (or pet that can come to a session) I will always encourage you to bring them to your photo session, as they really do help teens to relax and be themselves.

Teen Boy Wearing A Green Sweater And Gray Pants Kneels In The Woods Next To Gray And Black Dog

Family Sits On Stone Steps In A Garden Petting Small Brown Dog

Separate Them From The Group

During your photo session, don’t be surprised if I pull your teens away for their individual portraits. It’s often much easier to relax and feel laid back without the eyes of your family on you, and just working 1:1 with the photographer. Encourage this separation during the session, and wait to be pleasantly surprised by the results!

Don’t let your child’s age stop you from getting updated family photos. They deserve to be documented during all stages. Weather they have squishy baby legs, missing teeth, braces, or are just learning to drive…your child is worth photographing and documenting with family photos. Not only will you get beautiful images to display in your home, family photography increases your child’s self esteem and will be a positive experience for each family member.