Teenagers. Need I say more? I actually find this wild and wonderful stage of life so fun to photograph. We’ve talked about senior photo sessions already on the blog here and here. But what about family photo sessions with them? Teens and tweens can be awkward or just straight up not want to be there! I’m honestly here for it, though.
Give me a challenge.
Give me moody and broody.
Give me someone who does’t quite see the beauty in her own skin yet.
I’ve compiled my top tips for photographing families with older kids for you. Summed up: be the “cool” aunt or uncle! Have fun with them! But seriously, when I treat the kids like family, like someone I want to get to know and relate to, they really do start to open up more. And that’s when the magic happens. The secret sauce.
The connection.
Treating that teen or tween on the other side of the lens like my little niece or nephew has always worked wonders for me. Give it a go and see!
Engaging the Teenager Formula
okay it’s not as simple as that, but here’s my top 4 tips/prompts for getting the most out of your teenagers in a photoshoot
1. Music of teen choice- I ALWAYS bring along a speaker. I hook it on my camera strap and we jam. It works wonders for any age group, but letting the teenager choose the beats is step one in helping them to let down their guard.
2. “Do it for your mom”- We all know she probably booked the session, so let’s just give her what she wants! It actually works, and they feel a little bit understood. And, for the most part, those teens do like to show mom how much they care when given the chance to do so.
3. “Show me that big boy pose” (poke fun) or “show off your muscles”/”Strike a pose!” for the ladies!- This one always gets the laughs or a reaction. And some fun poses out of it too. I like to use it for big, extended family photoshoots with lots of boys like this one.
4. “If this was an instagram post, what would you do?”- And I just let them take it from there. I zoom in and out and capture the moment.
Another hack that I’ve discovered as my own kids grow older, is having a photoshoot that is more activity based will help to alleviate some of the awkwardness teens and tweens might feel. It gives them something to DO! Taking photos at a location that has meaning for you and your kids/family can also add to the memories of that time in your life.
For example, we did our family photos at the state fair this year with the talented Rebekah Melancon. We love it there; it’s filled with nostalgia. The movement and playfulness of the location was perfect for my teen and just-barely-adult son. We played and went on rides and so the photoshoot in itself was a memory too! I’m all about creating lasting memories beyond the lens for my clients.
These teenage moments are fleeting, and, as a photographer, I’m looking to create opportunities for making memories and capturing lasting images of personalities and attitudes too, the love and longing for more connection. It’s all there… sometimes it just might take a little more work with the teens.
