Tips for Pre-Teens and Teens and Photos
Not every pre-teen wants to have their portraits done…I get it. As someone who has done family portrait sessions for every age imaginable, I know that sometimes the pre-teen or teen attitudes make it hard to have an enjoyable experience. This is just one reason why I have created my Confidence Sessions for pre-teen and teen girls, but I wanted to share some tips for working with this sometimes-finicky age group:
-Get them involved with the process: It can help with pre-teens to bring them into the planning process and help them feel important. Especially if you have younger children, designate your older ones to be the leaders and help you select a date or outfits for the rest of the family. Start the process early on, so they have plenty of time to try on and choose outfits that they love and feel confident in (I recommend that you select 3-5 outfits you are fine with and give them the final decision).
-Adjust expectations: It can feel like the “most important thing in the world” to have your photos done or have photos of your children done but the reality is that their relationship with you will outlast the images you receive. Making it a peaceful and happy experience will stick with your kids even if the photos are not perfect or even magazine worthy. Be open minded to how things may go, and aim for joy instead of perfection. If you only have memories of snapping at your kids to smile through gritted teeth, we guarantee you will only remember the hard parts. Leave the direction to us and we will make sure you get the photos you envision.
-Respect their schedules and desire for control: Teens and pre-teens want some semblance of control over things that are happening to them, and by respecting their desire for these things, often it can get your session off on a better footing. Ask older teens if they have made plans to boyfriends/girlfriends, friends, or work parties so that you don’t overlap and spring it on them at the last minute. Respecting their pre-scheduled activities isn’t a guarantee they won’t roll their eyes but it can show them that you are trying and that can go a long way for this age group.
-Treasure the moments. Is it cheesy? Yes. But the moments do pass quickly and you can’t get that time back. Try to stay present in the moment and enjoy the time with your pre-teens or teens because it will go by faster than you can imagine. Lastly, hire a professional to help navigate all the communication and teen-emotions for your photoshoot. I love working with teens (in fact, the pre-teens and teens are one of my favorite age groups). If you are wanting to schedule a shoot with your older kids, please reach out and let’s get started!
0 Comments