If your teenagers are annoyed when you mention family photos—welcome to the club. This is
not an uncommon reaction for someone who would rather be playing video games or grabbing a
bite to eat with friends.
Somewhere between elementary school and high school, many kids develop a resistance to being
photographed. As a teen photographer in Central Ohio, I see it all the time. I get notes from
parents ahead of time warning me their teen doesn’t want to be there. Sometimes they stand
around with a bored stance or playing on their phone hoping they aren’t called into the frame.
But here’s the good news: you can get your teenager to participate (and even smile). It might sound challenging, but with the right mindset, a bit of strategy, and a photographer who understands how to work with teens, family photo day can be way less stressful and way more meaningful for everyone.
Involve Teens in the Process for Great Photos
Teenagers are much more likely to cooperatein family photos when they feel heard. Let them weigh in on the location, the outfit colors, or even show them sample work by the photographer so they know
they are in good hands.
Even if their only opinion is “Can I wear my sneakers?”, it matters to them and should be
considered if only for a few photos. Our senior sessions intentionally don’t limit outfits so that
our teens can wear what they love, but still dress in something you love for a few. I cannot stress
enough how important it is to hear them throughout this process.
Set Realistic Expectations when Photographing Teens
Your teenagers may not beam with joy for every shot during family photos. And that’s okay. The goal isn’t perfect, posedportraits for every single image. It’s to capture your family as you are, in this season. Sometimes
the candid moments become framed prints to be enjoyed in the hone daily because they are the
true favorites!
Let them know you’re not expecting fake smiles. In fact, you just want them to show up, be themselves,
and let the photographer handle the rest. Experienced photographers who regularly take pictures
of teenagers know how to read the room and bring out genuine expressions.
Book the Right Photographer for Teens
A session that feels quick and relaxed is often key when working with teens. Therefore, choose a
photographer who knows how to move efficiently and make the experience low-pressure. Moreover, your photographer should be up for the challenge of photographing someone who isn’t excited about
the experience and not intimidated by those circumstances.
Teenagers (often) show up for family photos with acne and a fear of looking awkward or silly in the final images. Hiring a photographer that knows how to pose teens in ways that help them look their best will
significantly improve their comfort throughout the session and confidence in what the
photographer is requesting. This results in better participation as the session goes on. Additionally, ensuring that there is an option to retouch the final images to reduce or remove acne or other things that
bother your teen will help assure them that they will look their best in final images and they
don’t need to worry about that pimple they woke up with that morning.
Bribing Teenagers for Great Family Photos
Call it bribery or call it motivation. We don’t judge! Whether it’s a stop for bubble tea, their
favorite fast food, or just a “yes” to going out with friends afterward, give your teenagers something to
look forward to once the family photos are done. If you’ve got the right photographer, the bribe is only
needed before you arrive. After that their focus will shift and they’ll actually enjoy the
experience!
Explain the “Why”
This might be the most powerful tip: tell them why this matters.
“These photos aren’t just for me. They’re for all of us. I want you to have pictures that show how
we looked and loved each other at this stage.”
Sometimes, knowing it’s about something bigger than just a social media post helps shift their
mindset. Teens tend to surprise us that way.
Final Thoughts on Photographing Teenagers for Family Photos
Taking pictures of teenagers isn’t always easy, but it’s always worth it. One day, you’ll look back
at those images and be so glad you made the effort. The height differences, the hoodie
drawstrings, the subtle smiles, and your connection. They truly change so fast at this milestone
moment in their lives. I often photograph high schoolers heading into senior year and then see
them again for a Cap & Gown session less than a year later. I find myself in disbelief at how
different they look in the Spring and how much they have changed in that short time. This is
your sign not to put off the family photo session any longer even if you don’t think they want to
do it.
Written by Emily Holland, high school senior photographer, mom, and owner of Westerville
Senior Photography.
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