Three Tips For Family Portraits With Teenagers
You will never regret taking family portraits! Although it may take a little coordination and perhaps some coercion, family portraits are are something that only gain value over time. I recommend making it a family tradition and not going years in between taking family portraits. Before you know it, your kids will be “all grown up” and you’ll want to look back on the years with portraits. If you’ve had a hard time scheduling family portraits as your children have gotten older, here are three tips for family portraits with teenagers 🙂
If You Have Boys, Keep The Session Short And Sweet
In my experience, most girls LOVE taking pictures. And taking pictures with teenage boys can be like pulling teeth 🙂 You will have a better idea on how much your teenagers like taking pictures. But I recommend keeping the session short and sweet if you gauge that family portraits are not thrilled to see it on their calendar. 30 minutes is more than enough time to get some really great pictures of the entire family.
Plan The Session In Advance And Coordinate Everyone’s Schedule
Perhaps the biggest hurdle for families with teenagers is scheduling a date and time for the session. I recommend planning the session around your teenagers busy schedules as much as possible. Ideally, their work, sports, and any other extracurricular schedules will be consistent. However, if their schedules fluctuate from week-to-week, try to get family portraits on their calendar on one of their days off. And before they plan another activity. Booking family portraits and having them reschedule a planned event with friends can cause them to have a sour taste in their mouth for family portraits.
Plan Not Only The Outfits, But Something Fun After The Session
There is nothing more important than family time. During the 30 or 60 minute session, I like to keep things fun and candid. And the fun does not have to stop after the session. If there is something that you like to do as a family, I encourage planning it after the session. It will provide an incentive to any family member who may not be thrilled for the session. And it is another opportunity to spend time with your family. Pretty soon, your teenagers will be out of the house – so don’t take these moments for granted 🙂
Hopefully these three tips for family portraits with teenagers have been helpful. Thanks!
