Families eagerly sign-up for family photo sessions when their kids are little. But as children become teenagers, they outgrow the ‘every-little-thing-they-do-is-adorable’ phase, and the excitement for a family photoshoot wains. You may even wonder if the work to corral and convince your kids is worth it.

After photographing many families with teens, I’m here to tell you, the teenage years are just as important to capture as when they were little. Teenage years are some of the most developmentally important for our kids as they navigate emotions, more complicated social situations, and figure out what interests them. And likely, of all their childhood years, their teen years will be the ones they remember most.

So while they may not act like it now, photographs of themselves and their parents will be exactly what they want to pair with those middle and high school memories… “What did mom look like when she was ‘young’?” “Were my clothes and hair style as cool and trendy as I remember?”

The obvious problem, however, is heading to a park with mom and dad and cuddling together as a family is often not at the top of a teen’s bucket list. Don’t fret, I’ve got yours (and your teen’s) back with several simple, yet fail-proof tactics to put everyone at ease.

When you arrive at your session, give your teen space.

Just as you’ve probably had to take a more hands-off approach to raising your teen as they have grown older, give them space now to warm up and settle in. I know you want genuine and connected photographs, but teens don’t like to be over-directed or forced into doing something that makes them feel awkward. Like adults, they can feel self-conscious in front of a camera at first (despite taking 100s of daily Snapchat selfies).

If your teen acts moody or uncomfortable when first arriving at your family photo session remain relaxed and casual. Spend some time talking to your photographer while everyone warms up and gets a feel for each other. Then put the focus on other family members (connection with a spouse or younger sibling), giving your teen the breathing room they need to assess the feel and flow of being photographed with their family.

Take a lifestyle approach to family photos with teens rather than expecting formal poses.

This actually works for kids of all ages, but especially works great with teens. The best way to get someone out of their head and feeling less awkward is to get them moving and engaged. I like to have families walk together to get some of those pre-session jitters out. While walking I may ask your family to play a silly game like Red Light, Green Light (teens are actually surprised and often delighted to play this easy and nostalgic childhood game). Siblings can also give each other piggy back rides to lighten the mood, or sometimes I ask them to bump into their parents as they walk together (this usually brings natural smiles!). Movement is a great way to get all family members out of their heads, thinking less about how they look, and more connected with one another and enjoying themselves.

Choose a parent to buddy up with your teenager and set them at ease.

Give a little thought ahead of time about which parent has the best report with your teen. Maybe one parent is a little more fun, knows how to connect and lighten the mood, or has all the funny jokes. Each parent/child relationship is different, unique, and special, but play “tag you’re it” before the photo session and put that parent in charge of creating distractions, getting your teen out of their head and interacting with the family.

Incorporate a pet into your family photos with your teen.

When working with toddlers, I often recommend not bringing the family pet along because they can add unpredictable variables during a photo session. However, as our teens become older, more self-aware, and often more self-conscious, a variable is exactly what you need!

Pets lighten the mood, are usually the family members that evoke the most smiles, and help take the focus off of your teenagers.

Let the family pooch be the center of attention and your teen their sidekick. Suddenly you’ll find your teen smiling from ear to ear as they snuggle their beloved friend, tell a story about their pet’s personality, or feel in-charge of someone other than themselves.

Explain to your teen why a family photo session is important to you.

Although teens are infamous for acting cool, they still really do want their parents’ approval. Explain to your teenager that professional family photos only have to happen every year (or two). Let them know the session is about the whole family and your connection, and that they won’t be put on the spot. Let them know that you researched and found a photographer who creates a fun environment and values interaction rather than everyone standing stiffly, and that they want your teen to have fun and feel comfortable. Let them know that sometimes you feel uncomfortable in front of the camera too, but that you are in it together and a positive and sincere attitude will result in images the whole family can cherish. Lastly, you can remind your child that the years as a family unit all under one roof are fleeting; these moments matter.

Convinced you need a family photo session with your teen? Inquire here or read on for Tips On How To Create Beautiful Connection In Your Family Photos.