Taking annual family photos may be a tradition in your household, but as your kids get older, you may start to wonder if they’re too old to join in. There’s no such thing as being too old for a family portrait session, and it’s only natural to want to capture the ways in which your family has grown and changed over the years. However, it’s also important to take into account the wishes and feelings of your teenagers.

Before you book a family photo session, consider the following:

1. Talk to your teens about the photo shoot. It’s important to respect your teens’ opinions and feelings. If they are hesitant or uninterested in participating, ask them to help plan the session so that they feel validated and involved.
2. Consider the purpose of the photo shoot. Are you taking the photos for your own enjoyment or to send to family and friends? If the photos are for your own personal use, you may want to consider a more casual setting, such as a family outing or in-home session, rather than a formal photo session.
3. Set realistic expectations. It’s important to remember that your teens are at a challenging age and may not always be in the mood to smile and pose for the camera. Try to be understanding and patient, and consider the photo shoot as an opportunity to have fun and spend time together as a family.

Here are some tips for preparing your preteens and teens for your family portrait session:

1. Involve them in the planning process. Ask your teens for their input on the location, clothing, and theme of the photo shoot. This will help them feel more invested in the process and give them a sense of ownership over the final result.
2. Plan for breaks. Taking photos can be tiring, even for teenagers. Make sure to schedule breaks during the photo shoot to give everyone a chance to rest and regroup. Maybe a quick drink of water or snack or a bathroom break.
3. Bring snacks and drinks. Having snacks and drinks on hand can help keep energy levels up and make the photo shoot more enjoyable for everyone. Luckily teens generally won’t spill on their clothes like younger kids, so a quick snack should be fine!
4. Encourage natural, candid shots. While posed photos are important, try to capture candid moments as well. These can be some of the most memorable and meaningful photos, especially with teens who can often feel awkward posing.
5. Have fun! Above all, try to make the photo shoot a fun and enjoyable experience for everyone. The goal is to create memories and document your family’s love and connection, not to create the perfect photo.

There are a variety of ideas for a photo shoot with teenagers. Here are some ideas for an in-home session with teens:

1. Play a board game or card game: This can be a fun and relaxed way to capture candid shots of your teens laughing and having a good time.
2. Bake or cook together: Prepare a meal or bake a treat. 
3. Do a craft or DIY project together: This can be a great way to document family interactions and their creativity and skills.
4. Have a dance party: Turn up the music and have a dance party in your living room. Not all teens will be game for this, but it might loosen them up!
5. Talk around the table or on the couch: Teens will often tell stories about school or their friends, especially with their siblings. Your photographer can catch them laughing and being silly.

There are also many fun ideas for an outdoor session with teens:

• Go on a hike or nature walk
• Play a sport or game: Whether it’s a pickup game of basketball or a round of frisbee golf, sports and games can be a great way to capture action shots and candid moments.
• Have a picnic: Pack a lunch and head to a local park or beach for a picnic. 
• Visit a local attraction: Whether it’s a botanical garden, a zoo, or an amusement park, visiting a local attraction can be a fun and exciting way to take photos and create memories.

Here are a few ideas for a portrait session in a studio with teenagers:

1. A fashion-themed shoot: If your teenagers are interested in fashion, consider a fashion-themed photo shoot in the studio. This could be a chance for them to showcase their personal style and try out different looks and poses.
2. A music or dance-themed shoot: If your teenagers are involved in music or dance, consider a photo shoot that highlights their talents. You could have them pose with their instruments or in dance poses, or even stage a mini-performance for the camera.
3. A sports-themed shoot: If your teenagers are sports enthusiasts, a sports-themed photo shoot could be a fun and unique way to capture their interests. You could have them pose with their favorite sports equipment or in action poses.

Your photographer will be able to offer advice on where to go and what to do for your family photo session if you have preteens or teenagers in the family. There are so many amazing outdoor locations in the Greensburg, PA area and many photographers also have studios.

In conclusion, it’s always a good time for a family photo even if your kids aren’t quite toddlers. Consider your teens’ feelings and preferences, as well as being flexible and open to new ways of documenting your family’s memories. Even if you have teenagers, with a little planning, patience, and the right photographer, you can make photos that your family will love for years to come.

Hi there! I’m Tracy and my goal is to document this exact time in your lives as it’s happening, because as a mom of young adults I know how easy it is to get caught up in the ‘everyday’ and lose sight of the defining moments. Reach out and let’s discuss your vision for your family session!