Taking pictures of teenagers (and tweens) can be challenging.  While it’s not usually a matter of chasing them the way you would a toddler, they’re not always willing to comply.

It’s hard to believe we are just a couple of months shy of having a teenager in the house.  While he’s no stranger to having his picture taken, he is not a fan.  He will humor me from time to time, but I typically have to reach into my bag of tricks to get him to play along.

That’s fine by me though.  He has changed so much in the last few years, and I am so grateful I am able to look back on those images and see the changes.  I’m keeping my fingers crossed that we have managed to teach him all of these things.

***Wanna know what I am using to take pictures of my family?   You can see everything I keep in my camera bag here!***

6 tips for taking pictures of

teenagers

1. Photograph them doing what they love.

   There is no hard and fast rule that says you can only take pictures of your kids when they’re looking at the camera.  There is no rule that says your kids even have to be involved in the “photo session”.  In fact, most of my pictures of my tween are of him doing what he loves- which happens to be sports.  The bonus is your documenting who they are!

2. Give them direction.

   Teenagers are awkward, and often unsure of how to “pose” for pictures.  Be direct, and tell them what you want them to do.  Just make sure you’re not too bossy because that could quickly backfire. 😉

3. Let them be silly.

   When I photograph toddlers, my number one rule is to let them be silly!  The same thing holds true for teenagers.  If they’ve got thoughts about their pictures silly, or otherwise, let them have their way.  Then ask them to try your way.

4. Include their friends or siblings.

   I mean…if I’m going to annoy my kid with pictures, I may as well include his friends, right?!  Usually, if I include friends everyone is willing, and happy to play along.  I make it a point to keep it short and sweet.  Just like adults, teenagers tend to feel less awkward when there is someone else in the picture.

5. Ask nicely.

   Simple enough.  If I ask nicely instead of demanding, the answer is usually okay.  Sometimes, that “okay” is a little forced, and I may only get 2 minutes, but I’ll take it!

6. Quit while you’re ahead.

   Don’t push your luck, or that teenager will remember and you might not get off so easy the next time.  

Your turn–  what’s your biggest struggle when it comes to taking pictures of your teenager?

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