"Keeping the Joy in Family Portraits for Older Kids"
Teenagers have a mind and a world of their own. They've grown past the excitement of silly faces and, let's be real, they may not be too thrilled about a family portrait. It might feel like pulling teeth to get older kids to participate in a family portrait session, let alone enjoy it. But, it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some effective strategies to ensure your older teens have fun during your family photoshoot.
Embrace Their Individuality
Your teenager is developing their unique personality, style, and interests. Encourage them to express this in the photos. Let them choose their outfits or bring props that represent their hobbies or passions. The more they feel their individuality is being celebrated, the more likely they are to engage.
Choose A Unique Location
Traditional studio photos might not cut it with the older teen crowd. Instead, consider a location that holds significance to your family or simply an intriguing place that adds some fun to the mix. An urban setting, a lush park, or even a graffiti-filled alley can provide a vibrant backdrop that adds a dash of cool to your family photos.
Let Them Bring a Friend
Everything is more fun with friends, right? Allowing your teen to bring along a friend might ease any apprehension and bring more joy to the experience. Plus, it's another opportunity for a few great shots – a bonus set of 'BFF' pictures.
Create Genuine Interactions
Posed shots can feel awkward, especially for teens. Instead of forcing stiff poses, focus on genuine interactions. Have a family tickle fight, make a joke, or reminisce about a funny family memory. Authentic moments captured on camera often turn out to be the most cherished ones.
Show Interest in Their Ideas
Ask for their input. Maybe they've seen a cool photo on social media that they'd like to replicate. Show that you value their ideas, and they will feel more invested in the process.
Capturing family portraits should be a joyous occasion, and with a little creativity and understanding, even older kids can have a fun time. The secret is to make it less about posing for a perfect picture and more about capturing your family's unique dynamics and individual personalities. Now, go make some memories!