How to get resistant teenagers to take part in a Family Photoshoot? My top tips

Let's face it family photography shouldn't just be for Newborns and Toddlers, as parents shouldn't we want to document every phase in family life? Getting older children to participate in a family photoshoot can be challenging for a number of reasons, however I have a few tips that may help your teenagers be more willing to get involved.

My Top tips

1.

Talk to them. Yes it can be that simple. Explain to them the importance of having up to date photos of you together as a family. Kids love looking back at photos of themselves as babies and toddlers and one day when they're adults they will want to look back at their teenage years too. My mum takes great joy in pulling out old photos of me as a teenager and we often giggle about my over plucked eyebrow phase. Even if these images make me cringe slightly they are a reminder of my journey.

2.

Involve them in the planning and decision making. Is there a location that they would prefer the shoot to be carried out in? Do they have any ideas? Would they like a beach shoot, woodland shoot, city shoot or an at home shoot? Do you have any family pets that you could bring along to make them more comfortable and relaxed? Let them choose what they want to wear, this may be a tough one for some parents who want a certain look but sometimes this is not a battle worth having. They need to be comfortable with what they're wearing as this will shine through in the photos. Allow them to embrace their own unique style. If they're involved in the planning process and feel heard they are more likely to be willing to participate.

3.

Make it fun. Incorporate some games or an activity you like doing together. Got a football mad teen? Great, let them bring a ball along and have kick about. incorporating an activity at some point into the shoot can help to make older kids feel more relaxed and more willing to be involved. Lead by example, if you have a positive and forthcoming attitude to taking part in games within the shoot, they will too.

4.

Choose the right photographer for your family. Do your research and check out their portfolio. Make sure you have a chat with your photographer first, are they comfortable working with older children? Do they have bags of patience? Do they have a relaxed and fun approach? You can even show you teenager the photographers gallery and get their opinion. They have to be the right person for you and your family.

Finally family photographs with older kids are just as important as those with younger kids. Big kids still have unique personalities and big hearts that need to be seen and captured. I hope you find my tips useful in some way and remember Family Photoshoots should be a fun and enjoyable experience for you all, your images should capture your unique family and they shouldn't be stiff with fake smiles.