As the Mom of a Tween AND a photographer, this is a topic that I can speak to through experience. Once your child gets into double digits you've moved through most of those typical photo-worthy milestones (first smile, first steps, first tooth, etc.) At ten, our "babies" start their journey into adulthood. You know the stage....the one where they start testing boundaries, develop strong opinions and explore all pieces of their identity. They also go through some significant physical changes. All of these changes are significant and as parents, wouldn't it be nice to be able to look back at this time 10+ years from now and remember when she was first old enough to sit next to you in the front seat of the car? Or remember when he surpassed you height wise? These often overlooked moments are just as important and monumental as those baby milestones. These are memories that aren't captured in the annual school photos.
So get your camera out and start documenting your tween/teen's life. Capture important moments and be as enthusiastic as you were when they were little. I guarantee you will be glad you did years down the road. Of course getting those pictures may not be as easy as it used to be. 
Here are five tips on photographing your tween or teen.
Take photos of them doing what they love. Whether its dancing, gymnastics, playing football or soccer - when they’re enjoying themselves they will be more inclined to go along with your request getting some pictures OR, they'll be too busy to notice you with your camera.
This goes along with the first tip. Instead of just standing on the sidelines, engage and interact with your child. Show an interest in their hobbies and passions. Don't make getting a photograph your only goal - take the time to connect with your child and take those photos only when the opportunity presents itself. If you are actively engaged with your child they will be much more open to letting you get a genuine photo of them. Even better - get IN the photo with your child!
As children get older, they develop their own sense of style. Instead of giving them grief about it, embrace it. This is who your child is, it's how they are known by their friends...why change that just for a photograph? The idea is to capture your kid as they are - not some made-up, fairy tale version of them! Besides, I can pretty much guarantee they'll be more comfortable and willing to pose for a picture while wearing their favorite clothes.
And if you really want those fairy tale pictures, consider a Fotoplicity Enchanted Session and let me create an entire experience that will get them excited about having their photo taken!
This is where most parents fail...it is so important to treat your tween/teen like an adult. When you respect them they will be much more likely and willing to participate and smile for you. If you make them feel like the adults they're becoming it will go a long way.
This goes hand in hand with the last tip. In today's world of social media most don't think twice about posting pictures for the world to see. Sharing cute and silly pictures didn't matter to to them when they were toddlers, but now they are self-aware and conscious of how they look. If they have their own online presence, they will want to control the photos that are shared. If they know that they have the ability to veto the photos that get shared publicly they will be more likely to participate in your photo shoots!
Are you interested in getting professional pictures of your tween or teen?
TWEEN/TEEN WEEK - July 18-23, 2016
Session Fee: $35 (plus tax) Includes: Consultation, 20 Minute LOCAL Outdoor Session, Reveal Appointment Restrictions: One child per session, session fee & signed contract due in full at time of booking, children ages 10-17 only, limited availability - only a handful of early morning and evening sessions are available. If you book back to back sessions for siblings I will take images of them together.
Interested in booking? Please CONTACT ME.
I get it, the tween years can be a little awkward...maybe your child is dealing with crooked or missing teeth, maybe they have braces or zits, maybe their hair is constantly in a state of disarray or maybe their clothing choice has a lot to be desired. YES, all these things are frustrating and may have you putting off investing in professional pictures, but here is the thing..... From crooked teeth to that ugly tee shirt -this is WHO THEY ARE, and all these things will quickly disappear before you know it and you will have no record of this monumental time in their life.
