How to Prepare Your Teenager for a Family Photo Session | Norman, Oklahoma Family Photographer

As a Norman, Oklahoma family photographer who’s been capturing families across the OKC metro area for the past decade, I’ve learned this: teenagers can love family photos when they feel seen, heard, and part of the process. If you’ve got teens at home and you’re planning a session soon, here are a few simple ways to help them feel more comfortable, confident, and even excited to be in front of the camera.

1. Involve them in the planning

Your teen is growing into their own sense of style and expression. Giving them a voice in how your session comes together can make a huge difference. Invite them to:

• Create a Pinterest board with outfit inspo, poses, or portrait styles they like. It doesn’t have to be elaborate, even a few screenshots are perfect.

• Share it with me (you can text it, email it, or bring it the day of). I’ll use it to help guide their individual portraits and make sure they feel seen.

• Weave their ideas into the session, whether it's a certain type of pose, backdrop, or just the vibe they’re envisioning.

When teens are part of the creative process, they show up more relaxed and invested. It becomes our session, not just a family obligation.

2. Let them choose outfits they love

This is a big one! While you might be coordinating tones or colors, let your teen pick pieces that make them feel good and reflect who they are right now. We want them to look back on these photos and feel proud not cringey.

And don't worry, I'm happy to help you strike that balance between cohesive and true-to-them. We can absolutely make it work.

3. Set the tone with your energy

Here's the truth: the more stressed or irritated a parent feels, the more a teen will pull back. Try not to over-correct or “coach” them into smiling or posing a certain way, leave that to me. I'm here to guide them with gentle direction that feels natural, not stiff or forced.

Before the session, talk with your teen about what this time means to you. Let them know that being together and documenting this chapter with them in it is something you deeply value. That conversation alone can shift everything.

4. Encourage them to bring a good attitude

This might sound obvious, but it helps to say out loud. Family photo sessions are about connection. They’re not about perfection. A positive attitude, open, flexible, and present makes all the difference.

Some families turn the session into a full outing (like dinner or dessert afterward) to make it feel like something special. But truly, just showing up with a willingness to enjoy each other is enough.

Final Thoughts

Photographing families with teens is one of my favorite things because there's so much realness in this season. They’re becoming their own person and honoring that in photos is a gift to them and to you.

Have questions about prepping your teen? Send me a note anytime. I’m here to help you all feel confident, connected, and completely yourselves.