If the words “family photos” are met with an eye roll, a groan, or a teenager suddenly remembering they have something very important to do that day, you’re not alone.
Teenagers are often more self-conscious in front of the camera, and spending an hour being told to smile at a stranger probably isn’t their idea of a great weekend. Thankfully, a family photoshoot doesn’t have to feel like that.
Give them some say
Rather than simply announcing that family photos are happening, involve your teenager in the planning. Let them choose an outfit they actually feel good in, ask their opinion on the location, or show them the kind of relaxed photographs you’re hoping to create.
A little ownership can make a surprisingly big difference – and sometimes a happy teenager is more important than a perfectly coordinated colour palette.
Please don’t tell them to smile
Nothing produces an awkward expression quite like several adults saying, “Come on, give us a proper smile!”
I’d much rather get teenagers chatting, joking with siblings, or reacting naturally to their family. The goal isn’t to manufacture a perfect grin; it’s to photograph them looking like themselves.
Let them be teenagers
Your teenager may not want to cuddle Mum the way they did when they were six, and that’s completely fine. Family photos should reflect the stage you’re actually in.
Maybe affection now looks like laughing with a sibling, leaning against Dad, or pretending to be deeply unimpressed by everyone around them. Those little interactions are part of who your family is right now, and they’re worth capturing.
Keep the embarrassment to reasonable levels
Parents, I say this with love: this is probably not the moment to tell me every embarrassing story from their childhood.
A little gentle teasing can work wonders, but teenagers are very good at detecting when everyone is trying too hard to make them perform. Give them room, let the conversation happen naturally, and resist the urge to constantly check whether they're “doing it properly”.
Choose somewhere they’ll feel comfortable
The right location can help enormously. A Hong Kong beach gives everyone space to walk and chat, while an urban location can feel a little cooler and less like a traditional family portrait session.
The more it feels like spending time together somewhere you enjoy, the less it feels like an hour of posing for photographs.
Don’t wait until they’re enthusiastic
As children get older, it becomes very easy to put off family photos. Everyone is busier, teenagers have plans of their own, and there’s always a reason to do it another time.
But these years deserve to be photographed too. Your teenager might not be the one enthusiastically booking the family photoshoot, but chances are they’ll enjoy it far more than they expected.
And yes, you may even get a real smile out of them. Just don’t make a big thing about it. Deal?