From Tweens to Teens: Why It’s Important to Capture These Transformative Years
Don’t Forget What’s In Between
Our culture is obsessed with fresh starts. Newborns get their close-ups before they can even open their eyes. First birthdays? A cake smash photoshoot is practically a rite of passage. And let’s not forget about graduation photos and wedding portraits. But what about the years in between? The messy, moody, ever-changing time between childhood and adulthood?
The tween and teen years are some of the most transformative in a person’s life, yet they often get overlooked when it comes to photography. And that’s a shame, because these years deserve to be remembered just as much as the baby years and milestone moments. As an Edmonton family photographer, I’m here to make the case for why you should book a session for your growing kids, even if they pretend they don’t want you to.
Why Teens Avoid the Camera (And Why They Actually Want to Be Seen)
If you’ve ever tried to take a photo of your teenager, you’ve probably been met with an eye roll, a groan, or an elaborate disappearing act. Teens are masters of dodging the lens. But here’s the truth: everyone, even the most camera-shy kid, wants to be seen. They just don’t want to feel judged.
Teenagers exist in this weird paradox where they want to be noticed, but they also want to blend in. They crave validation but fear criticism. That’s why a posed, forced-smile school photo isn’t going to cut it. But a documentary-style session? One where they get to just be themselves, without the pressure of performing? That’s where the magic happens.
What Makes the Tween and Teen Years So Special?
These are the years of rapid change. One day they’re obsessed with building LEGO sets, and the next, they’re teaching you the latest TikTok trend. Their personalities are coming into focus. Their interests are shifting. And they’re constantly straddling the line between childhood and adulthood.
Here’s what makes this stage so worthy of being documented:
- They’re discovering who they are. The things they love now might shape their future career, hobbies, or lifelong passions.
- Their confidence is growing (even if they don’t always show it). Seeing themselves in photos, in a way that truly reflects who they are, can be a huge confidence booster.
- They still need to know they matter. Even if they act like they don’t care, looking back on photos of themselves will remind them that they were always worth celebrating.
- Family bonds shift. This is a time when relationships with parents evolve from caretaking to deeper conversations and shared experiences.
How to Capture Natural, Unforced Photos of Your Teen
Not all photo sessions are created equal, especially when teens are involved. If you want to capture your kids without the forced smiles and awkward poses, here are a few tips:
- Let them have a say. Involve them in the process! Let them choose the location, their outfit, or even bring a prop that represents something they love (a skateboard, a guitar, a book).
- Keep it casual. A documentary family photography approach works best. Instead of stiff poses, focus on real moments—laughing, moving, just being themselves.
- Give them space. Some kids will warm up right away, while others need time. Don’t push it. The best photos come when they forget the camera is even there.
- Take advantage of golden hour. Natural light is your best friend, and that soft evening glow? It works wonders.
- Encourage interactions. Photos of siblings goofing around or a teen playing with the family pet create natural, memorable moments.
Parenting Doesn’t Get Easier—It Just Changes
You’ve heard the phrase: little kids, little problems; big kids, big problems. It’s true. People assume parenting gets easier once kids can tie their own shoes, make their own lunch, and (mostly) clean up after themselves. But raising teenagers is a different kind of challenge.
When they were toddlers, their biggest problems were sharing toys and avoiding nap time. Now, you’re navigating social pressures, academic stress, and the tricky world of independence. They’re pulling away, but they still need you. And sometimes, as parents, we need proof that we’ve done a good job.
Parenting is relentless. It’s a mix of exhaustion, pride, second-guessing, and hoping you haven’t completely screwed them up. Seeing photos of your growing kids—capturing who they are in this moment—can be a deeply validating experience. You’ve worked hard to get them here, and that deserves to be documented, too.
So yes, these photos are for them, but they’re also for you. Because one day, you’ll look at them and realize that, despite all the eye rolls, slammed doors, and “I’m fine” responses, you did okay. More than okay. You raised a pretty incredible human.
The Emotional Value of These Photos (For You and Them)
Right now, your tween or teen might act like they couldn’t care less about family photos. But one day? They’ll be grateful. And so will you.
Years from now, you’ll want to remember how their hair fell across their face when they laughed. How their favourite hoodie was two sizes too big because that was the style. How they always had earbuds in, lost in their own world. These little details? They’re priceless.
And for them? Seeing themselves in photos, looking comfortable, happy, and them, will be a reminder that they were seen. That their story mattered. That their in-between years weren’t forgotten.
Make It a Tradition
You don’t have to wait for a special occasion to capture your kids as they grow. Make it a tradition. An annual or bi-annual session to document their evolution. Trust me, you’ll never regret having too many photos of this stage.
And if you’re looking for an Edmonton family photographer who knows how to navigate the world of reluctant teens, I’m your person. Let’s capture the magic of these fleeting years before they’re gone. Book a session today, and let’s create something they’ll appreciate—even if they don’t admit it right away.
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Paula Gerein Photography
Documentary photography for families and businesses of Edmonton and Central Alberta, Canada. Available for travel.
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