Time goes by so fast, and the kids grow so quickly, blink and you'll miss it.
I have three kids, and back when I had three under the age of four, life was an absolute whirlwind. Busy, chaotic, and I loved every second of it. But no one truly prepares you for how fast that time passes.
Once the kids hit primary school, life starts to fly. People always used to tell me, 'Enjoy this time, because it will pass so quickly.' I thought I was listening. I spent so much intentional time with them, and yet now that they are all in high school, I look back and wonder how those childhood years slipped through my fingers.
Capturing those moments looks a little different now. Taking family photos with teenagers, especially when they might be a bit reluctant, requires empathy, creativity and clear communication. If you want to document your family without the eye-rolls, here is what actually works.
Give your teens a say in the planning
Allow your teenagers to have a real say in the plans. Let them suggest locations, pick their own outfits within a cohesive colour palette, or browse Pinterest for poses they don't find embarrassing. When teens feel heard, they switch from feeling forced to feeling invested.
Choose a relaxed, familiar setting
Most teenagers feel self-conscious in a stiff, formal studio. Instead, take them somewhere they can just be themselves. Think casual outdoor locations: a run around in our Para Hills Location, a stroll down the path in Mawson Lakes, or a relaxed evening down at Large Bay beach. Adelaide has no shortage of beautiful spots that feel easy and natural rather than staged.
Bring in their interests
What makes your teen tick right now? If they love a specific sport, play an instrument or are obsessed with art, weave that into the session. Documenting who they are right now makes the experience more meaningful for them and creates something far more authentic for you.
Keep the mood light
Family photos shouldn't feel like a chore. Bring elements of fun, whether that's an activity you love doing together or a game that gets everyone moving. When you focus on interacting as a family rather than staring at a lens, the guard comes down fast. Mum, don't worry, I've got you, let me stress for you.
Be patient, flexible and allow for breaks
Take the pressure off. If your teen seems overwhelmed or grumpy during the session, don't force it. Take a breather, go for a walk, and allow them a few minutes to reset. Patience is your greatest tool, and a flexible approach always yields much better, more genuine results.
Work around their schedule and energy
Schedule your session when your teens are most likely to be in good spirits. Avoid right after exam week or during heavy term commitments. If they are heavily involved in weekend sport, aim for the off-season or school holidays. A relaxed teen is a cooperative teen.
Let it be candid
Instead of focusing solely on posed shots, let the session capture your natural family dynamics. Encourage funny poses, share those private family jokes, and embrace the laughter. The unforced, mid-laugh moments are always the ones you'll love most.
Communicate early and take the pressure off
Don't spring a photoshoot on your teens at the last minute. Tell them well in advance, keep expectations realistic, and remind them the goal isn't perfection. It's just your family, hanging out, in a beautiful Adelaide location. If someone needs a break during the session, take one. Patience always produces better results than pushing through.
Put it on your wall
Here is the thing most families don't realise until later: the photos that matter most deserve to be somewhere you actually see them every day. Not buried in a camera roll. These years with your teenagers are short and specific. A print on your wall is a daily reminder of exactly who they were right now, in this chapter, before everything changes again.
Why these memories matter.
These years go fast
My own kids love looking back at our family photos now, pointing out how much they've grown and laughing at my old hairstyles. These are the keepsakes you'll reach for when they eventually leave home.
Don't let the fear of a grumpy teenager stop you from documenting this chapter. When you're ready, I'd love to capture your family exactly as they are right now.