Daniels Family - West Milford Farm - Cumming Family Photographer

Mom warned me in her pre-session questionnaire that her boys did NOT like having their photos taken.  When this happens and it often does, I just shrug it off.  I think teens may give their mom a hard time about photos but rarely will they give me a hard time.  These boys were no exception.  They were incredibly sweet and game for anything I suggested.  I loved getting to know these sweet guys and their family.  No eye rolls, just lots of smiles from these teens.  

Are you getting ready to do a session with your teen and are feeling stressed.  Here are a few of my favorite tips that should set you up for a successful session. 

First let them be themselves.  Do not try to control what they wear or how they style their hair.  This is a opportunity for them to express themselves and be authentic.  Bossing them around when it comes to fashion will certainly bring a attitude problem from any teen.  While that bushy hair do may drive you nuts now, you will be happy you captured them as they are during this fleeting moment.   If having a cohesive wardrobe is important to you, give them a palette or color “guide” and allow them to figure out the rest of their look.

This one is my pet peeve.  Do not stand behind me and say, "That's not your real smile." or "Show me your real smile!"  Saying this has Never even ONCE brought out a genuine smile in a teen.  All it does is make them surly and ever so moody.  Your best bet is to walk away and not say anything.  I promise you that I can spot a forced smile and have some tricks to get a real, heart tugging ones out of your teen.  If you HAVE to say something, tell a story you KNOW they think is funny.  

Finally talk to your teen about why family photos are important to you.  Its easy to do things for others when you know it means a lot to them. They are old enough to know that life moves quickly and changes in the blink of an eye.  Photo sessions are away of capturing your family history. 

Finally work together to come up with some ground rules that allow them to feel in control and respected, while allowing me  to capture the child is quickly becoming their own person.

PS Isn't this a gorgeous location?  It is West Milford Farm in Cumming.  They are primarily a wedding venue but open to photographers during the week.  I will be doing minis at this beautiful location in August and maybe early September.  Its available for full sessions also.  

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