The Angsty Teenager and Family Photos.

This teen was an absolute pleasure to work with during this newborn session in Spokane, Wa.

This is a great question that I was recently asked by one of my instagram followers. I believe there are so many ways to approach teenage angst at photoshoots, much of which should be handled on the front end before the photo shoot happens. I have quite a bit of experience with teen photos, when I began my photography business I photographed a lot of senior photos and now occasionally take photos of teens at schools in the Spokane area. Here is what I have found to help immensely.

Have a conversation with your teen

First off, I encourage parents have a conversation with the teen prior to the session just talking to them about why the photos are important, what the significance is, and that they are so glad the teen is participating. Higher sense of meaning goes far. So for example, maternity photos are celebrating the new life we're welcoming into the family and one last memory of just the three of us. That sort of approach.

Tell me about your teen

I send out a questionnaire to those who book with me, asking about each family member, so that I know a little about the teen. Basic interests, sensitivities, personality that sort of thing. I'm mindful of not being an overly touchy photographer because it makes teens uncomfortable, I always try to exhaust all of my words before I touch a teen. This is something I learned as a yoga instructor as a way to work with those who have trauma, particularly body and touch traumas.

Let them have choices in what to wear

I recommend allowing the teen have some say in what they wear. Choose a color pallet that compliments what your teen likes to wear. So for example, if your teen refuses to wear anything that isn’t black. Allow her to pick from a couple of options of black dresses, then compliment with creams, whites, tans and grays, then add a couple black accents to other family members outfits. Going shopping together helps. Just try to get the level of formality to match best you can.

Let me encourage the posing

I ask parents to let me be the "bad" guy asking the teen to pose. I will never be mean or disrespectful, so I use to term “bad guy” loosely. I'd rather the angst be toward me than the parents, and usually the opposite happens and the teens are more willing to go along with what I ask of them. I like to prompt more than I pose that way they feel like they are in control of their own body. I never force anyone to smile, usually I can get it to happen organically.

Choose a private location

I try to choose more private locations when teens are involved and I’ve been warned about angst or low levels of self confidence, because they don't like having more eyes on them when having photos done and bystanders tend to stare. I also try to be extra cognizant of what I say, and to be sure to compliment the teen a little extra to help ensure they’re feeling good.

Focus on connection

I focus heavily on connection between parents and child in every session regardless of age. So that the teen is able to just be with the parents and not feel like the attention is all on them. I find there's two types of teens out there, those that ham it up for the camera and those who are extremely uncomfortable in front of the camera. So I do offer to the teen a solo photo that they can use for social media if that's their thing- sometimes it helps. I call out the awkward things I may ask of a teen and often it makes the teen feel seen and connected with and sometimes gets me a smile.

Spokane Lifestyle Photographer: What to do if dad is grumpy about photo shoot?

Spokane Dad caresses his wife’s pregnant belly at maternity photo shoot.

Thankfully, I don’t encounter grumpy dads too often at my photoshoots. I believe this is because I work hard to attract clients with very strong family bonds. My families are usually lovey, cuddly and affectionate. I do on occasion get asked how I would handle dads who are not so thrilled to have their photos taken, and this is how I handle it.

If it is prior to the session and a wife is concerned that her husband may not be so excited, I recommend having a heart to heart conversation with her husband. Sit down after the kids have gone to bed and look your husband in his eyes, and tell him how important the photos are to you and why. We’re not just out taking cheesy pictures to put on our Christmas cards. We’re documenting a fleeting moment in time where out kids are only this age once. Capturing the family dynamic and making a memory. Talk to him about our why.

Photos are an investment, an expensive one. I know some dads aren’t thrilled about the investment, but quality photos are important. I usually recommend that families save up for their once a year family photo session to get updated photos of everyone in the family and document the season of life. Saving up and ear marking the money for the photos ahead of time, over a period of time makes the expense seem less burdensome. Those dollars have been given a name, and this often makes dads feel better about the investment.

The next step is on me, and that is during the photoshoot. I work hard to make sure every family member feels welcomed. I am intentional about starting a conversation with dad to make him feel more at ease with me. Cameras make people nervous and I think that’s natural. It is very vulnerable allowing another person to take your photo, and I’m sensitive to that. Many men do not like to feel vulnerable in that way. One of the best remedies for that is to have dad play with the kids, this is the beauty of lifestyle photography.

I think another reason dads don’t love having photos done is that they may be self conscious. I’m always careful with my posing to make dad look broad and strong in all the right ways. I keep posing loose so that there is a level of freedom of movement, which usually makes dad less nervous.

A grumpy dad can really mess up a photoshoot, honestly it’s one of the biggest things that can go wrong. I highly recommend having a conversation with dad prior to if he isn’t a fan of photos. I think most dads think of traditional family photography which is stiff and uncomfortable when they are approached about family photos. I keep my photoshoots light and fun to help combat that. My poses look and feel natural, which helps dad to relax. Usually at the end of my sessions dads are commenting on how it wasn’t as bad as they thought and they actually really had fun doing the pictures.

The dad in this photo was not a grumpy dad, he enjoys having photos taken with his family and is a huge part of why this family has successful photoshoots.

I’m always happy to discuss concerns dad may have about photos. Even if it’s something he’s self conscious about. Please just reach out, I want everyone to feel comfortable and welcome, because I believe family photos matter so much. Everyone deserves to have their family documented.

What is all-inclusive photography?

Here’s a question I get asked often! What do you mean when you say you are an all-inclusive photographer?

My definition of All-Inclusive

For me, all-inclusive means that I charge a session fee which covers the one hour photo session with me at a location where we take your photos. I go home from the session and select the best photos to edit and then return them to you fully edited in high-resolution format in an online digital gallery. I typically deliver a robust gallery of at least 75 images. You receive the entire gallery that you are able to download, share and archive.

Why I don’t like upselling

Some photographers show you a gallery of photos and then allow you to select only a few that you are able to keep, they then upsell or make you pay per photo to keep more from your gallery.

I don’t like this model of business, because it feels unfair to my clients. I put the work into taking and editing the photos and I never want to make my clients choose between their favorite photos. Many of my clients are going through big life changes- like a new baby! I like a more hassle free experience for my clients, just keep everything simple and non-exhausting. This is why I deliver the entire digital gallery and it is included in the cost of my session fee.

You may notice, my pricing up front is a little more expensive for this reason, but just know that a “cheaper” photographer may hit you with unexpected upsells on your digital photos, so just read the fine print when choosing a photographer to make sure you are getting great value for your money.

What is not included

What is not included in my pricing is prints of the photos and the reason for this is that everyone has different print needs and different print types have different production costs.

I offer each client the ability to purchase prints through me from a high quality professional print shop that non photographers are not able to have access to. Let me tell you, the quality difference in these prints is amazing and the pricing is reasonable. I’ve tried all the cheaper print shop options that anyone can access and I’m disappointed every time. So if you’re looking to hang these photos on your walls, I highly recommend purchasing through me. I sell paper prints in all kinds of finishes, metal prints and studio canvas wraps.

If you have no desire to print and only want your digital images for social media sharing, that’s great too and is totally covered in my all-inclusive pricing.

It’s time to update those photos on your living room walls! Are you ready to take the leap and schedule your family photos? Click the button below.

How to choose a dress for pictures.

Choosing the right dress for your photos can be challenging. There is much to consider when deciding on a dress. The type of session you are booking may play a role in your decision. If you’re booking maternity photos, you will likely choose a very different dress than if you’re booking family photos. Here are some of my no fail tips for selecting the perfect dress for your pictures. These suggestions are for dresses that will flatter any body.

Dress Length.

The first thing I recommend considering is dress length. I typically recommend full length dresses for all sessions. My reasoning is that you will have the most freedom of movement. A full length dress allows for more standing, sitting, and dancing around type of poses. Full length works really well for maternity photos, because it covers the feet and allows you to have more freedom to select comfortable shoes. A full length dress is also great for family photos, this allows mom the freedom to pick up her kiddos without worrying about flashing someone. A full length dress is flattering on all body types which makes it an ideal choice. If you really had your heart set on a short dress, don’t let me stop you. You should wear something you are comfortable in. I’m speaking to the masses on this one, because I want everyone to feel good in their photos and full length dresses are universally flattering.

Dress Waist.

I always recommend selecting a dress that has a defined waist. I know, I know the box-y shaped dresses are in style right now, but they are more flattering in real life than in photos. Choosing a dress that has a waistband will ensure that you have a nice hourglass shape no matter what the pose is. Umpire waists are great for maternity photos, this style of dress allows you to show off your bump in the most flattering way. A waistband will show off your bump without creating a widening effect. Dresses can resemble potato sacks on a pregnant frame when there is no defined waist. I want you to feel beautiful and sexy in your pictures, because you deserve it. So let’s define and show off those curves!

Dress Neckline.

Now this probably seems a little strange but necklines are important to consider. If you are well gifted up top, you may want to consider a higher neckline if you are having pictures done with your children. A plunging neckline needs more adjusting and may fall down lower than you’d like when you pick up your kiddos.

Dress Sleeves.

I recommend selecting dresses with sleeves, because it is flattering for everyone. You can decide, long, short, or 3/4 length sleeves. I suggest avoiding spaghetti strap dresses, because concealing bra straps is difficult. Spaghetti straps are not always as flattering in photos as they are in real life, especially for those of us who may be self-conscious about our breast tissue areas. Now, this is not a hard rules, so if you love spaghetti straps and want to wear one, by all means, please do! Again, I am speaking to the masses in this post on styles that are flattering on every body.

Want more on how to dress for your photos? Check out: 4 No Fail Tips for Styling Photos.

Ready to book your family or maternity photos? Click the button below to get started!

When should I book family photos in Spokane, Washington?

The answer to this question depends!

Typically outdoor family photography season is anywhere from late April through late October. I don’t typically recommend booking outdoor photos in November through March because the weather can be very unpredictable. Ideally, I recommend booking May through September, because you will have the best landscape options for backgrounds in Spokane.

If you have young kiddos, booking in late spring or late fall can be a great option. The sunset hours will fall earlier in the day during those times of the year which will keep your session from interfering with bedtime routines without sacrificing on sunset lighting.

Some clients like to book their sessions in May when all of the wildflowers are blooming around Spokane. Other clients love the bright leaves in autumn, which turn orange usually between the 3rd week of October and First week of November.

If you’re looking for in-home family photography, you can book at any time of the year in Spokane! Indoor sessions typically take place in late morning, because the lighting is most ideal during that time. This is a great option for families with young kiddos.