Photographing tweens is one of my favorite challenges. At this age, they are in that in-between stage where they are not little kids anymore, but they are not quite teens either. They want to feel grown up, but they also still want to be silly, and sometimes the camera makes them clam right up. My job is to make sure their personality comes through in photos, not that awkward “cheese” smile you will never frame.
Why Tweens Get Stiff in Front of the Camera
This stage of life is full of changes, and self-awareness is one of the biggest. Tweens know when they are being watched, and the second a camera is pointed at them, they can tense up. They start to wonder about every little thing: how their hair looks, what people will think, whether they look “cool” enough.
How I Help Tweens Feel Comfortable
I never expect tweens to walk into the studio and pose like a model. That would feel strange for anyone, let alone a 10 or 11 year old. Instead, I start by chatting about their favorite shows, hobbies, or even what snack they would pick over all others. Once they realize I am not going to force uncomfortable, stiff poses, their guard drops.
I also give them small choices. Do they want to sit or stand? Hold something or keep their hands free? The more control they feel, the more natural their expressions become. conversation also doesn’t stop once I start photographing, so it’s more like a hang out, talking about their favorite things, and a camera just happens to be there
What Parents Can Do
Parents mean well, but sometimes the extra pressure makes things harder. A simple “just be yourself” goes so much further than “smile big” or “don’t be weird.” When tweens feel less on display, they open up faster. This is why I encourage parents to hang out on the couch with a coffee or catch up on a show instead of sitting and watching every move.
Why These Photos Are Worth It
The tweens years pass in a blur. One moment you are packing snacks for elementary school. The next they are busy with practices, friends, and high school life. Photos from this age hold onto the in-between, the mix of silliness, growing confidence, and quirks that make them who they are right now. These are the images parents look back on and realize, “This is when they really started becoming themselves.”
What It Really Comes Down To
Photographing tweens doesn’t have to be awkward. Once they realize they can just be themselves, the laughs come out, the little eye rolls turn into real smiles, and the photos finally look like them. That is what parents end up loving most.
