Working with Your Teen for a Great Spring Photo Outfit!
One of the joys of taking family photos in the Spring around New Orleans is finding wonderful outfits and coordinating them as a group. But it’s not always easy to persuade your child to put on that perfectly pressed white linen shirt or delicate lace dress.
This is especially true when your kid reaches a more independent age, such as the tween and teen years. Seersucker pants are always lovely. Lylian dresses and baby bibs charm every time. How do you coordinate that with a child who’s developing their own style?
The great news is you can use Spring Family Photos as a bonding experience, planning for your photoshoot together with your teen. Here are a few tips and lessons I learned working with my own beautiful 14-year-old to find outfits that worked for her and were photo ready!
Bring on the Mom/Daughter/Son Shopping Trip!
Taking the time to look for an outfit with your child can be a great experience. They will remember the afternoon you spent focusing on them. While shopping, if dresses just aren’t her thing anymore, look for a trendy pair of cropped pants with a floral shirt or overalls. For boys, keeping it simple with layers can offer options when taking photos.
If dresses are an option, something that moves and flows is the most flattering. We will use many poses during your photo shoot that include sitting, walking and standing. Tight short dresses often limit poses to just standing.
Let Their Artistic Side Shine
Allow them to lead the way in their outfit with one request: You pick the color palette that works for the whole family. For Spring pictures with my children I choose a white and black palette to keep things simple and easy to coordinate.
If you want to add color, pick a main color such as pink, blue or yellow to work around. Men and boys look amazing in pink! Chances are your tween will find one item that works with that color in mind. Just avoid any big logos or words on a shirt, as that can be distracting from a picture where your faces are the main focus.
If you just can’t get your teen out of a T-shirt, embrace it and go vintage. Have everyone pick out there favorite classic rock band shirt and wear it with pride. Layer it with a button-up and pair of jeans or shorts that fit well, and you have a great outfit!
Shoes Can Keep Them Young
Every young lady is so excited to put on a pair of heels. The problem is unless she is ready to confidently walk in heels, it can look awkward and uncomfortable in pictures. It also limits her movement in a photo shoot filled with joyous twirls, jumps and sometimes running.
A beautiful dress coupled with high-top tennis shoes, combat boots, or a simple sandal can be a wonderful way for them to dress a little more mature and still look their age.
The Details Matter
Take a little extra time making sure your teen’s hair is looking modern, clean and polished. Coordinate a haircut a week or two before your session for the best results.
Feel free too accessorize. A cute felt or straw hat, simple necklace and some bracelets can be a fun way to add character!
Choose Your Battles
This works for younger and older kids, the type of battles just change. My son hates to tuck in his shirt. He agreed to tuck it in for a few pictures but quickly decided it wasn’t his thing. I let it go, even though the cute belt I purchased for him was now hidden under a baggy shirt. Deep breaths. In the end it didn’t make much of a difference and helped during the photo shoot that he was happier with a shirt untucked.
Remember that no matter what your family is wearing, making these memories will be something you will have long after your kids have grown up. It’s well worth the work!
Searching online for those great outfits? Here are a few of my favorite places:
Affordable-
Midrange-
Splurge-
Want to shop local small business? These stores are always a hit!
For Mom-
Peony – www.peonynola.com | Century Girl Vintage – https://www.centurygirlvintage.com |Trashy Diva – https://trashydiva.com
For Dad-
For Kids-
My style and goal when photographing families is to create timeless and candid images. I love incorporating our beautiful New Orleans scenery and backdrops, creating authentic moments in New Orleans. If you are interested in more information on senior photography or family photography click here. Or email me directly at mail@twirlphotography.com. For more photos and recent work, follow me on Facebook. Look for behind-the-scenes fun in on my Instagram stories. Sessions generally take place an hour or so before sunset or in the morning for beautiful light. I look forward to connecting!
