A Fun + Easy McKinney Family Session With Teenagers

Family sessions with older teenagers are always such a fun change of pace, and this McKinney family session was no exception. Photographing teens is definitely different from working with little ones. Most days, I’m relying on prompts about farts, boogers, tickles, or anything silly enough to keep younger kids entertained long enough for a shot.

So when teenagers show up, I have to switch gears… which usually leads to me sticking my foot in my mouth at least once. But honestly? We all end up laughing about it together, and it always makes the session feel real, relaxed, and connected.

One of the biggest keys to getting teens to laugh and smile is letting go of the pressure. I never force big reactions or fake poses. Instead, I focus on conversation, inside jokes, and giving them space to be themselves. A little sarcasm, some self-deprecating humor, and the occasional awkward moment usually break the ice faster than anything planned.

I also keep things moving. Teens don’t love standing still for long, so walking, leaning, or interacting naturally helps them relax. Sometimes I’ll ask questions about their interests, music, or school, or let parents chime in with a story that inevitably gets an eye roll and a laugh. Those in-between reactions are often where the best smiles happen.

This McKinney family made it incredibly easy. We laughed and talked our way through the entire session, and they reminded me just how fun this age really is. There’s something special about capturing the subtle humor, the inside jokes, and the natural chemistry that comes with older kids. Instead of wrangling toddlers, I get to slow down a bit and focus on personality, confidence, and genuine moments.

Sessions like these are such a refreshing reminder of why I love photographing families at every stage. Whether the kids are toddlers, teens, or somewhere in between, there is always magic to be found, and this family brought it in spades.

If you’re in the McKinney area and considering updated family photos, yes, even with older teens who swear they “hate pictures,” I promise we’ll make it fun, natural, and way less awkward than they expect.