Why Family Photos with Teenagers Matter


It’s easy to book family photos when your kids are little—snuggly newborns, preschoolers with missing teeth, or early grade-school years when every milestone feels worth documenting. But somewhere along the way, many families pause scheduling portraits. Life gets busy, teenagers are more independent, and it can feel like the window for capturing “cute” family moments has passed.


The truth? Your family’s story doesn’t stop once your kids outgrow the toddler stage. In fact, the teenage years are just as important to preserve.  Looking back, you’ll want to remember this chapter too—the eye rolls, the laughter, the brotherly pushing & shoving.


((Also, it does appear that teens are just fully skipping the awkward stage these days.  I have no idea who gave them permission to do that.  Signed, a grown woman who had some *very* awkward years))

Teen brothers sitting on a curb, green hedge behind them.
Black and white of family of four, including two teen boys, walking down alleyway in Fort Collins.
Adult couple standing together in downtown Fort Collins, smiling toward one another, surrounded by lush planters overflowing with flowers.

A Perfect Blend: Downtown Fort Collins + Cache la Poudre River


This Northern Colorado family session was the perfect example. Downtown offered clean lines, bold colors, stunning alleyways and gorgeous flowers.


From there, we traded straight lines for soft curves, heading to the Cache la Poudre River. The natural textures of water, rocks, and trees created a quieter space where the family could relax and connect. These two backdrops offered the best of both worlds.

Black and white portrait of family of four sitting on large rocks, gazing into the distance.
Candid portrait of family of four walking in downtown Fort Collins.

Photographing teens isn't all that hard.


They're somewhere between kid and adult, and their photos can reflect that.  They can be curious, goofy and playful.  They can also be thoughtful and serious.  


They might put up a fight beforehand but I promise we can make family photos feel more like hanging out than "stand still and say cheese".


I think they still appreciate a good bribe.  Plan a dinner at your favorite spot afterward.

Teen portrait, leaning against colorful wall, smiling.
Brothers standing together on rocky bank at Cache la Poudre in Fort collins, surrounded by lush greenery of trees and shrubs.
Teen portrait, leaning against colorful wall.

Celebrate the In Between

Teenage years are worth documenting.  They are at this really unique intersection of adolescence and independence.  Also, get those cute pics of kids with their parents.  They may not be squishy faced toddlers, but they're pretty dang cute.  


Don't tell them I said that.

Father surrounded by sons in alleyway in Downtown Fort Collins, surrounded by brick buildings.
Mother surrounded by two teen sons, all smiling against a colorful mural in Downtown Fort Collins.
Mother, father, and two teenage sons standing on corner of multi story building with stunning architectura features in downtown Fort Collins
Serious portrait of family of mother, father and two teen sons standing in front of colorful mural in downtown Fort Collins, Colorado.
Family of father, son, mother and other son walking across the street in between two beautiful brick buildings, overcast clouds in sky.
Teen boy walking on rocky bank of Cache la Poudre, brother following behind him.
Teen brothers standing on rocks in Cache La Poudre, iron bridge in background, surrounded by lush green trees.
Laid-back senior photo of a teen boy sitting on a large rock by the river in Fort Collins, with a rustic bridge in the background. Perfect e