A Family Photo Session in Amsterdam with Preteens and teenagers

Family photo sessions often focus on keeping small children entertained. But when children reach their preteen and teenage years, the experience requires a different approach.

This family explored the Jordaan with their two sons, aged nine and thirteen. Because the brothers spend so much time together, the younger one naturally follows the rhythm of his teenage brother. My goal was not to treat one as a child and the other as a teenager. It was to give both of them the same respect, space, and opportunity to participate in the session.

I Ask the Children, Not Only the Parents

Parents usually arrive with a clear idea of the photographs they hope to receive. I listen carefully to those goals, but I also speak directly to their children. What do they enjoy doing together? Would they prefer photographs beside the canals or Amsterdam’s historic houses? Do they like looking at the camera, or would they feel more comfortable walking and interacting naturally? Would they like an individual portrait, photographs with their sibling, or only pictures with the whole family?

Sometimes their answer is, “I have no idea,” and that is completely fine. They may prefer to let their parents decide, or they may simply need some time to feel comfortable. However, most children know more about what they want than adults expect. At nine and thirteen years old, they already understand how they would like to be photographed.

Trust Begins with Respecting Their Choices

I treat children of every age as people with their own opinions. This becomes especially important with preteens and teenagers. Helping them relax is not about asking them to behave like small children. It is about recognising that they know what they like, respecting their space, and allowing them to make decisions about their photographs.

I still provide clear guidance throughout the session, but they do not need to perform or respond to every idea. Having a choice helps them trust me and become more comfortable in front of the camera. Read more about How to Feel Natural During a Family Photo Session in Amsterdam.

Following the Family’s Natural Rhythm

This family felt most comfortable while walking, so walking became an important part of their session. As we explored the Jordaan, we created family portraits, photographs of the brothers together, playful interactions, and pictures of them with a bicycle. Moving between locations allowed everyone to relax without feeling that they had to hold a pose for too long.

Then, on one of the quieter streets, the brothers began jumping over the small posts lining the pavement. It was something they discovered and decided to do together. One photograph captures the younger brother mid-air as he jumps over one of them. It is playful, natural, and full of his personality. It also shows the brothers' relationship in a way a carefully arranged pose could not.

A Gallery That Reflects Who They Are Now

Their final gallery included 42 photographs. There were plenty of complete family portraits, but also photographs of the brothers walking, playing, riding the bicycle, and simply spending time together. Family photography does not become less meaningful when children grow older. The experience simply changes.

You can read more about this in the article: Why Family Photography Matters When You Travel.

The goal is not to make preteens and teenagers behave like younger children. It is to photograph who they are now, give them space to express themselves, and create an experience in which their opinions matter.

Their family described the experience beautifully:

“We had a great experience with Joanna and the photo shoot, and the photos met all our expectations.”

If you are visiting Amsterdam with your children, your family session can feel like a relaxed walk through the city. Everyone will receive guidance, but everyone will also have a voice in how your family’s story is photographed.

Until next time in Amsterdam,

Joanna

Your Vacation Photographer in Amsterdam