As a passionate photographer, nothing excites me more than witnessing the incredible transformation that teens undergo in front of my camera. Yet, as a devoted mom, I truly grasp the daily challenges of instilling courage and confidence in our children. We pour our hearts into reminding them of their uniqueness and encouraging authenticity, but there are times when our efforts seem to fizzle. After all, we are moms—we’re supposed to believe they shine the brightest (and they absolutely do!). If you’re yearning for opportunities to surround them with uplifting praise and allow them to feel their absolute best, or perhaps unveil a beauty they’ve yet to recognize, a personalized photo session is a marvelous avenue to explore! Whether you have a tween, a teen, or a high school senior, a photo shoot can work wonders to elevate her confidence in countless ways.

When she is able to be herself and wear what makes her feel amazing, it will show in the photos. Knowing that her wants won’t be ignored or that she’ll be forced to wear what everyone else wears or what’s trendy makes her feel confident in her choices of what she likes

She’ll learn how to be comfortable with herself

Being in front of the camera can feel intimidating—I completely understand those moments of hesitation when someone asks to take a photo. However, I’ve witnessed how, with the right guidance and reassurance, she begins to relax gradually throughout the session. It’s a beautiful transformation as she finds the courage to be herself and step out of her shell. My heart warms when I see young girls’ authentic personalities shine through during these sessions; it’s truly my favorite part of the experience!

Having fun and feeling like a million bucks is such a delight! But you know what makes it even better? Turning the camera around and seeing her face light up when she sees herself! It’s a wonderful moment where she gets to view herself through the eyes of others, rather than judging herself by a not-so-great angle or terrible lighting. She can see how beautiful she looks when she laughs and the charm of a genuine smile. And how about that adorable little crinkle in her nose right before she giggles? It’s those little things that can make her heart flutter!

And let’s talk about trying something new—sometimes it can feel a bit scary!

When was the last time you faced something that made you a little nervous but ended up making you feel unstoppable? There’s something so special about tackling fears head-on, and for teens, trying something new can feel like a huge accomplishment. If she walks into a session feeling a bit anxious (which is perfectly normal), just wait until it’s over! When she’s had a blast and sees how amazing she looks, you can bet it will give her self-esteem a wonderful boost.

I have had the joy of photographing Payton every year since she was about 3 years old. In those early days, her annual Halloween costume was the highlight of our sessions, and she always surprised me with her creative choices! Now that she’s growing into a beautiful young lady, I admire how she confidently takes the reins with her posing. I love the challenge of doing something different each time, stepping off the beaten path together. This year, we were fortunate to capture the stunning fall trees in Northern Harrison County, creating memories that I will cherish forever.