We parents are pretty good at capturing our newborns and toddlers.

After all, they are SOOO stinkin’ cute! And they change almost daily.

But the documentation slows down by the time they’re in elementary school.

We relentlessly snap pictures on our phones but never do anything with them.

We frequently find ourselves running between school activities, sports, play dates, camps. As parents, we’re often just trying to get through the day.

By the tween/preteen years, or from ages 8 to 13, the portraits are often non-existent. And MAN, there are a lot of developmental changes in there! 

I see little quirky, snuggly boys morph into too-cool-for-goofiness teens in the course of a year. They sometimes stop making the ever-present silly faces and start styling their hair.

And that little girl who always wanted to sit on your lap? She’s rolling her eyes at you because she’s already figured out you don’t know everything, like she thought you did a minute ago!

There is some awkwardness in this chapter. Lost teeth, adult teeth, braces!

Puberty is here or en route. It typically begins around 10-14 for girls and 12-16 for boys.

So, between the busyness and awkwardness, you put off scheduling portraits. By the time you do, your kiddo is a junior in high school, and we’re planning senior photos.

You usually tell me, “I feel so bad! We haven’t had real portraits in so long!”

One more reason for parental guilt, am I right?

Here’s my plea: make time for tween portraits. You don’t want to miss this pivotal chapter.

Why it’s important:

SHOW THEM THAT THEY MATTER Investing in portraits sends a message to your kid that they matter, that you love them through every iteration of their development, and that they are treasured. I wish EVERY kid could feel that way.

SELF-ESTEEM Do you remember what a challenge middle school felt like? It can be hard to go through those transformations from elementary school to middle school. Beautiful portraits (and an uplifting portrait process) designed to remind your kid daily that they’re amazing can be a huge self-esteem boost.

PRESERVE AND SAVOR THIS MOMENT FOR THEM These portraits can serve as visual reminders of their growth, accomplishments, and connection to others so they can look back on this chapter of their story.

PRESERVE AND SAVOR THIS MOMENT FOR YOU Make a time machine of your child before these changes, while they still want to hold your hand, still snuggle and have those sweet, unselfconscious smiles. Document that Lego, stuffed animal, Harry Potter, or horse obsession before the next thing comes into focus.

EMPOWERMENT Set the foundation now that their passions and quirks are their superpower. It’s what makes them unique and special.

So, reach out to talk about options. Your future self (and your tween) will thank you for it.

We cannot underestimate the power of photographs to keep us feeling linked to others and belonging.

– Professor Geoff Beattie

Flagstaff Family Portrait Photographer • Flagstaff Maternity Pregnancy Photographer • Flagstaff Newborn Photographer • Flagstaff Child Photographer • Flagstaff Senior Portrait Photographer • Flagstaff Couples Photography

Kristen Dacey Iwai of KDI Photography is a full-time professional portrait photographer based in Flagstaff, Arizona with decades of experience. Making portraits of families, pregnancy, newborns, babies, children, and high school seniors in her downtown studio and on location, she serves clients from Flagstaff, Sedona, Tuba City, Winslow, Payson, Page, Williams, Prescott, Mesa, Scottsdale, Phoenix, Arizona