Older kids just wanna have fun, too

Many older kids, like most adults, dread the idea of having their photos taken and the idea of a family portrait is about as appealing as a bowl of brussel sprouts.

I find the best way to get them on board is to come up with locations that interest them and to involve them in the decision making.

This family had walked through hosier lane in the city together and the kids loved looking at all the graffiti and the parents thought it would make a good spot for photos but a second location might be needed.

I asked if the boys were interested in skating, as there was a skatepark just across the river, this turned out to be perfect and the 11 year old bought his board with him

I probably had as much fun as the kids did and even managed to take some great photos at the same time, but I don't think thats coincidental.

Kids can tell if your not interested or don't want to be there, but if they know your actually enjoying hanging out with them, and willing to listen to their suggestions, they will always be happy to go along with any photo ideas you might have. And getting nice natural expressions is easy because they soon get used to me pointing the camera in their direction and have other distractions