Tween to Teen: The Missing Mother Daughter Portraits

Geni Bean
6 days ago
3 min read

Let’s talk about the “in-between” years.

You know what I mean—that stretch between the toothless grin of elementary school and the cap-and-gown moment of high school graduation. The middle school phase. The tween and early teen years. The season where your daughter is growing up right before your eyes... and somehow disappearing from your camera roll at the same time.

But here’s the truth: These years are too important not to document during mother daughter portraits.

Woman hugging a young girl, both smiling warmly. They wear white tops. The setting is a plain photo studio backdrop, evoking a joyful, serene mood.

Why Don’t We Photograph This Age?

As moms, we start off strong. Newborn sessions. First birthdays. Kindergarten milestones. But once tweens and teens hit? Things get... complicated.

They're not “little” anymore, but they’re not fully grown either. Life gets busier. Sports, school, hormones, and that lovely teenage sass. They may hide from your phone camera or roll their eyes. You second-guess whether they even want photos anymore.

But deep down, they do.

BOOK MOTHER DAUGHTER SESH

Girl in a cream dress smiles gently against a soft green background, sitting with her head resting on her hand, exuding a calm mood.

And even more than that, they need time with you.

These Years Are Crucial for Connection

Studies show that the amount of quality time kids spend with their parents starts to plummet around age 12. Sadly, but realistically, one-on-one time drops dramatically between middle childhood and late adolescence.

And while some distance is totally normal (they’re figuring out who they are), this is also when they need emotional connection the most. These are the years where confidence is shaped, identities are forming, and your voice still matters even when they pretend it doesn’t.

That’s why I believe in the power of mother daughter portraits during the tween and teen years.

Not just for the images—though you’ll treasure them—but for the experience.

Imagine a day that’s all about celebrating your daughter’s unique personality, her emerging style, and the tiny little woman she’s becoming. A day where you’re not arguing over screen time, but laughing together, hugging tight, and being fully present. That’s what these sessions are about!

Your Daughter Is Changing Faster Than You Think

Smiling girl in black blazer, white shirt, and jeans stands confidently against a plain white photo studio background. She has long, wavy hair.

In just a couple of years, everything about your child will shift—

The way they wear their hair.

Their clothes.

Their confidence.

Even their smile.

PRESERVE THIS MOMENT

You’ll blink, and high school will hit like a tidal wave. And yes, you’ll get the classic yearbook photo—the stiff Lifetouch one with weird lighting and a forced grin (you know the one). But is that really how you want to remember this season?

Or would you rather have portraits that show who they really are—quirky, growing, expressive, and uniquely themselves?

Milestones Aren’t Just for Babies and Seniors

At Pink Owl Photography, I believe in celebrating the whole story.

Not just the beginning and the end.

So many moms come to me for senior photos and say:

"I wish we’d done this sooner."
"She’s changed so much already."
"This would’ve meant so much when she was a teenager."

Young girl with wavy hair smiles slightly, wearing a white blouse. Black and white photo with a calm, relaxed mood and plain photo studio background in Durham, NC.

You don’t need to wait for graduation to make it special. The bond between you and your daughter is already worth celebrating!

What a Tween/Teen & Me Session Looks Like

✨ Fully personalized mother daughter portraits experience

From wardrobe styling to studio backdrops and props, we’ll craft a session that reflects your daughter’s unique vibe AND your bond.

Smiling child with curly hair leans on arm, wearing a white shirt. Black and white photo with a light background. Mood is joyful.

✨ Confidence building

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about feeling beautiful just as you are—whether you’re 13 or 43.

A woman and a girl in white shirts embrace and smile joyfully against a plain background, conveying warmth and affection. Black-and-white image.

✨ Connection-focused

You’ll laugh. You might cry. You’ll walk away with more than beautiful images; you’ll walk away with a core memory.

A woman and a girl embrace happily in a black and white photo. Both smile warmly, with the girl’s eyes closed, in a light background.

And you’ll have a stunning album or framed art that tells the story of your love in this fleeting chapter!

Your Legacy Isn’t Just for Later

I started the Leaving Your Legacy sessions after suddenly losing my mom to cancer in 2024. I will never stop being grateful for the photos we had together—photos that now carry her smile, her energy, her love.

Legacy doesn’t wait. It starts now, in the moments you share today.

And the tween and teen years? They’re one of the most powerful chapters you’ll ever live through together.

BOOK YOUR PHOTOSHOOT

A mother and young daughter in white shirts and jeans sit on a white background. The child rests her head on the woman's lap, both look content.

Don’t Let This Be the Missing Chapter

Let’s make this season unforgettable—for both of you.

You deserve more than a yearbook photo. She deserves more than a selfie. And your bond deserves to be captured with intention, artistry, and love.

If you’ve been waiting for the “right time,” mama…

This is it.

Book your Mother Daughter portraits today at our luxury photo studio in Durham, NC, just minutes from Chapel Hill. Inquire here or schedule a free consultation!

We’re redefining what it means to document your legacy—one chapter at a time.

Pink Owl Photography is a luxury photo studio near Chapel Hill, NC, specializing in senior portraits, legacy sessions, and heirloom imagery for women and their loved ones.