High school graduation is a significant milestone in a teen’s life. It’s huge on so many levels.  It’s a goodbye wrapped in a hello,  a marker of the transition from adolescence to adulthood, and a very tangible start of a new chapter. But before the official ceremony, the cap-and-gown shots, and the ceremonial tossing of the graduation cap in the air, there are countless opportunities to capture candid, meaningful moments of your Teen.

In today’s world, where we can get starry eyed over the perfect shots on Pinterest or or Instagram feed, where every moment is often meticulously planned, posed and curated for social,  the value of spontaneous, unscripted photos is often forgotten.

These are the images that capture the raw, unfiltered reality of life, the moments of vulnerability and authenticity that often hold the most emotion. They tell a story, create a narrative, and provide a behind-the-scenes look at all the little steps leading up to graduation. And friends, the little stuff is, as we know, the best stuff. 

Imagine capturing your teen at their messy desk,  studying for their final exams, hanging in their messy rooms, listening to music or playing online with friends, getting ready for school, hanging their graduation gown, putting out their dress clothes, decorating their cap, or just running through the rhythm of their typical high school day- you know these scenes will never be the same. The song is about to change- but, we can record our favorite parts to play again- 

Candid shots help show a side of your teen that formal photos often miss – their determination, their excitement, their nervousness, and their joy. Candid shots show real life.  And yes- the photos with props and poses and planning are of course, awesome to have, my bet is that these candid shots will tell a story you will want to revisit more than any #instagreat photo.

Candids aren’t just pictures; they are freeze frames of the heart of the story that comes but once in a lifetime. They are bookmarks of the bond you share with your teen, and the role you’ve played in their journey.

So, in the days leading up to your teen’s high school graduation, take a moment to pause, to observe, and to appreciate. Take out your camera, whether it’s a professional DSLR, a point-and-shoot, or even your smartphone, and start capturing these moments. Don’t announce it- don’t ask for a smile. Just collect the moments- their beauty will not be found in lighting or composition- but in their genuine vibe. These photos will not just be a collection of images but a celebration of the journey, and a literal snapshot of those last few moments that only a parent’s heart can hear ticking away, before they step into a new world, before they spread their wings to fly.