Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke

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Capturing Joy with Kristen Duke

Chatting about how to connect with your TEENS It's hard to pinpoint when I began my photography business.

I developed in the darkroom as part of the yearbook staff in high school. Took photography 101 in college and photographed friends engagements. Got my digital SLR in 2003 and started taking clients then. I've taken all kinds of pictures, now I focus on Family portraits and high school seniors.

06/26/2025

👉5 ❓s to discuss with your kids: Sibling relationships often become the longest lasting bonds you have in life.

Your kids may not always agree, but learning how to communicate, support, and respect each other can create a foundation for lifetime.

How can you work together to build stronger sibling relationships, both as kids and adults? What have you learned about communication with your siblings? (Share with your kids!)

5 questions to spark conversation with your kids:

1️⃣What is one thing you admire about your sibling(s)?

Reflecting on positive qualities can foster appreciation and help see each other in a more compassionate light.

2️⃣How do you handle disagreements with your sibling(s)?

Discussing conflict resolution can set the tone for healthier, more respectful communication.

3️⃣What is one way you can support each other more, even when things are tough?

Encouraging empathy and active support builds a sense of trust and loyalty.

4️⃣How do you feel when you see your sibling(s) being treated kindly by others?

This can help highlight the importance of treating each other with kindness and respect in everyday moments.

5️⃣How can we, as a family model positive sibling relationships for you to follow as you grow older?

Modeling good behavior as parents is essential, and kids often learn by example.

👉Send this to your siblings!
📌Save this to ask questions later.

06/24/2025

Tired of playing referee with your kids?

You don’t have to stay stuck in the cycle of fights, tattling and tension.

There’s a better way to guide your kids, and it starts with one simple shift.

👉Want a quick say this not that tip? Comment SIBLING and I’ll DM it to you.

06/21/2025

👉Which have you loved watching with your teenager? What to add?

If you want to have real discussions about teenage themes, watch the movies and shows the teens are watching with them. Spark a discussion about red flags in dating and friendships.

I recognize l’ve got a conservative audience; and many won’t want to touch some of these, and that’s fine! I’ve got a fairly liberal media consumption mindset, and I’ve enjoyed watching a good number of these with my teenagers.

What I like about watching at home is that I can fast forward as I’d like or use tv clean editing.

If your teen has asked, or begged to watch something you’ve continuously said no to, maybe consider watching it with them instead, with a requirement to discuss after.

You can also watch it ahead of them and skip through sections you don’t feel comfortable with. There’s a wide variety of ways to tackle teens and media, and these sparks really great discussion!

SHARE this with your village!

06/20/2025

Just spent the past week up in the Colorado mountains with 200 teenage girls at girlscamp—20 of them from my own congregation, and the rest from nearby areas. I grew up going from 12 to 18 myself, and have been grateful for the opportunity to go as a leader many times as an adult.

Colorado does high adventure right: rappelling, high ropes, zip lining, obstacle courses—you name it. But what I’ll remember most weren’t the activities, but the moments in between.

As an adult leader, my job was mostly to give hugs, encouragement, and remind these girls of the goodness already inside them and the potential ahead of them. I love this role—helping girls recognize their worth, navigate the complexities of friendships, emotions, and self-doubt. There were plenty of hugs and tears, but also deep, soul-filling conversations with other women throughout the week.

And of course, the biggest bonus: getting to be there with my daughter. Sometimes I was in the trenches chatting with her group, other times observing from the sidelines, then other times we were separated.

A favorite moment: When she had a tricky situation, and quietly said, “I’m so glad you’re here, Mom.” 🎶Music to my ears. That’s the kind of relationship I want every mom to have with their teen—and I can help you get there with proven techniques.

One of the most powerful experiences was watching her do the “Iron Rod” activity—blindfolded and trying to find her way. (See video at end).

I could see everything: the potholes, the turns, the path. Naturally, I called out to help. At first, she listened and wanted my assistance. Then, she paused and said, “Don’t help me, Mom.” Noted!

Just like in parenting, we often see what they can’t—but sometimes, the greatest gift is to step back and let them feel their way through. And to take their feedback as the gift that it is. 💗

👉Have you done a camp for teenagers like this before? Any questions? I’ll be sharing up more in my stories over the weekend!

Song was the theme song we sang throughout.

06/16/2025

👇5 questions to get started below…

Talking to your teen about topics like immigration, war, climate, or elections doesn’t have to feel intimidating—or turn into a debate.

It’s not about “teaching them what to think.”
It’s about showing them how to think—and that your home is a safe place to explore big, messy issues without judgment.

Here are 5 neutral, open-ended questions you can ask your teen about current events:

👉What have you heard people saying about this?

👉What parts of it are confusing, interesting, or upsetting to you?

👉Why do you think people feel so strongly on different sides?

👉How would you want a situation like this to be handled if you were in charge?

👉What values do you think are most important to consider here—fairness, safety, kindness, freedom, etc.?

No need to have all the answers.

Just be curious. Stay calm.

And remind them: “We can talk about anything.”

06/15/2025

So many moms are doing this trust-building work with their teens without the full support from their spouse.

It can be lonely, frustrating, and discouraging. But it’s not for nothing.

This Father’s Day, I want to remind you: you don’t need to push, nag, or convince. Your growth and steadiness, modeling of emotional safety… Is powerful!

happy Father’s Day to the dad‘s doing their best, and the mom‘s holding space for their growth.

💗I see you, you’ve got this.

If this hits home, send it to a mom friend who’s walking this road too.

06/13/2025

Dating isn’t the danger—disconnection is.

If your teen starts dating, will they come to you? Or go silent?

Here to help you flip the script.

👉Comment DATE and I’ll DM you real conversation starters to help you stay connected—even when it gets awkward.

06/12/2025

Whether your teenager is currently in the dating phase, or you want to help them prepare for it, asking questions to get them think ahead will build confidence, and lessen anxiety, and equip them with tools to be better prepared!🙌

👉Comment DATE for 45 more questions!

(Save this for your next road trip)

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Austin, TX
80920

Website

https://www.kristenduke.com/

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