Photographing teenagers and older children

Photographing older children and teenagers can be often be challenging. With two teenagers myself I know how hard it is to get them to agree to having updated images.  If you have teens you’ll share my pain!

The older your teen becomes the more reluctant they are to pose for you.  My daughter Abigail is a case in point.  Abigail is autistic so having her photo taken is a rarity and not something she enjoys.  But by offering up a bribe,  a new Disney DVD works best, will often get results.

Ollie is a different case entirely, he will happily pose and offer up his time especially if I want to try something new. Ollie will always get involved and find poses and locations,  the image below is his latest favourite.

But just occasionally with her brother’s persuasion and a Disney DVD, Abigail will allow an image to be taken, and to me these ones are incredibly special.

 

Professional newborn, child and family photographer | Milton Keynes

As a newborn, child and family photographer, I have plenty of experience photographing children of all ages. So I thought I would share a few hints on how to get the best from your reluctant Teens!

Top Tips for photographing older children and teenagers

Tip 1 – Older kids want to feel they are not being spoken to like a little kid. So, adult communication is the charm here. Find out what they like and what they enjoy, get that conversation going and ask lots of questions, they love nothing better then telling you all about something you have no or little idea about.

Tip 2 – Work fast, teenagers especially will have a limited time frame, the smart phone will no doubt ping and then it’s game over.

Tip 3 – Like most people teenagers don’t like feeling uncomfortable and because they don’t necessarily know how to sit or stand, this can make them feel more noticeable. Since the best portraits are usually natural shots, don’t overly ‘pose’ your teenager. Let them lead, you may be surprised what comes.

Tip 4 – Let them be who they want to be, don’t try to make them wear something that they will not be comfortable in, let them style themselves. Remember you just want images of your teen as they are.

Tip 5 – Don’t force them or ask them to smile, just capture who they are.

Tip 6 – Have fun!!

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