Photographing Teens

Teens can be among the most difficult children to photograph. By now they are very conscious of themselves in every respect, and can sulk and be uncooperative, to say the least. On occasion they can even become hostile, and stalk off when you are trying to take their photograph.

In some way, you need to invite the teen into the process, whether it is subtle or direct involvement. One thing you can do is discuss photography with them, work with them to show them your camera, how it works, and talking about what you want the photographs for in the first place.

If they are concerned about some skin blemishes, or are self-conscious about something, figure out a way to work around or eliminate that element from your photograph. If you work with a program like Adobe Photoshop CS4,
and show them on the computer how you can improve their photograph once you take it.

Some of the most profound, lovely and beautiful photographs can come from a photo shoot with an adolescent child whose trust you have won. They will work with you, have patience and co-operate as you work hard to get just the right look, just the right angle, just the right photograph.

As you can see on the right working with something they love can get you the co-operation you want and provide an image they will remember forever. Some day, they will look back at these photographs and probably remember how they felt then, and perhaps what they were thinking about at the time.

These can be some of the very best photographs you will ever get of your child, so take the time while you still can. Capture the images that remind you most of them, so that wherever they travel they will always be with you.

I have a sketch of my son and I drawn on a trip we took to Paris. It hangs in the living room, above the couch, and is a constant reminder even though he travels the world with his job on the airline. Today he might be home, but tomorrow half way round the world, but through photographs, printed on canvas, he is always at home with his father and I.

Don’t miss out on those images.

Remember, keep taking lots and lots of photographs of your kids. You will be glad you did!