Enjoy some tips for photographing teenagers – A wonderful stage of their personalities
Photographing teenagers can be a total blast—full of energy, style, and amazing personalities that are beginning to shine! But it can also be a little tricky because you know one minute they can be shy and the next, a bit sassy. Here are some of my favorite tips for photographing teenagers!
Chat and be chill
Teens are always cooler than me so I love to get on their level. Find out what they’re into, the current social media trend, and even use current trendy words just to make them cringe or laugh at the silliness. This helps to break the ice, warm them up, and know that you care about them, not just about photographing them.
Let Them Lead
Asking their input on the location, suggesting poses or even showing them how to take a picture with my own camera helps them feel like they’re part of the process. They become comfortable and warm up to have fun with it.
Cool Location
Vibes are important so while pre-planning a session, finding a spot that reflects who they are is so important. Maybe a colorful mural, a skate park, pokemon point, a sun-soaked field. The right location sets the mood to make them feel like a total rockstar.
Natural Light
Natural light is soft, and forgiving, and helps keep things relaxed because while we talk, and be silly, I’m photographing and not setting anything up. It helps put their guard down so they can relax and forget that there is a photography session going on around them.
Loosey Goosey Fun
Many teens aren’t models so go light on the posing but we encourage natural movement, like walking, spinning, or being with their pet. The more they move, the more natural they are in the photos.
Be Easy and Take It Easy
Patience is key when photographing teens. Sometimes they’ll be into it, sometimes they won’t. Don’t rush them, and if they need a break, let them have one. The best photos come when everyone’s relaxed and in a good mood, so go with the flow!
Are you thinking it’s time for photographs of your teenager? If you’re in the San Francisco Bay Area | San Jose area and looking for photos that are full of playful, loving fun, let’s
Located in the Silicon Valley | Bay Area | East Bay | San Jose | Morgan Hill | and is available for travel.
Kim Ebbets of Photos by Kim E is a Bay Area | San Jose photographer and specializes in authentic and fun sessions for families and businesses.
