Teenagers know what they want, and they love to model for you. So they make your job easy. I have found that you have to let them be theirselves, by doing this you will get their true emotions when photographing them. Make them laugh, tell them jokes, get to know who they are, what they like, what they want to do when they get out of high school, are they going to college, ask questions about them. Learn who they are and what makes them tick.
Share image ideas with them. Let them show you images that they have found that they like. Then tailor their shoots to fit them. Such as if they play sports, band, they love reading, various school groups or clubs. The young man above on the left loves sports. He plays football & baseball. The young man above on the right is a member of FFA, so he wanted to include one of his group blazers in his images. Help them with their wardrobe choices. Ask them questions, such as: do you have specific locations that you want to shoot at? What type of style do you have? What are your hobbies? What are your favorite features? Get to know who they are as a person and you can help them to relax and be their selves. Trust me; you will get some of the best photos by interacting with your subjects.
Praise them as your shooting them. Let them know how good they are doing and how awesome they look. I always like to show them the back of my camera on a few shots, it really boost their confidence level. Young adults are very impressionable, use their strengths and let that show through into their images.
Be creative with your posing: use poses with your subject bending, kneeling, laying, and stretching. I usually adjust my poses to how I am shooting a particular shot. Mix it up! Look for props close by and use what looks interesting to you. Don’t be afraid to try new things.
Remember to include their ideas. After all, these are their memories. As Photographers, we need to make their images look the best that we can. Show those personalities that make them who they are. Show them that your having fun & loving what they are doing and they will have just as much fun as you do!
Be honest and open with them. You will gain their trust and in the end, a new friend. Give them instructions on their posing. They are teenages, young adults, they need that guidance. Once they feel relaxed around you, they will start opening up and they become more cooperative and in some cases daring, wanting to try new and different ideas.
Plan and prepare! I cannot stress this enough. All ways look for bigger and better. You will find that teenagers like different, bold and daring ideas. Props are always a great idea, but you won’t always need them. Some images are perfect without them. Plan and prepare to bring your visions to life.
Listen to your clients and always try to give them what they want. Allow them to assist you with planning and preparing. They may have some ideas that you have never thought of. With your combined team efforts, you will create beautiful, lasting memories together, that will last them a life time!
My name is Trish Hardeman. I own and operate Trish Hardeman Photography, where I am a full time Photographer. I have always loved photography, even as a child. I was always running around snapping pictures with my instant camera. I shoot everything from newborns to Weddings! I live in a small southern town, in Fitzgerald, Ga. We have several photographers here and we all pretty much manage to stay busy. I would have to say that my favorite to shoot is seniors, Couples, Teens and Families. I officially started my photography business in 2013. I had done a lot of free shoots for a couple of years prior to starting full time, taking on clients and charging. It was scary, but I loved it! I do destination shoots a few times a year. I will book shoots and we will go and do them at the beach and such. I love doing these shoots; the beach is my favorite place to be!! I would like to try and add in a shoot in the mountains, maybe this year. I always try to give back to my customers and my community. When, I schedule mini shoots, destination shoots, etc. I always do a giveaway and give at least 2 shoots away. I also donate shoots to local Organizations that are doing fund raisers for their Organization or people in need. I am a firm believer in giving back. If you’re ever down my way look me up, I would love to have you in front of my camera.
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