Photo by: Nancy Patton Photography
Hi there! I am Angela of Angela Rockey Photography, a resident of sunny Arizona! I am a mother of two fun little boys as well as a K-8 teacher. I have an instant connection with children of all ages, which helps produce the magic behind my lens. After trying different styles, I have come to love the simpler approach of focusing on the beauty and connection inside each unique session. I specialize in photographing children, teens, families, high school seniors, milestones, and extended families.
Find more of my work on the Web: Facebook / Instagram / Pinterest
Settings: 50mm, 1/400, 2.8 ISO 500
Start slow to get teens warmed up: Many teens are uncomfortable and shy at first. It is best to start with subtle poses. Having the client look away from the camera often helps with warming them up. This way they don’t feel so pressured to have a perfect smile. I simply asked her to look down and to the side. Oftentimes, teens will be super nervous, so they will look dramatically to the side, or look straight to the ground, blocking their face. To help with that I will either take my finger and place it where I want them to look, or find a spot I want them to focus on.
Settings: 50 mm. 1/320, 3.5 ISO 250
Settings: 50 mm., 1/400, 2.8 ISO 500
When photographing teens, it is important to make them feel like they are the most beautiful person in the world! Giving teens confidence is a must! As soon as they arrive to the session, I immediately compliment their choice of hairstyle, shoes, or clothing. That helps them put their guard down right away. They feel a sense of confidence in the choices they made for their session. It also promotes a bond between the photographer and client.
In the moment of taking the pictures, I boost their confidence by being very vocal about what I like. For example, I say, “Great pose, it shows off your shoes really well.” “Perfect way to place your hands on your hips.” “I love how you leaned forward like that. Do that again!” In this photo I told the client that “I love the lip gloss you are wearing. Matches perfectly!” This relaxes the teen and brings out a softer, more real side to them.
Settings: 50 mm. 1/500, 3.5 ISO 250
Settings: 50 mm., 1/400, 2.8 ISO 400
Music is the way to a teen’s heart! I always have the newest song downloaded onto my iTunes. Once I see the teen is warming up to me and ready to perform in front of my camera, I pull out my phone. When the music starts to play, I guide the teen to start moving to it- twirling, bopping their heads, or full out dancing. This gives amazing movement, which helps with capturing fabulous images! You can usually get their real smile during this time too!
Settings: 50 mm. 1/320, 4.5 ISO 200
During our pre-session communication, I ask that they bring something that the teen really likes. I give examples such as sunglasses, jewelry, musical instruments, etc. This client brought some fun sunglasses, which helped bring out her personality for this image!
Settings: 50 mm. 1/640, 3.5 ISO 250
Settings: 50 mm., 1/400, 3.2 ISO 200
We all see the silly poses teens do on social media these days. It makes them feel “cool” to their peers, and makes them who they are. Although these types of images may not be a professional photographer’s best work, it makes the session fun for the teens! When I am happy with the images I have so far, I will typically ask, “what other poses did you want to do?” My most-captured teen shot, hands down, is the peace sign. These are the images they love to use as their new social media profile pictures!
