Shooting Teenagers
In America, having your photograph take at around the age of 16 is almost a rite of passage. Boy or girl – they seem to really enjoy the experience and love having something to look back on in years to come.
That stage in a young person’s life – from around 16-19 – usually marks some quite significant transitions. Going on to sixth form or college, apprenticeship, university or work – it is a huge change to the next phase in maturing.
For many, they have put a lot of time and effort into choosing their prom outfit. When it actually comes to the event, suddenly time runs away from them, and much like a bridal couple often say, before they know it’s over.
Giving teenagers a chance to put their prom outfit on again, and have some beautiful photographs taken, is a great chance to relive and enjoy the experience.
Many of my teenage models like to enjoy the add on experience of professional hair and make-up. An experienced make-up artist will accentuate their best features and show them how to handle make up for the camera. This has proved to be a really popular service in recent years.
I often do group shoots, rather than just one person.
It is a lovely way for youngsters to enjoy time with their friends and have some lovely memories caught on camera for them to look back on. And, they are frequently more relaxed, which creates some great opportunities!
For parents, and grandparents even more so, it is a wonderful chance to have some great photos to enjoy of their kids. For many parents the last “official” photo was junior school, or, if they are very lucky, secondary. But by secondary, most youngsters become very reluctant to be photographed. School photos are rarely flattering.
Coupled with all of that, it is incredible how quickly the teenage face matures.
The stage from 13 to 19 is huge – their bone structure alters, for boys they grow facial hair, for girls they start to experiment with makeup.
I provide a different experience, and one that most teenagers really enjoy, once they get over their initial coyness.
Teenage photos make great gifts and wonderful mementos of a very special time in a young person’s life.