If you’re currently living in a household that includes teenagers, then you don’t need to be told that they come along with their own special collection of challenges. They have minds of their own and they’re completely focused on becoming their own people. That said, it’s not terribly surprising when it’s not so easy to get your particular teenager excited about the idea of having professional portraits taken. If you’re having trouble understanding, then try thinking about it from your teen’s perspective for just a moment. Their bodies are changing, they’re most likely dealing with blemishes, and they’re so not interested in anything stuffy or mainstream. You’ve been there once, so you know how it is. That said, the trick to getting your teens excited about participating in anything as family-oriented and ordinary as a photo shoot is to approach it from their perspective.
Let Them Be Themselves
When you think back to your own teen years and try to recall why you felt the way you did about events like family photo shoots, what comes to mind? I’ll bet you didn’t like the idea of being dressed up in stiff, stuffy clothes that were totally not you, right? That and you probably weren’t into the idea of being photographed in the middle of a boring, sterile photography studio either. How embarrassing! Your teens no doubt feel the same way. Consider letting them choose their own clothing for the photo shoot instead of forcing them into that formal dress or that much hated suit and tie. Let them express themselves instead. You’re so much more likely to wind up with fun, fantastic pictures that feature smiling teens.
Get Creative with Locations
Consider the possibility of getting a little more creative when photographing teenagers and especially it comes to your chosen location for your photo shoots. Teens prefer cool, hip, edgy locations to boring, mainstream studios or staged set-ups. If you’re planning a shoot that includes your teens in the near future, consider some backdrops that are a little off the beaten track. Rustic places make great locations for teen photo shoots, as do old powerhouse walls and other cool or casual locations. This type of location really suits the modern, casual way teens like to dress to boot. A great location can also make the difference between a chore your teen can’t stand being part of and an event that’s fun for the entire family.
Capture the Moment
Although it can be tempting to simply let reluctant teens have their way when it comes to skipping family photo shoots, I strongly advise against that. Our teen years are actually the best years to have photos taken. We’ll never be more spirited or more real as far as who we are. For instance, I actually have some old photos of my mother that were taken in Rome when she was only 19. They were gorgeous… Hollywood caliber, even. Best of all, these portraits were items that she eventually treasured and that her descendants treasure to this day. They’re just so her. Your teen will feel the same way about their portraits if you make the right moves now. Explore your options today!
Talk soon, Margherita :)
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