Working with TEENS

Okay, I know that they'd rather be somewhere else with someone else, but if you can convince your teenager to come and take a few pictures I would get as many good ones as you can. I've noticed that if I let them pick some of the poses and settings, they are much more cooperative and you get a much better smile.

Don't forget that teenage girls are VERY picky about how they look in pics...take the time help them find a pose that looks natural yet is flattering...if you see hair that is messed up or something buldging or looking not quite right, speak up and tell them to adjust so they aren't mortified and hate you when they see the pics later...there is a good way to say things like "hey, sit up a little taller" or "pull your shirt down in the back" or "lift your chin higher"...or change the pose altogether to one that flatters her more.

I like the 'pull one knee up' look.  I think it looks relaxed and natural...sometimes you have to play around with it a few different ways....two knees, one knee, arms in different positions, etc.

Guys do not want to be put in a sissy pose...so make sure and have some masculine poses for teenage guys.  Sometimes they come up with some good ones on their own, but don't count on it.  This one is a good one (although he needs to relax his shoulders down)...or leaning against a tree is a good one for guys.  Again, it may take several adjustments to get them to look natural, each guy is different.  Keep stepping back and seeing if you need to adjust anything before you start shooting.

Here is one I like of two sisters...the swing made a good prop.

Here are several teens in one family.  I always like to have several kids doing different poses...the little ones love sitting up high.  Use the tree, prop up an arm, have them touching each other, whatever mixes things up a bit and so they don't all look too stiff and unatural.