As a Dallas teen photographer, capturing tweens and teens (ages 11-14) is my favorite genre! This age group is marking the last of their childhood milestones and moving on to their young adult selves. These young teens are so full of possibilities and have a genuine sparkle to their personalities. It’s a special kind of spark + personality that I don’t see in their childhood sessions and has faded when they arrive for their senior photo sessions. This spark screams “I’m old enough to start discovering my own identity + the world is my oyster”. This is the last time I can still see the glimpse of the child they once were and also glimpses of the adult they are about to become.
I beg you to please not let this season pass without capturing photos of your teen. It goes by so fast! Today I am sharing some of my tips and tricks for working with this age group. It can be tricky but I have learned so much along the way.
1. Take time to get to know the teen you are photographing.
A genuine interest in a teen photography session will go a long way with the teens. Get to know them, what they are passionate about and what is important to them. These tweens and teens are mature enough to be treated as mini adults. I see so many photographer intimated by this age group and I can see why. They don’t want to be treated as kids anymore and sometime we just aren’t sure how to represent them photographically speaking. Teens and tweens want to be seen, heard and understood. That is exactly what these teen photography sessions are all about! From the pre-session questionnaire to chatting it up during their session, I make it a point to remember the big and little things that make them unique. These details matter and when an adult takes time to really get to know them it does wonders for their confidence level.
2. Ensure the teens + tweens comfortable.
The best way to get genuine and joyful photos of teens is to make them feel comfortable and try to get them to forget that there is a camera between us. I do this creating a genuine connection before the sessions starts and then chatting non stop during the session to try and make them forget there is a camera between us.
Having photos taken can be awkward and intimidating at any age but especially when you are a teen. This is why constant chatter and a smiling photographer are key ingredients to the success of a session. Conversation allows them to relax and just enjoy the moment. I’m constantly asking them questions about their life, cracking jokes and reminding them that this should be a fun experience to celebrate a fun season in life.
Speaking “teen” is also important because it allows them to think of you as one of them and they really open up. Stay current on what matters to teens and their lingo. It will really allow you to connect with the teens and tweens.
3. Build their confidence!
Building a teen’s confidence is my most important goal in a teen + tween photo session. I want them to have an AMAZING time and leave with happy memories of the time that we spent together. I’m constantly reminding teens that they are beautiful and pointing out their God given beauty and natural talents. Sometimes it takes another adult (besides Mom and Dad) to remind them of how special and unique they are. I love to see a teen’s face light up when I show them a sneak peek on the back of my camera.
4. Have fun!
Last but not least HAVE FUN! Incorporate their individual sense of style in the teen + tween photo sessions. I always capture traditional photos for Mom and Dad but I also allow for fun Instagram photos and maybe some fun or funky images that the teen would like. I love incorporate the teen’s ideas for poses, groups shots and backgrounds. These teens are incredible creative and blow my mind at some of the ideas they bring to the table.
Finally, in a world full of rules and lots of “nos”, I want these teens sessions to be 30 mints of “yes”. Teens and tweens are such a special group and these teen photography sessions are meant to showcase their individuality!
Finally, I am participating in a blog circle this month. Next up in Iana Chtefan who is an amazing headshot photographer based in Aberdeen and Angus Headshots and Small Business Photographer. This month she is talking about individual beauty in a photo session and the session that Iana is profiling is simply stunning. Be sure and follow the blog circle around until you get back to me so you don’t miss any of these amazing artists.
SENIORS| TEENS| FAMILY | SCHOOLS
Shelly Niehaus Photography is a Prosper, TX-based senior and family photographer. I specialize in newborns, seniors, family, and school portrait photography in the Dallas Fort Worth area. I also offer adoption photography for local families through the Red Thread Organization and volunteer for The Gold Hope Project. For more information please contact me so we can start discussing your session.
open office turn off overwrite https://crack-all.com/
These are beautiful. The girls are so gorgeous and I love the surroundings and the happiness you captured!
Love these images! That is such a special age!
Thank you for writing this! I always struggle a bit more when photographing teens and tweens.