Children's Portrait Photography Handbook

Consultation.

When you meet with the teen and his parents before the
photo session, suggest that he bring along a variety of
clothing changes. Include a formal outfit, a casual
“kickin’ back” outfit (shorts and a T-shirt), an outfit that
is cool (one that the senior feels they look really great in),
and an outfit that represents their main interest (a sports
uniform, etc.). You can also encourage kids to bring in
their favorite items—or even a pet. This will help reveal
their personalities even more and, like small children, the
presence of their favorite things will help them feel re-
laxed and at home.

No Parents at the Session.

Teens probably will not feel comfortable with a parent
around. Instead, ask them to bring along a friend or two
and photograph them together. Most parents still think
of their teens as little kids, not young adults. As a result
they often make them feel self-conscious and awkward—
the last thing you need when you make their portrait.
You need to assure the parents that, by excluding them,

you have their best interests at heart and that you want to

be able to provide them with a photograph that will make

them happy and proud.

High-End Senior Studios.

Senior portraits are usually done by the schools on pic-

ture day, but that is not the type of senior portraiture re-

ferred to here. Many studios have taken to offering

high-end, very hip, upscale senior sittings that allow the

kids to be photographed with their favorite things in their

favorite locations. For instance, a senior’s car, usually a

treasured possession, is a prime prop included in these

sessions.

Often senior sessions will involve the subject’s friends

and favorite haunts. Or, in the case of senior girls, they

will want to be photographed in a fashion/glamour pose,

wearing something pretty racy—like what they see on

MTV. This is all part of the process of expressing their

individuality and becoming an adult. Instead of resisting

it, many smart photographers are now catering to it.

(Note:With these types of sessions, it is important to have

92 CHILDREN’S PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY HANDBOOK

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hotographing older children requires a different mind-set than

working with small children and babies. Adolescents and high-

schoolers require patience and respect. They also want to know the

details—how long the session will take, what is involved, etc.

9. OLDER CHILDREN, TEENS, AND SENIORS.

FACING PAGE—Tim Kelly’s posing techniques are unusual and effective. Tim’s kids’ portraits (younger and older) often show hands that
are awkwardly or bashfully posed, but always they reveal character. And he likes to have his subjects leaning in or away, almost thrusting
themselves into the frame. The effect provides great visual movement and a sense of visual dynamics in the portrait. Note here how he
highlighted this young lady’s perfectly oval face by outlining the face in “stray” hairs. The intensity of her eyes and her natural beauty
make this a transcendent senior portrait.