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I am so excited to share today’s Posing Tips with you. Teens and older kids are so much fun to photograph. First, they love to have their photo taken. And yet, at the same time, they are also becoming more self-aware and need lots of encouragement and complimenting to allow that wall of self-awareness to fade.
Teens have moved out of the kid stage and no longer require lots of chasing around or silliness (though I still find funny stories or jokes are great for getting a genuine laugh from a teen).
My favorite thing about photographing teens is the personality they bring when we are photographing together. Let them show you a little bit of sass or that super cool or serious side. And remind them that not every photo has to have a smile.
This is the age where posing becomes the perfect tool to direct the body. Youth at this age can feel awkward and unsure. Generally, teens and tweens still love having their portrait taken despite this self-consciousness that they feel. Giving them direction and assuring them how beautiful they look will relax them.
Always begin with the most simple posing. Walking toward you may be the simplest instructions you can give. Make sure your instructions are clear.
As they begin feeling more comfortable, give them directions for their feet and hands. Instructions like, "put your hands in your pockets and kick out your hip" or "turn your feet away from me and look back over your shoulder at me". Whenever possible, model the poses for them to show them how to place their body. Once they start to relax, posing should begin to flow more naturally.
This posing tip should be an important part of your business and interaction with your clients but it is also especially critical when photographing teens and tweens. Being friendly and kind will put your subject at ease and help them enjoy the experience of being photographed. Being friendly will also draw natural, easy expressions and eye contact.
In addition, never underestimate the power of talking to your teenage subjects. Talking to them and asking questions about their interests will draw them in and help develop a better relationship between you. By talking, you will likely also find opportunities to laugh together.
Teenagers are FILLED with personality. Because of this, it is such a perfect age to show this personality in photos. Whether you are photographing a high school senior or any other teen or tween age, allow their personality to show through their expressions. Don't be afraid to include the occasional prop to show off their interests or what they love.
Teen boys and girls are very different and you should show off their differences in your posing.
Boys generally desire to look masculine. Posing boys square to the camera or at a low camera angle will help achieve this. You can also ask them to fold their arms across their chest and give a more serious expression to show off their masculinity.
Generally, girls desire to look feminine. Posing girls at a slight angle to the camera with their weight transferred to the foot that is furthest from the camera can help to create a feminine shape. You can also ask them to "kick out" their hip to help accentuate their feminine shape. Find other ways to emphasize aspects that are unique to their femininity as well - like hair, makeup and fashion!
Teens are so much fun to photograph. They have tons of personality and really enjoy being in front of the camera. I hope these posing tips help you enjoy photographing teenagers just as much as I do!
Do you have any questions or comments about Posing Teens (and Tweens) for Photos? Leave us a comment below - we would LOVE to hear from you! And PLEASE SHARE this post using the social sharing buttons (we really appreciate it)!
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