Tips for Teen Photographers
On the verge of adulthood, the adolescent years are a transitory time. They are discovering who they will become in life, and it is an exciting period. Therefore you’ll want to document this particular time in their lives through photographs. Here are some pointers to help you improve your efforts when taking pictures of teenagers.
Be diplomatic
Regardless of the teen(s), you want to take their picture, make sure to approach them with grace and respect. With friendly discussion, you must deliberately and successfully introduce yourself to them. It would support if you didn’t try to speak in “cool slang” or try to lower yourself to their level. Teenagers will feel that you are not treating them like children if you attempt to raise them to your (adult) level instead. Teenagers desire this regard. Let them know that you want to remember them at this particular time in their life. Discovering their hobbies will enable you to structure your images to optimize their involvement in the process, creating a win-win scenario. Work as swiftly and with as little (obvious) planning as possible. This means that you need to be well prepared and ready to react to anything that arises impulsively.
Behave with them as adults.
Teenagers are in the stage of growing up and acquiring adult characteristics, yet they also retain some attributes from their earlier years. They also demand to be treated with the same respect you would show an adult. It would help if you discussed thoughts and themes with them that appeal to their more mature side to gain their respect. Once you and they have established mutual respect, you may ask teenagers to pose for you more comfortably. Dealing effectively with everyone is essential, but working with teenagers may be even more crucial. They’ll be more and more ready to be photographed and perhaps even offer suggestions if they start to trust you (be careful to show them the photographs on the LCD screen).
Use plain backgrounds.
Shooting teenagers in basic settings where you can concentrate on them and their youthful energy and flare are preferable because they are typically unmarred by the intricacies of the world. Avoid distracting objects in the photo using a plain background, such as a brick wall or a park. Don’t use the flash when taking pictures. They will quickly relax and stop being self-aware if you keep taking shots of them. Additionally, this won’t feel like a formal photo shoot if the background is very neutral, and the subjects will probably be more relaxed.
Nature is the Best
Teenagers’ biological activities and behaviors are a big part of what makes them fascinating subjects. It would help if you nudged them to be themselves and let go of any inhibitions regarding the camera or your candid pictures. Take a few insignificant photos to start the conversation. Get them to feel as relaxed as you can by telling them stories, then let them go and do what they want. With patience, you’ll discover the best pictures appear. After waiting, snap another photo. You cannot rush candid photographs. Use P (Program) mode to get the best results while taking pictures of teenagers in a natural (non-posed) environment unless you are familiar with adjusting the camera’s exposure. You don’t want to be messing with the camera’s controls and wearing out your subjects’ patience.
Ensure it’s Memorable!
Teenagers enjoy spending time with their pals, so why not take pictures of them having a good time while out and about? They might even value having someone there to record them all having fun. To stop the action and record the moments when people aren’t feeling self-conscious, use an external flash (with a diffuser) if the occasion has low light, such as an indoor birthday celebration.
Ready to Click
The teenage years are when unique styles are frequently displayed, reflecting a teen’s developing personality. Teenagers won’t wear anything other than what THEY want to wear, so don’t try to force them to. Concerning setting pictures with formal clothing or ensembles, don’t. Just wear what you would typically wear or, perhaps, something a little different. Contrasting colors look bold and young; the wearer stands out wearing a leafy green backdrop and a polar t-shirt. A 200–300mm telephoto lens works best for this kind of picture. Pick a wide aperture for a blurred background by setting the mode dial to AV (Aperture Priority).