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As a portrait photographer, I welcome families with teenagers. I look at it as an opportunity to engage a young adult who is not running away from me at the beach as toddlers may do. Instead, I look for a line of communication that will inspire the teenager to humor me and his family in the often required portrait session. I have six suggestions to help make the portrait session a success.


1. Clothing: I have a clothing guideline for families where the suggestions apply to teenagers; however it’s important for them to also bring some of their favorite outfits. They’re at the age where their idea of the “traditional portrait” might not necessarily be in line their parent’s idea. It’s important to have clothing options.

2. Treat them like adults: Enter conversation to engage them in topics they are interested in. Are they involved with sports? Music? Computers? Reading? Find a common ground.

3. Engage them in an activity they enjoy: For beach photography, I often ask parents what sports their kids enjoy. Do they play football, baseball, or frisbee? Do they like to swim, boogie board or surf? Maybe they still like making huge sand castles. Find out what they like and have them bring along their toys. Any way I can get them to be engaged in an activity of their choice, I will probably be able make candid natural looking photographs.

4. The Shy or Unsmiling Teenager: Not every photograph has to have the subject looking at the camera or smiling. I love a pensive reflective look. There is always the imagined “GQ” pose for guys where a smile would be laughed at. I like to let them be themselves. Forced smiles never look good. Kids with braces can be too embarrassed and feel there non-smile look is best. Never force a “smile”. Candid photographs from the side can reveal the true personality too.

5. The Unexpected: Sometimes I ask them what they would like to do? This group of boys all jumped up in the air. They thought it was hilarious and it turned out to be a nice photograph as well. Do something unexpected. Ask for the ridiculous if necessary.

6. Speed: These kids are smart, keep things moving. Don’t linger long in one place or overwork one idea. They will lose interest fast.

The art of photographing teenagers requires grace and tact. These young adults are striving to have their own unique style and sense about the world. As a portrait photographer, I want to reveal who they are at this time in their lives. Their long hair, torn jeans, earrings and hobbies are part of their identity . It’s important to have fun together and create beautiful photographs with pleasant memories.
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The Holidays are fast approaching: President’s week, Spring Break, Easter and Passover. Families may be gathering to celebrate and it’s a great time for updating the family photographs. Sometimes, it’s the only time people are able to get together. As a family photographer, I know how important these times can be and having a professional photographer there to document it  can be invaluable. The sessions are often scheduled in the late afternoon when the light is soft and golden. Some families bring along beverages and snacks and make it a party-like atmosphere. I like to offer at least the following eight groupings:

1. The Whole Family Seated and Standing

2. The Grandparents with the Grandchildren

Family Reunion Photography, different groupings

3. All of the Grandchildren

4. Three or Four Generations: All the men, all the ladies.

5. The Grandparents. The Grandparents with their grown children as demonstrated below.

Family Reunion photography, different groupings.

6. Each Family Group

7. The Children of Each Family

8. Individuals of the Children. The children having fun together as a group.

Family Reunion Photographs, different groupings.

I am always open to different groupings and a client’s suggestions. If time permits, I like to add some candid photojournalistic photographs. It might be playing ball, running together on the beach, running through the water or roasting marshmallows around a campfire. It’s nice to have a mix of formal portraits and interactive photographs to tell the whole story. Creating heirloom family photographs that last beyond your lifetime are treasured forever.

For information on clothing for family reunion photographs, please refer to my former blog post at: http://bit.ly/11tYWCx

 

 
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When choosing what to where for a family portrait session, I suggest to my clients to think about making a “Bouquet of Flowers.” Since color harmony represents a pleasing balance of two or more colors, not everyone has to wear the exact same colored clothing. Once you choose your basic color, either use a monochromatic relationship varying the hues of that color, or a complimentary relationship of colors that balance each other out as in a flower arrangement. Below are three samples of color choices for family portraits.

Choosing clothing for a Family Portrait Session, like a bouquet of flowers.

Complimentary: The pink, green and white colors all complement each other. Even though different colors are used, the tonality is the same and the colors blend well.

Choosing clothing for a Family Portrait Session, like a bouquet of flowers.

Monochromatic: A lot of portraits I make are at the beach. Blues of any shade usually look great in the finished portrait. In this photograph, the people are wearing blue and white. The blue water and white foam adds to the harmony of the finished photograph.

Choosing clothing for a Family Portrait Session, like a bouquet of flowers!

Complimentary: The orange and green clothing complement each other. The dune grass in the background adds to the harmonious look with the chosen colored clothing.

Don’t forget that simple and plain work best so the focus is on the person’s face. Avoid stripes, patterns and bold logos. Lighter tones are better than darker for outdoor location portraits. Most of all, remember to relax and enjoy your time together as a family. The photographer will take care of the rest!