I think we can all agree that taking pictures of teenage boys can be a struggle. Ego is big at that age & the “I have to be cool/tough” mentality is in full swing. It can feel like pulling teeth (pun intended) just to get them to show their teeth when smiling. Luckily, I have found a few ways that have helped me get those handsome seniors to actually smile a real smile. 

Now I'm not saying EVERY teenage boy is like this. There are some out there that are very sweet & easy to work with. Even so, these ways will work on anybody! What it's really about is connecting with someone in a way that makes you both comfortable and at ease during this picture taking process. Everyone struggles at some point being uncomfortable in front of the camera. It's a natural tendency. There's a way you can connect with someone that can almost make it feel like that camera is not even there. That's when you get genuine smiles & laughs. 

Get to Know Him

Before you even start clicking a button, take a moment to get to know this senior. What are his likes? His interests? Does he play any sports? Does he have plans for after high school? Dive more into those plans if you'd like. The more he feels like you understand him or know about him, the more at ease he will feel. Don't make it an interrogation though. It can be a lot of questions but just ask them in a way that makes him feel like you actually care.

This can take a few minutes, which is okay! If you have to walk a little ways, ask him questions while you walk. Make it a natural flow. The more you learn about him the more questions you may have. Ask them during the whole session if you'd like. But also make sure you're not taking pictures of him while he's talking. Those will not turn out to be flattering. 

Go Somewhere Without Mom or Dad

It’s totally acceptable to have mom or dad there during the shoot. They can help with breaking the ice between you and the senior. However, it can turn into a visit session between the adults if you’re not careful. Too much may make the senior feel unimportant or second pick. The reason you are there is literally to make the senior the center of attention. 

My suggestion is to go somewhere with this senior that’s close by & just the two of you. He may appreciate that you are treating him more as an adult vs a kid. Mom and dad are still close by but your attention isn’t focused on talking to them. Your attention is more fully on the senior and getting a great shot of him.

Make Jokes!

Last but not least, say something that will make him smile! Does he have a girlfriend? Make a joke in reference to how much she will like these pictures of him. Tell him how good he looks, etc. Being a photographer also means being a comedian at times. You have to be creative and say things that will make people laugh. Sometimes it can be a little awkward but the more you practice the better you will get. 

Getting to know him, going somewhere without mom or dad, and making him laugh are a few ways to make it a memorable photoshoot. You only get senior pictures done once and boys tend to dislike getting their picture taken. Implementing these techniques will give him fond pictures to look back on and be grateful they had you as their photographer.