The first time I remember being moved by a photograph I was 12 years old and had been gifted a copy of Sally Mann’s brilliant At Twelve (Aperture, 1988).
I was completely drawn in by the stories that her images told, but I had no idea how she was able to portray so much information in a single picture. The book left me fascinated with both the art of photography and the idea that anyone cared about what it felt like to be on the verge of adolescence.
All these years later as a working photographer, my enchantment with the ages we’ve come to call the tween years (typically considered ages 9 through 12) continues. As photographic subjects — and human beings — tweens are infinitely complex. No longer children and not yet adults, they’re faced with extreme changes to their bodies on what to them can feel like a daily basis.
As difficult as it surely is to live through (or parent) the minefield of moods and unpredictable soup of emotions that are natural during these years, it’s equally compelling as subject matter for photographers looking to capture this time in someone’s life. But tasked with making an authentic portrait of someone going through all of this can be daunting.
If you’ve ever been excited to have a client inquiry come in just to feel your heart sink a little when you learned the session was to include the family’s 11-year–old son or 12-year-old daughter, you’re not alone. In my experience, a little understanding of what’s happening with kids during these years, coupled with some specific age-appropriate strategies will go a long way toward making memorable portraits. Here are some things I’ve learned over the past 5 years — through both photographing tweens as well as parenting one.
1. Bring understanding
The first thing you’ll undoubtedly notice when working with this age group is their almost universally heightened sense of self-consciousness. Being sensitive to this will not only aid in making a connection with your subject, but will also help you create a comfortable environment to work in.
2. Privacy
Whenever possible and appropriate: Photograph your subject with no one watching. You’ll find the level of self-consciousness will decrease significantly without mom, dad or siblings watching.
3. Use communication
I always start with my camera packed away. I spend time asking questions about personal interests. While I don’t typically use props in my sessions, with tweens, I’m happy to incorporate items from their lives that help tell their stories. A musician will naturally loosen up when engaged in musical activity, as will a dancer when demonstrating her moves.
4. Consider environment
My favorite way to photograph tweens is in their room. So much of their story is evident in their own surroundings. Teddy bears, teen heartthrob posters and sports trophies speak volumes. Of course, as with any other image, you’ll want to remove unwanted distractions (dirty laundry or large obstructions) but I specifically ask for personal items not to be removed.
5. Be reasonable
I try very hard not to make unreasonable requests. If you ask your subject to “look happy,” you’ll end up with a very forced smile. It’s much more organic to allow them to bring their own expressions. Your final result will be much more authentic.
6. Give input
While you may not be asking for smiles, you will absolutely need to direct your subject. Do not leave them hanging — not knowing what to do. Reassurance up front that you’ll be doing this will go a long way toward assuaging their initial uneasiness. While I don’t usually offer this up as an option to a client, with tweens, I find that showing them the images on the back of the camera can help reassure them that you’re making images that flatter them and you’re not going to embarrass them.
7. Get input
Ask if they have any ideas. I’m constantly surprised by the creative concepts kids will come up with but won’t share unless directly asked. This will also help to develop trust and create rapport.
8. Back off
Know when to say when. Enough said. Photographing tweens can present a challenge, but if you go into your session armed with a little empathy and flexibility, you can make a portrait that tells the story of who they are at this moment in their lives.
Really, really great guidance for anyone who might be shy but particularly this unique age group! And the suggestion about personal items, from music to dance to chipped nail polish captures the whole point of portraits to begin with. Here is who the person is today.