Hurter - Best of teen and senior portrait photography techniques and images for digital photographers

A NOTE FROM THE AUTHOR

As I began to research this book, I became acquainted with many wonderful photographers who concentrate primarily on senior portraiture. They are a specialized group and, like the people they photograph, they tend to be animated and full of life. They are also (thankfully!) willing to share the many secrets of fine senior photography. I wish to thank the many fine teen and senior photographersand new friendswho have participated in this book. Without their help, it would not have been possible.

Copyright 2012 by Bill Hurter.

All rights reserved.

Front cover photograph by: Frank Frost.

Back cover photograph by: Mark Bryant.

Published by:

Amherst Media, Inc.

P.O. Box 586

Buffalo, N.Y. 14226

Fax: 716-874-4508

www.AmherstMedia.com

Publisher: Craig Alesse

Senior Editor/Production Manager: Michelle Perkins

Assistant Editor: Barbara A. Lynch-Johnt

Editorial Assistance from: Carey A. Miller, Sally Jarzab, John S. Loder

Business Manager: Adam Richards

Marketing, Sales, and Promotion Manager: Kate Neaverth

Warehouse and Fulfillment Manager: Roger Singo

ISBN-13: 978-1-60895-480-3

Library of Congress Control Number: 2011942800

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopied, recorded or otherwise, without prior written consent from the publisher.

Notice of Disclaimer: The information contained in this book is based on the authors experience and opinions. The author and publisher will not be held liable for the use or misuse of the information in this book.

Check out Amherst Medias blogs at: http://portrait-photographer.blogspot.com/

http://weddingphotographer-amherstmedia.blogspot.com/

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Photograph by Sam Sciarrino.

Photograph by TriCoast Photography.

Photograph by Fuzzy Duenkel.

S enior-age kids are at (or near) the pinnacle of their physical attractiveness. At the same time, seniors are at an age of transition. They often have boyfriends or girlfriends, they are considering colleges or careers, and theyre often thinking about leaving homeall of which can make for a very confusing time of life. A portrait made at this stage of their lives is a valuable heirloom because they will never look or act quite like this again.

The art of senior portraiture has evolved to new standards of excellence. Tim Kelly created this elegant, contemporary look by combining formal and casual elements.

Todays teens often like to be photographed in an urban atmosphere. This portrait by Nick Adams was taken in an alley, but it still exhibits the hallmarks of good posing.

Reaching far beyond traditional yearbook shots, todays senior studios offer high-end, hip, upscale senior sittings that allow kids to be photographed with their favorite things and in their favorite locations. For instance, the seniors car, usually a treasured possession, is a prime prop for these sessions. Often senior sessions will also involve the subjects friends and favorite haunts. Senior girls often choose to be photographed in a high-fashion stylesometimes wearing something pretty provocative. This is all part of the process of expressing their individuality and becoming an adult. Instead of resisting it, smart photographers now cater to it. (Of course, yearbook shoots are still a component of senior portraiture; see for how these are being handled in todays market.)

For those photographers who want to build their businesses around senior photography, there are a number of essential skills to master. These skills will be covered in detail through this book, but lets consider just a few factors here.

. Teens will respond most favorably if the session is funbut not in some phony way that feels contrived. Be yourself, but be excited and get them engaged. Ask them about their lives, their hobbies, their likes and dislikes. Try to get them to open up, but be prepared for teens who are introspective and moody. It can take all of your social skills and patience to bring these kids out of their shells.

. Accept that you may have to be less in control in a senior setting than with other children. Teens want to feel that they have control, particularly over their own image. You should suggest possibilities and, above all, provide reassurance and reinforcement that they look great. This age group knows what they want, and its up to you to provide it.

Your enthusiasm will be reflected in the way your senior is animated in front of the camera. Melanie Anderson captured the sheer fun of the photo session in this beautiful high-key portrait.

Great senior portraiture, especially of girls, often has an aspect of glamour. Larry Peters used a carefully feathered main light to produce this beautiful portrait.

Teens love to be photographed with their favorite things. Nick Adams photographed this girl with her little pet bird. From the red bird to the orange door to the bright blue jacket, this image is ablaze with color.

Tim Kelly carefully chooses props that are simple and not distracting. The result is that the prop is almost invisible, forcing the eye to engulf the subject.

. As with any good portrait sitting, the aim is to show the different sides of the subjects personality. Youll need strategies for showing their fun side as well as their serious side. In many cases, this will require you to work with teens in different styles of clothing (including everything from prom gowns, to tee-shirts, to sports uniforms), at locations that reflect the seniors personality, and with meaningful props (from footballs, to musical instruments, to cars).

puts on one of their CDs and the kids relax and start enjoying the experience, which is more than half the battle.

. When a senior looks through their proofs, they expect to see a variety of poses and looks. Smart professionals offer a selection of in-studio images and outdoor portraitsand often a few shots with the teens session companions. If the senior took the trouble to bring along some of his or her favorite things, be sure to include images that feature them.