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8 Unique Portrait Ideas for your Teenager


Teen portraits are becoming a thing. Much like Prom has reached this side of the water, the ever popular teenage portrait industry that has swept across North America is coming to the UK too. And why not? This is an important milestone in our children's lives. I for one want to capture this time in my child's life and I suspect I'm not alone here. They have strong personalities, they have hobbies and interests worth documenting and they might not be living at home for much longer.

In this blog post I am sharing some of the teen portraits I've created in recent years to hopefully inspire families with kids of this age to come in and have some done for themselves. The possibilities with this age group are so vast I can't help get a little excited for each shoot I do.

1. Dance

Lots of people are involved in dance or performing arts of some sort and for those involved, creating something that relates to their interests will provide a lasting memory and valuable keepsake for later in life.  And with something such as dance or performing arts, there is so much scope to truly creative. 





2. Musical Instrument

Musical instruments make for great props in a portrait and often the teen posing with their instrument is more comfortable than if simply asked to smile for the camera. Here they can be preoccupied with something they feel at home with making a great chance for some truly natural expressions and again a wonderful memory of who they are at this stage of their lives. What a great memory to be able to look back on and share with their own children one day.




3. Sports

Any sport is a great thing to include.. Again, much like dance and a musical instrument, these are portraits about them rather than just of them which to me makes them so much more valuable. And just like dance and music, this gives them something to do making them less self conscious and helps them to enjoy their session.  


4. Prom

Prom is becoming quite the thing in this country now. Where it was once something only the American's participated in it is now something we see getting bigger and bigger over here too. Whether they are 14, 16 or 18, teens are participating in an end of year party that is becoming quite an elaborate affair. With hair, makeup, expensive dresses and suits it makes the perfect opportunity for some special portraits. And you'd be surprised how excited these teens are to have another opportunity to wear their special outfits. For the girls, if they have arranged a hair or makeup trial prior to the event its a great idea to book their session on the same day to make use of being all done up.


5. Classic Portraits

During each session I also always create a few classic portraits so we can capture a more simple image. 


6. A Fashion Portrait

When working with teens its really quite easy to create something like looks quite fashion like. With such young and fresh faces and often a strong interest in makeup and clothes they love the opportunity to play model for the day. And this isn't limited to just girls either. Boys have been loving the chance to wear their suit and have quite sophisticated portraits created. I've used Vanity Fair for my inspiration in some and its proving quite popular. 


7. Editorial

In some cases teens aren't into anything specific that would make for a great portrait. This is when I can be a little creative to come up with something that suits them. I personally love the idea of including a phone in shots like these since I hardly ever see my daughter without hers and I know I'm not the only one with a child like this. In years to come I'll enjoy reminding her of this. 




8. Outdoor

I have recently started using my garden for shoots, still incorporating my studio lights so the quality and overall feel remains the same. However this does give a whole new look and style to my portraits. This is proving popular which is giving me great incentive to cultivate our garden with shoots in mind. This year already I've planted camillias, roses and hydranga. It will of course take a a little while for these plants to become useful backdrops. I'm really looking forward to that though. 


In America these shoots are called Seniors sessions and they are called that because they take place in the senior year of a student's life. Its the year the graduate and the year before they head off to college or university. I'd like to see that happen here, which typically happens either at 16 or 18.

If this is of interest to you please get in touch. We can arrange a consultation so we can meet in person and discuss ideas. There is no obligation to book at this point but its a good opportunity to see the products I offer and come up with some possible ideas of what we can create.

If you wish to get in touch please do so using any of the following contact details:

Email: christina@christinalauderportraits.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/christinalauderportraits
Instagram: www.instagram.com/christinalauderportraits
Website: www.christinalauderportraits.com
Phone: 01455 233247

I am so looking forward to the wonderful portraits I will create.
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