tips for photographing young teenagers?

[50 Proof]

My fiance tutors a couple of pre-teenagers, a brother and a sister. They are in 7th and 8th grade. Their parents want me to photograph their kids really bad. I believe they are looking for a park type of setting with nothing too posed.

First, are there any tips or recommendations you can give me in regards to the actual photo shoot and equipment? What time of day would be best? A couple of hours before sunset? My experience with off camera lighting is minimal so should I stick to natural lighting for now? I'm shooting with a 40D, I have one Nikon SB-28 speedlight, and my lenses include an EF-S 10-22, 35mm f/2, 50mm f/1.4, and an EF-S-17-85. I was thinking about using the 35mm or the 50mm. What do you think?

Any tips and recommendations you can give me would be much appreciated. Thanks

[SusanH1970]

Hi Corey, welcome to DPS!

I put together a small list of tips not too long ago. They can be found in this thread: First Portrait Session

That can be a tough age to photograph. Try to find out in advance what their interests are (sports, hobbies, music, etc.). Talk to them, ask them questions about it - it'll help them relax, and if they're enjoying themselves as you shoot, you'll get more natural smiles.

I'd use the 50mm for quite a few of the shots, but if you don't want to be in their faces so much, you could use the 17-85.

Good luck!

[50 Proof]

I had a post typed out but something happened and it timed out. Thank you for the link and the suggestions. I think I'll stick with the 50mm and bring the 17-85 to keep my options open.