Senior Photo Shoot From Hell...

[Maggie_M]

Or how to avoid one?

Well it was bound to happen, I've been asked to do a senior portrait for a friends son, I hope I don't live to regret it!

We are doing it later this afternoon, she just called to warn me that he really doesn't want to pose for a photograph and will only give me 15 minutes of his time (I'm thinking that should be enough time). I am not a portrait photographer, I'm only doing this as a favor and I need some advice as to how to make this kid (whom I've never met) comfortable with me and the camera.

Any and all suggestions appreciated!

On the flip side her 12 year old daughter is excited about a portrait and is glamming herself up for my arrival! LOL

[Murray Warner]

Do a few fun shots with him.....making faces etc and show them to him on his computer then the serious pose

[Photologyst]

Originally Posted by Maggie_M

Or how to avoid one?

Well it was bound to happen, I've been asked to do a senior portrait for a friends son, I hope I don't live to regret it!

We are doing it later this afternoon, she just called to warn me that he really doesn't want to pose for a photograph and will only give me 15 minutes of his time (I'm thinking that should be enough time). I am not a portrait photographer, I'm only doing this as a favor and I need some advice as to how to make this kid (whom I've never met) comfortable with me and the camera.

Any and all suggestions appreciated!

On the flip side her 12 year old daughter is excited about a portrait and is glamming herself up for my arrival! LOL

A favor, huh?

Having done my duty to God and country in the reproduction department, I am not sure that I would placate a recalcitrant teen.

I would probably say something like: “Look, I don’t like being here any more than you do. I only have half an hour. Let’s just get this over with and get your mom off our backs.” Perhaps that would get him on your side? If not, take photos of him making faces and forget about it.

[TheDarkReaver]

Originally Posted by Murray Warner

Do a few fun shots with him.....making faces etc and show them to him on his computer then the serious pose

That's not going to work on a teenager, especially one that doesn't want to be there.

[Maggie_M]

I think that part of the issue is Mom wants him all buttoned down and spit shined for his senior photos. I'm going to suggest that we do what Mom wants first then we can do what he wants, no matter how outrageous (within limits of course). Hopefully that will work and we can both have some fun!

[Jim Bryant]

Originally Posted by Maggie_M

I think that part of the issue is Mom wants him all buttoned down and spit shined for his senior photos. I'm going to suggest that we do what Mom wants first then we can do what he wants, no matter how outrageous (within limits of course). Hopefully that will work and we can both have some fun!

Only 15 minutes -- I'd tell him to go to a photobooth.

[Photologyst]

Originally Posted by Maggie_M

I think that part of the issue is Mom wants him all buttoned down and spit shined for his senior photos. I'm going to suggest that we do what Mom wants first then we can do what he wants, no matter how outrageous (within limits of course). Hopefully that will work and we can both have some fun!

Good luck with that.

Nowadays, too many teens are so uncooperative, so hostile to everything, all too often until they are past thirty, why would anyone want to bother?

Besides, adults do not dress, so why should teens?

I wish you success and fun!

Let us know how it comes out and post your shots.

[Maggie_M]

Originally Posted by Photologyst

Nowadays, too many teens are so uncooperative, so hostile to everything, all too often until they are past thirty, why would anyone want to bother?

Yes, I know...That's why I prefer to shoot things that don't talk back!

I'll update with photos later...good or bad!

I'm on my way....yikes!

[Jim Poor]

Who is doing a favor for whom?

Wow, good luck. Let us know how it goes. Or, if it's not too late, call back and say "Sorry, I don't work under those constraints.

[vegepunkstr]

You just have to get him to feel comfortable so ask him if he has a girl friend in a teasing way or see if he is into any sports and get him talking. If its something he likes you are more likely to get a smile out of him.