High School Senior Q . . .

I do not see anything on this when I search . . . I had a high school Senior contact me for Senior pics on her own. I gave her the full spiel of how I do things, etc. and I got, "When can you do the pictures?" I gave her options and I got a response like, "How about next month?" (No comment on my costs, location, etc.)

OK . . . This is a teenager and I wonder where her parents are?? Aren't parents the ones who usually arrange these things? I am not really comfortable with dealing with a teen directly (via email) who I have never even met. I wonder if she even realizes what the costs are and who would be responsible for paying me? Also, I can't go into a contract with a teen.

I wonder if anyone has a suggestion on how to tactfully ask her if a parent could contact me? Or should I just assume one is involved? Any feedback is welcome; I just want to deal with this correctly.

I would ask to talk to the parent or guardian directly on the phone...

Either teen is just being a typical teen, or something dodgy is going on.

Why can't you go into a contract with a teen? Assuming high school senior, she could be 18 - legal adult. All you have to do is ask for her ID; if she isn't 18, you can explain that the contract has to be with an adult, etc.

While many teens are immature and irresponsible, there are plenty who are the opposite. Additionally, there are plenty of parents who aren't involved at that age... As long as she brings money for booking/sitting fee I'd be shooting.

High School Senior photography has two markets - the teen and the parents. The photographer needs to be able to talk to both. There's nothing wrong with communicating directly with the teen. Why do you feel uncomfortable?

I don't do a whole lot of seniors, but most of them begin with a conversation initiated by the teen. You need to ask the right questions though. All of them talk to their parents about pricing, location, etc. Usually, I do talk with the parent to go over final details, but sometimes not. I also require a parent to be on location during the session.

I'm not uncomfortable except for the fact that I cannot enter a contract with a minor and I was getting very little feedback from her, even when I presented specific information and questions. Thankfully, I was able to contact an adult in her family and confirm the arrangement. I feel much better about what we are doing and I know that all the terms and costs are fully understood. Thanks for the feedback!

I would say 30-40% of our contacts come directly from the senior themselves. Honestly they can be the best clients (normally it means they choose what they want, and get it).

We always say that unless you are 18 your parent/guardian must be present during the shoot and to sign the contract, and we try to get their contact info as well to ask them if they have any additional questions, but its not uncommon for us at all to spend most of our time talking with the Senior themselves, and it works great.

If they are 18, we can and do deal with them directly.

I teach and most Seniors are not 18 this early in the school year so you need to watch that as far as contracts go. I also require a parent to shoot regardless of the age for Seniors but that's because some of them are students at my school and I aim to protect myself. I always get a picture of mom or dad with the Senior just in case.

I just always ask that a parent give me a call, to chat and give payment.

Great advice, everyone! I don't think I've dealt with an 18-year-old Senior (they have all been 17,) and an adult was always present/negotiating the shoot. I'm glad I checked in with her. I didn't even think about protection other than the contract but, yes, being alone with a minor if something happens -- good thought! I will clarify my policy right away. Thanks for the feedback!