Shooting 15 y/o's

I was today approached by two 15 y/o girls by email. They had seen that I am looking for models for my photography portfolio and would like to volunteer (I'll be doing TFCD stuff). Like every other kid nowaday, they dream of becoming models (eh, I wanted to work within journalism, pr and advertising at that age!).

They sent pics of themselves and I wrote to them that I wouldn't mind taking shots of them, but only if I get their parents written permission. One girl said that her mom had been the one approving that she emailed me in the first place so said signature wouldn't be a problem. Naturally I would call and preferably meet the mom beforehand to make sure the girls aren't lying about permission. In Sweden it IS legal for a 15 y/o to sign her own model release, as long as she understands what exactly it all entails and means. But better be safe than sorry.

Now, both look very young, especially one of the girls. If they both want to become models I got a feeling they'll be trying out all these poses they've seen in mags and Top Model. I want to shoot regular portraits, but also try out some light fashion stuff, but I really don't want to make these girls look oversexed etc. That'd feel weird to me.
So, any ideas for how to shoot 15y/o'?

I'd avoid it unless their parents are present throughout the shoot, or you know their parents really really well.

I don't know what the law is like in your part of the world, but I'm pretty sure you will come off the worst if things go to pot.

Claire wrote in post #4922562
So, any ideas for how to shoot 15y/o'?

However you want as long as it's legal!


I photographed a 15 year old in-law (same wannabe a model backstory) last year and both she and her mother (who was there and signed a contract & paid for the shoot and all that) were willing to do some sexy stuff. I tried but it made me laugh (on the inside of course) so I made it more like a senior high school portrait type session than anything else. She was cute but didn't have the "look" for sexy yet.

So really it's just a matter of having parental consent and being comfortable with it. Don't do it without consent...and keep the parent nearby.

As for poses - they don't matter much. It's how much clothing they remove that counts more than anything these days. Just don't be blatant about it....don't have 'em on all fours with their butts up facing the camera. Wait till they're 18 for that.

Sweden don't have people suing each other right and left (thank god!) and overall I think that parents are as protective as in the US. This is both a good and bad thing in my opinion though. I doubt the parent will be there, but I think I might at least ask to meet the kids with their moms for a coffee beforehand, or for the first session.

Hm, as a senior session. Not a bad idea. Now I have to search for senior shots... But seriously, one of the girls look VERY young in her face. So probably will try to stick with innocent portraits.

She was my first portrait session so don't judge on quality. Just style, if even that.


www.cdifoto.com/marand​a

That's pretty much what a senior portrait session is like in the USA, only better when the photog has a clue.

The best way is to find a real modeling agency and ask them what shots need to be in a teen modeling portfolio and zed card. This will usually be a head shot, couple of fashion shots (formal/informal), parts shot (hand, neck, or foot), and possible a swim suit shot. They will have guidelines on poses more than likely. Agency models tend to be more respected and better paid than OMP/MM/MySpace models. This will give you very clear guides in posing and clothing.

Most importantly, have an responsible chaperon present. Nothing will kill your career or rep faster than a pissed off teen female who wanted her pictures to look like a certain insane pop star's and they weren't. I was lucky the first time and always had a reliable chaperon after that.

cdifoto: Good stuff. Bit confused on the tree shot. Most girls don't climb trees The most important thing is, did she like them? Beauty is in the eye of the checkbook holder.

Yeah she was pretty cool in that regard. She'd do just about anything. I jokingly dared her to walk out on it and to my surprise she actually did. A few of the pics won her some regional (or state I'm not sure which) modeling awards so yeah she liked 'em.

What you mean "most girls don't climb trees"?! I will let you know that climbing trees was the most fun thing on earth when I was a kid! And my other female friends has told me they loved it too, we still do! Not sure my mom liked it as much as I always broke my stockings when climbing trees... hehe

I don't think a chaperone will be necessary, but I might still do it for the first shoot. Might be good to have the mom there just to say hello and pick up. But not sure for the whole time, as I got a feeling the girls would feel awkward.

Maranda's mom usually stayed off a ways but in the vicinity. She'd stay in the car or sit on a bench or something and read a book. Not close enough to make Maranda feel awkward but within shouting distance if we needed her.

Sounds like a good arrangement cdifoto. I'd like that.