My Teenager

She just won't smile for me. Is this typical of teenagers? Just a few shots I got yesterday while trying to learn a bit of off camera flash.

Don't worry about her not smiling..she is still a beautiful young lady. Sometimes a pose without a smile can be just as nice. There are lots of serious poses that work just as well as a smile! Most of all...just keep her in front of the camera....she is very photogenic!

4 is great.

Very nice capture and expression, no smile needed.

Have you tried money or later curfew bribes in exchange for smiles.

Steve

WOW Sandy, she sure is grown up now... she's gorgeous.

Great captures, nice and sharp in the eyes... She seems to be a relaxed model, and does well in front of the camera... smiles or no smiles.... besides..I *think* I see a smile in #3.

She does seem relaxed. I have two teen daughters and they are stiff, won't smile, eye roll, sighs, hurry up Mom etc. I think that it's a teen thing.

Wow! Nice photos. You're lucky about the "not smiling" - my daughter always wants to do a "peace" sign with her fingers (as all Japanese girls do!) and if I say not to, her face becomes set into a false grin.

Back to the pictures though, have you thought about de-saturating a little? I'm in the office now (shhhh!!!!) so can't do any editing for you, but it would be interesting to see how her skin tones alter when the pigment is reduced a little.

There can be a problem with shooting your own kids. There's a dynamic that needs to be removed (parent/child) and its hard when the subject isn't interested. Sometimes you can get their friends in on the act, but most shoots are touch and go. Fortunately, my 15-year old understands photography and the shooting process, but I still need to get all of my settings ready beforehand so there's less in between shots. 'Course its easier when he's distracted...
http://dshootist.zenfo​lio.com/p845407852/hae​dacdb#haedacdb

Thank you all for your comments!