Preparing Your Teen for Picture Day
Fine art picture day for high schoolers is a little different than the traditional “stand here and smile” school photos many of us remember. The goal isn’t perfection or a forced grin—it’s to capture your teen as they are in this season: confident, thoughtful, reserved, expressive, or somewhere in between.
A little preparation can help picture day feel easy and low-pressure.
Set Expectations (Without the Pressure)
Teens don’t usually love being told what to do in front of a camera, and that’s okay. Let them know the photographer will guide them and that they don’t need to perform or smile on cue. A little reverse psychology here might actually work! LOL!
Helpful ways to frame it:
“Just be yourself! no fake smiles required.”
“You don’t have to do anything special.”
“It’s quick and pretty relaxed.”
Knowing there’s no pressure helps teens show up more comfortably with less stress.
Choose Clothing That Feels Like Them
The best portraits happen when teens feel confident in what they’re wearing. Theres enough insecurity as it is being a teenager and getting photographed can make teens anxious about those insecurties! Help them choose outfits that they feel good in and reflect who they are. A genuine compliment as they head out the door in the morning can go a long ways too!!
Suggestions:
Neutral or muted colors photograph beautifully
Avoid large logos, bold graphics, or text
Simple layers (jackets, sweaters, button-ups) add interest
Choose outfits they already feel good wearing
If they wouldn’t normally wear it, picture day probably isn’t the day to start.
Keep Hair & Makeup Natural
Fine art portraits are meant to feel timeless, not trendy.
Hair styled the way they usually wear it works best
Avoid trying a brand-new haircut or color right before picture day
Light, natural makeup (or none at all) photographs beautifully
The goal isn’t to look “done up”—it’s to look like themselves.
I am always over the moon when I capture a teenager laughing!
Rest Still Matters
Even for teens, sleep and food make a difference.
A decent night’s sleep helps avoid tired eyes
Eating beforehand helps with energy and mood
A little downtime before school can help them feel grounded
Trust the Process
Not every high schooler wants to smile—and that’s completely okay. Calm expressions, serious looks, and subtle smiles often create the most powerful portraits.
Fine art photography leaves room for personality. There’s no right way to look, no perfect expression, and no need to pretend.