My teen has been expressing frustration recently that he doesn't photograph well. He doesn't in general have an issue with eye contact but has developed a complex about not taking good pictures...he is the kid whose eyes are closed or who is looking in the opposite direction of the camera. I was wondering if there were photographers who worked with kids with autism that I could ask. It comes up because he is asked to provide pictures for this or that, and "there are no good pictures of me."
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10-14-2021 #1
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helping a teen be happier being photographed
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10-14-2021 #2
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My kids both struggle with this. I try to reinforce how it feels when they smile naturally. We practice ahead of time for school pictures. I let them wear what they are comfortable in/ want to wear (within dress code) and we practice thinking of things that make them genuinely happy/laugh. So when they hear "smile" their brain triggers the happy memory to get a more natural smile. I also encourage them to practice in the mirror. Sometimes the muscle memory of what it feels like when they like what they look like helps.
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Mama to DS1 Punkin (2/04) and DS2 Boo (1/09)
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10-14-2021 #3
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No btdt but if it were my kid, I would mark off a time each week (just 15 min or so) and get outside to take some pics. Practice. Practice him smiling in response to you asking him to,thinking of something funny or pleasant to smile about, him looking in the right direction, etc. Take some pics and let him choose which he likes best. I bet his confidence will grow when he sees some good results.
K
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10-14-2021 #4
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This is what I'd do too. I'd make sure to make it fun/funny. My kids would respond to taking pictures of ME and trying to make them as unattractive as possible.
Originally Posted by KpbS
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10-14-2021 #5
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Honestly I feel not everyone is comfortable posing for a picture, but it’s the photographers skill that can bring out the best expressions. This video has some simple tips https://youtu.be/hrPB6tKnGHI
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10-14-2021 #6
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Thanks, that's a good idea. We'll do that. Originally Posted by KpbS
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10-14-2021 #7
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We're talking about pictures taken by friends and family with iPhones, so maybe I should just find a photographer to work with him. Originally Posted by Myira
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10-14-2021 #8
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Well, I felt some of those tips would help for pics taken by friends and family. I was able to mention some of her tips like look down take a breath with my kids and it helped reset the fake smile Originally Posted by Reader
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10-17-2021 #9
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In our case a professional photographer would make things worse.... We have BTDT. I PM's you
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10-18-2021 #10
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Have you taken a look at the senior picture thread? Some of those ideas may help with your teen. Leaning against something. Looking off into the distance (on purpose). Sitting & leaning forward with elbows on knees. All instead of a standard "headshot" style photograph.
-Kris
DS (9/05)
DD (8/08)
DD (9/12)
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