Growth and Maturation in the Middle to Late Teen Years

Growth and Maturation in the Middle to Late Teen Years


The amount of growth and change that occurs in the first two years of life is remarkable. Capturing those changes for posterity is a viable and often lucrative market for portrait photographers. Many studios have established programs where babies are photographed every few months--creating a cherished baby album for the family--and eventually the child--to enjoy for years to come.

Senior portraits, on the other hand, are at the opposite end of childhood. Senior portraits are a snapshot in time that documents the transition from childhood to adulthood. There is, however, a critical period of time that falls between these extremes, albeit more towards the “senior” end of the timeline.

I have always like working with teenagers. I’ve worked with them as a school psychologist and as a photographer. The changes that occur in the mid to late teen years affect every aspect of the young person’s life. I have been fascinated by the changes in the way teenagers think and understand their worlds for as long as I’ve been in psychology (long time!) However, we have the opportunity as photographers to document the changes as they grow from children to young adults. I’ve had the pleasure of watching many youngsters grow up right in front of my camera.

One of the most dramatic examples comes from my work with Cassie Ann. I’ve worked with Cassie four times over about one and half years. She changed dramatically with each shoot from a pretty kid to a beautiful young lady--right in front of my lens.














(Cassie with Sam Chung)

















(Cassie with Serena)























































Cassie is also a very professional and friendly model. Drop me a note if you want to work with her and I will pass your information on to her. (Hair and Make-up for Fruits and Harajuku Girls was done by Toni Farley and Tiffany Pestana-Breaux)