Photographer Ben Pier puts his documentary photography education to brilliant effect in his new photobook 'Teenage Teeth,' a powerful demonstration of teenage photography.
Instead of glossing over teenagers' imperfections, Pier leaves them as they are, showing viewers what it's really like to be a teenager. None of his subjects has movie star good looks, but they are all beautiful people. That's what Pier is trying to show through 'Teenage Teeth' -- that imperfection can be beautiful.
Some of the most striking photographs in this collection depict teenagers when they're alone, creating a melancholy feeling. One photo in particular, titled 'Megan in the Afternoon,' leaves the viewer with a feeling of loneliness. The photograph shows a young girl curled up on a bed in a darkened room, staring off into the distance. Her isolation, combined with her defensive pose, leads to a separatist atmosphere.
Ben Pier is definitely one of the most exciting documentary photographers out there. After seeing 'Teenage Teeth,' it's easy to see that his career is only just beginning.
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Realistic Teenage Photography
- Photographers could adopt Ben Pier's approach of portraying teenagers as they are, embracing their imperfections rather than seeking idealized beauty standards.
- Melancholy Photography
- Photographers could take inspiration from Ben Pier's approach of capturing teenagers in their alone time, evoking feelings of loneliness and melancholy.
- Youth Representation in Photography
- Photographers could examine representation of youth in media and explore the potential of more authentic portrayals of teenagers that reflect their everyday experiences.
Where This Applies
- Photography
- Photography industry professionals could consider incorporating the trend of realistic, authentic portrayals of subjects as a way to differentiate their work and appeal to clients seeking more honest depictions of reality.
- Publishing
- Publishing industry professionals could explore the potential of featuring more realistic and authentic portrayals of youth and teenagers in their publications as a way to appeal to more diverse audiences.
- Fashion
- Fashion industry professionals could consider embracing more diverse and inclusive beauty standards by showcasing models with unique features and imperfections and expanding the definition of what is considered 'beautiful.'
