# Melancholic Unfiltered Teenager Photography Ben Pier Captures Real Youth in 'Teenage Teeth' By | Published 2013-06-14 | Life-Stages Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teenager-photo References: [lifelounge.au](http://www.lifelounge.com.au/photography/news/the-photography-of-ben-pier.aspx) & [benpier](http://www.benpier.com/) Photographer Ben Pier puts his [documentary photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-last-resort-exhibition) education to brilliant effect in his new photobook 'Teenage Teeth,' a powerful demonstration of [teenage photography](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/teen-line). 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. ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 6.4/10 - Popularity: 96% | Activity: 89% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 30% men, 70% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial - Top markets: North America ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Life-Stages](https://www.trendhunter.com/life-stages) > [Youth](https://www.trendhunter.com/youth) ## Key Themes ### 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.' ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Skateboard-Themed Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/rabbit-hole-1.md) - [Personal Nostalgic Photo Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/holy-ohio.md) - [Unique Artistic Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/amusebouche.md) - [Hipster Era Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/the-cobrasnake-y2ks-archive.md) - [Unretouched Photography Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dove-reimagine-beauty.md) - [Imperfect Photography Celebrations](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/nonnas-cam.md) - [Girlhood-Inspired Clothing Drops](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/peachy-dens-sweet-cheeks.md) - [Surfing-Focused Books](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/raymond-pettibon-1.md) - [Public Art Displays](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/paul-anthony-smith.md)