Adrienne Salinger on Returning to Her Groundbreaking Photo Series, Teenagers in Their Bedrooms
As her iconic photobook is expanded and reissued, we spoke to Adrienne about the images that captured teenagers in their most personal spaces, telling stories that resonate universally.
The Impact of Teenagers in Their Bedrooms
Growing up as a teenager on Tumblr, it was nearly impossible to miss Adrienne Salinger’s renowned Teenagers In Their Bedrooms photo series. These photographs show ordinary teens in bedrooms filled with music, film, and celebrity memorabilia—a place where many saw themselves reflected.
Originally published in 1995, the book serves as a portal into the 1980s and early 1990s, placing the viewer inside a young person’s intimate sanctuary. This is where teens would sleep, smoke, daydream about crushes, play guitar, talk on the phone, and express themselves through their cultural surroundings.
Intimacy and Honesty Behind the Lens
Adrienne captured more than just images; she gained access to secrets, hopes, anxieties, and personal stories from the teenagers she photographed. She “paid attention to the way people don’t pay attention,” capturing moments of raw honesty.
“Even if people thought I was ‘fucking nuts,’ I had to bypass social norms to photograph teenagers in their most honest moments.”
Contrasts with Modern Youth Culture
Today, attempting to understand youth culture intimately is complicated by the millions of screens broadcasting teens via livestreams, TikTok dances, and vlogs. In contrast, Adrienne's approach in the 80s required building trust to reveal genuine personal stories.
Legacy and Relevance
The series remains a poignant reminder of teenage life’s complexity and universality, creating a timeless connection to youth’s private worlds.
“My work created a wormhole not just to the ‘80s and early ‘90s, but into the sacred spaces where teens expressed themselves fully.”
Author's summary: Adrienne Salinger’s intimate portraits reveal the authentic, untold stories of teenagers in their bedrooms, highlighting a timeless glimpse into youth culture before the digital age.