Record all the proud moments of
graduation day with these simple photo tips and ideas.
Tell the story in pictures
Capture the little details of the day that-on their own-might not seem significant, but can help tell the
story. Here are some prime photo opportunities:
- 1. The anxious grad-to-be trying on their cap for the first
time
- 2. A favorite teacher beaming with pride on the sidelines
- 3. Nervous parents before the ceremony
- 4. A younger sibling fussing with their formal wear
The key is to take as many pictures as you
can. You want your photographs to take people back to a living,
breathing event, not a series of staged portraits. |
Get interesting angles
Great pictures are seldom snapped by shy
photographers. Don't be afraid: get the angle you need, where you
need it. Here are some tips to getting shots that stand out:
- 1. Get as close as possible to the stage without interfering with
the ceremony.
- 2. Take photographs from at least two different angles, for both
variety and optimum coverage.
- 3. Use a zoom to get closer without spoiling candid, heartfelt
moments.
- 4. Blurs aren't necessarily mistakes if they add visual drama.
Action shots are a strong way to convey the passage from childhood
to adulthood.
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Proper lighting
If the ceremony is taking place outside,
chances are you'll be dealing with the sun (though you may be gifted
with the wonderfully even light that only an overcast day can
provide).
- 1. On sunny days, plan your shots so that the sun is not directly
behind you (forcing your subject to squint) or your subject
(rendering the subject as a silhouette). Putting your camera in
flash mode will also remove some of harsh facial shadows if you're
within a few steps of your subject.
- 2. If the ceremony is indoors, a flash will only have a range of
about 10 feet, so get close to avoid dark or blurry
photos.
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Ceremony tips
Most schools hire professional
photographers to snap the actual handing over of diplomas. If this
is the case with your graduate's day, then this allows you to get
creative:
- 1. To make those flowing robes look extra majestic, try crouching
down and looking up at your subject.
- 2. To capture that ultimate graduation day moment-the dozens of
caps tossed in the air by ecstatic graduates—get to the highest
point, or look for something to stand on top of (a chair, a car,
etc.).
- 3. Use the half-press shutter technique to avoid shutter lag and
gain more control over focus.
- 4. Aim camera at subject and use the half-press technique to
avoid shutter lag.
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Group portraits
When taking group photos, be especially
wary of busy backgrounds that compete with your subjects. You also
want a background that roots the photo in the rich context of the
event (a school statue or campus landmark, etc.).
Getting everyone to look in the right direction-with
their eyes open-is difficult. To ensure a gem, take multiple photos
quickly. This also allows your subjects to get comfortable with the
camera. Here are some approaches to try:
- 1. Take head and shoulder shots.
- 2. Get the group to lean their heads in close.
- 3. Place the graduate in the middle of the group.
- 4. Have everyone raise their chins a little for a more flattering
picture.
- 5. Have fun and so will your subjects.
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