Be sure to capture the little details like special ribbons.
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:
The anxious grad-to-be trying on their cap for the first time
A favorite teacher beaming with pride on the sidelines
Nervous parents before the ceremony
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.
Play with angles, perspectives, and other creative ways to visually represent the emotion of the event.
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:
Get as close as possible to the stage without interfering with the ceremony.
Take photographs from at least two different angles, for both variety and optimum coverage.
Use a zoom to get closer without spoiling candid, heartfelt moments.
Blurs aren't necessarily mistakes if they add visual drama. Action shots are a strong way to convey
the passage from childhood to adulthood.
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).
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.
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.
Use the half-press shutter technique to capture action.
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:
To make those flowing robes look extra majestic, try crouching down and looking up at your subject.
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.).
Use the half-press shutter technique to avoid shutter lag and gain more control over focus.
Aim camera at subject and use the half-press technique to avoid shutter lag:
Create a relaxed atmosphere when taking 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:
Take head and shoulder shots.
Get the group to lean their heads in close.
Place the graduate in the middle of the group.
Have everyone raise their chins a little for a more flattering picture.
Be aware of other photographers that might divert your group' attention.
Use a tripod to help free you up to pose your group.
From compact to All-in-Ones, find the
HP photo printer
that's right for you. HP's line of photo printers are
packed with features, such as touchscreen and wireless printing, allowing you to print quickly and easily. You'll
cherish graduation for years to come!
Take a free online class
in digital photography! Explore the many features of your digital camera, find tips for cropping and editing your
images, and discover new ideas for sharing your photos in creative ways.
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