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Tell the story in pictures |
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Be sure to capture the little details like special ribbons.
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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:
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The anxious grad-to-be trying on their cap for the first time
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A favorite teacher beaming with pride on the sidelines
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Nervous parents before the ceremony
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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.
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Get interesting angles |
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Play with angles, perspectives, and other creative ways to visually represent the emotion of the event.
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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:
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Get as close as possible to the stage without interfering with the ceremony.
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Take photographs from at least two different angles, for both variety and optimum coverage.
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Use a zoom to get closer without spoiling candid, heartfelt moments.
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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 |
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Capitalize on natural light.
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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).
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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.
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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 |
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Use the half-press shutter technique to capture action.
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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:
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To make those flowing robes look extra majestic, try crouching down and looking up at your subject.
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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.).
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Use the half-press shutter technique to avoid shutter lag and gain more control over focus.
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Aim camera at subject and use the half-press technique to avoid shutter lag:
- Press shutter down halfway.
- Wait for focus to lock.
- Compose your shot.
- Shoot when the moment is right.
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Group portraits |
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Create a relaxed atmosphere when taking group portraits.
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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:
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Take head and shoulder shots.
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Get the group to lean their heads in close.
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Place the graduate in the middle of the group.
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Have everyone raise their chins a little for a more flattering picture.
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Be aware of other photographers that might divert your group' attention.
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Use a tripod to help free you up to pose your group.
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Have fun and so will your subjects.
Learn more about
taking portraits.
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Product recommendations |
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Find the right HP printer for you with the HP printer buying guide. See the full lineup of HP Photo printers.
Learn more |
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Award-winning support |
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