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A graduation ceremony is one of those once-in-a-lifetime days on which you'll want to make sure you take lots of great pictures. If you've been designated the photographer for a friend or loved one's graduation, you're in luck—this guide will teach you how to take good graduation photos.
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A graduation ceremony is one of those once-in-a-lifetime days on which you'll want to make sure you take lots of great pictures. If you've been designated the photographer for a friend or loved one's graduation, you're in luck—this guide will teach you how to take good graduation photos.
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Introduction
- If your child, sibling, or someone else is graduating from high school or college, it's likely that both you and the grad-to-be are excited for the big day. Not only will you want photos to share the moment with other family members who won't be able to attend, you and the graduate will also want photographic keepsakes of the big day. Although professional photographers may be in attendance to take a few photos during the ceremony, there are likely to be several other moments that you'll want to remember and will have to photograph yourself.
Step 1: Scope out the Venue
- In the days and weeks leading up to the graduation ceremony, find out as much as you can about where it will be taking place. This way, you can make sure you have the appropriate equipment and can even plan some of your shots in advance. Some things you may want to look into include:
- Will the ceremony be held indoors or outdoors?
- Where will you be sitting?
- Is flash photography allowed at the venue?
- Are you allowed to move around during the ceremony?
- Is there a designated photographers' area?
Step 2: Pack Your Gear
- Graduation is one of those events where you don't want to miss out on photo opportunities because you forgot to pack a lens or extra set of batteries. Be sure to pack a bag full of any and all photographic supplies you will need, such as:
- Plenty of extra batteries
- A blank memory card or two if you are using a digital camera
- Lots of film, if you are using a camera that takes film
- A tripod, if you have one
- Extra lenses, if you have them
Step 3: Know What You're Doing
- If you've got an older or unreliable camera, an important event such as a graduation ceremony may be the perfect excuse to get yourself a new one. However, if you do decide to buy a new camera before the big day, purchase it a few weeks, or even months, in advance. Practice taking different types of shots with your camera and make sure you know how to use it and all the related equipment. If you can, you may even want to visit the venue a few days before the ceremony and then plan some of the shots you want to take.
Step 4: Photo Taking Tips
- Take lots of photos: When it comes to an event like a graduation, it's better to have too many pictures than too few
- Ask another attendee to act as your backup photographer. Between the two of you, you'll be able to get a variety of photos from different angles and a have greater chance of capturing each and every moment on film
- When taking photos outside, position your subject so that the sun is off to the side, not directly behind you or the subject
- Document the whole day by taking pictures of the graduate-to-be and his or her family before, during and after the ceremony
- Don't focus solely on posed photos; take plenty of candid shots as well
- Try taking photos from several angles to create different effects
- Don't forget yourself: Especially if you're close to the graduate, ask someone else to take a few photos of you and the graduate; you're apt to regret it if you don't
Conclusion
- Graduation day is an exciting time, not only for the graduate, but also for his or her friends and family. If you will be taking the photos at a loved one's graduation ceremony, be sure that you are well prepared by packing all the necessary equipment and making sure you know how to use it. Once you get to the ceremony, take as many pictures as you can, trying out different angles, lenses and poses.
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