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DPChallenge Forums >> Photography Discussion >> Any tips on graduation pics?
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04/30/2003 06:24:10 PM · #1
Has anybody got any samples or any tips on how to take a good gradaution picture that could be cherished for a long time .

05/01/2003 03:06:05 PM · #2
help, anybody ?
05/01/2003 03:29:41 PM · #3
If I were you I'd try searching for hints and tips in a more general sense. Tips for things like weddings, large events, etc. could easily be used for taking graduation photos.

You're also kind of vague with the question in that I can see all kinds of set ups for grad pics.
05/01/2003 03:57:27 PM · #4
I probably won't have access to much setup .. i think the only thing that i can have is my camera .. i was looking for tips like for pictures other than actual convacation pics like maybe try one with this angle something like that ...
05/01/2003 04:40:16 PM · #5
First.. make sure you get a good solid portrait that looks happy.. and a good solid somber one with the diploma
Then...
Make sure you get all the combinations:
mom and dad with grad
whole family with grad
grandparents, etc...
you get the idea

the suggestion to look at wedding groupings is a good one - but especially notice the position of their shoulders to the lens.. they should be at a 45 degree angle to the focal plane for an effective shot, and try to create geometrics and recognizable shapes with peoples heads (because it is the eyes you will be looking at, keep them as close to each other as possible.. usually cheek to eye type of alignment) ... ex. M, W, oval, triangle, stair step, diamond.

make sure of your background, lighting and focus

use around 80mm focal length if your camera allows ..as this is good for portraits.

if you have access to lights, getting a profile shot (soft lighting to accent their face, hand with diploma raised to chest height, and cap/gown) on a black background would be lovely. if you do something like this, position the close to the lens arm behind their back (which softens the shoulder), the further hand holding the diploma, and body facing back 45 degrees to cam, with grad looking over shoulder at angle to see the face.. (hard to explain.. but maybe you get the idea).

:0)
Hope this helps.
Feel free to ask any questions.

oops.. just read that you wouldn't have much of a set up.. well. might wanna think about it.. but if not, just pay attention to background and body positions ;0)

Message edited by author 2003-05-01 16:41:25.
05/01/2003 05:53:15 PM · #6
THanks Karen .. that defintiely helps .. I will try to make the most out of what i got .. I will try to implement as much of r suggestions as possible ...
THanks again
05/01/2003 06:56:19 PM · #7
My first comment would be to remember that if the graduation is indoors you may have a real low light issue, and will quite likely be too far away for flash to help. Consider a tripod and possibly even time delay (could be impossible to time) to remove camera shake.

As for posed shots you might consider a shot taken from slightly lower than normal with the person looking upwards slightly (conveying hope and promise)? My best suggestion would be to get someone to hold a diploma like object and try some poses beforehand - once you sort the postures and angles out then you can quickly replicate them on the day.
05/01/2003 09:14:35 PM · #8
Karen,

Do you have any examples of your description? Sounds good but a little hard to picture exactly what you mean?
05/01/2003 09:34:54 PM · #9
Unfortunately I only have done it at work, and those pics are copyrighted, so I cannot show an example. I will attempt to mimic it here at home, or pose someone for it at work, and post it, but if that happens it will be a few weeks for them to come in.. they use film still. (eek!) hahaha..
But I will try to get an example.

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