We all expected prom and graduation for the 2020 school year. What does that mean for all of the expensive clothes purchased for the occasion? It is time for a photo shoot.
The next tips will help produce well-staged portraits for any occasion.
1. Set Up Space
First, it is essential to set up a space for the photoshoot. Having a good background is key to taking a good photo. When in an environment with limited space, there are a few options on how to improve the area where the photos will be taken. One option is to remove unwanted items from the shot, including items on shelves or counters and perhaps rearranging furniture. If there are other limitations to your creative space, a person could make a backdrop. This could be a blanket or a sheet that flatters the color of the outfit. Backyards and other private areas can also allow for great pictures. Creativity and color choice is critical when considering the background. A good background can be simple; it is ideal for portraits because the main subject should be the focus of the photograph.
2. Find Good Lighting
The second tip is how to find good lighting. Without an expensive lighting kit, it is still possible to have good light indoors. Natural light from a window is ideal. If that is not available, perhaps try collecting smaller light sources to create more illumination. This could be achieved by turning on more light fixtures, adding smaller lamps, or even using a string of lights. Carefully select lights that have a similar color and try to avoid mixing the yellow tint of incandescent light with the bright white of the fluorescent light. Cameras have white balance settings that help solve for color correction based on the lighting in these situations. Good choices of lighting will help your pictures refrain from being too blue or too yellow. Make sure to have the light that you select in a direction that will reach the subject and place the camera on the same side as the light source.
3. Have Fun
The third tip is, if you notice that something doesn’t look right when you are getting ready, the camera will notice too. It is a matter of detail so do not forget to put lotion on your legs or floss your teeth. This is a fun time to enjoy those clothes, so take a hot shower and play some music. Positive energy is so important as the shoot begins because the camera will capture what is put forth by the model.
4. Take Multiple Pictures
This is when we start taking pictures. Knowing about your equipment can take time to learn, but it can help produce pictures that otherwise would not be possible. The fourth tip is to make sure the camera or phone is set to take multiple pictures at a time. This will help with the selection of photos at the end of the shoot. Try different poses. If you are acting as both the photographer and the model, set the camera to use a timer. This will allow for you to set the camera and then go pose for the shot as it counts down to take the picture. Confidence transcends the camera lens. Demonstrate personality and energy with facial expression and body language. Be exaggerative and silly for some photos. When in doubt, fashion magazines and the internet can provide examples of how to pose like a model.
5. Consider Angles
Finally, Take a moment to consider angles. Think of perspectives that are flattering to the subject. Lower angles tend to give the illusion of the subject being bigger or more powerful. Higher angles make the subject look slimmer. Try angles that seem unique by experimenting with your position. Also, consider the horizon, if there is something horizontal and across the composition, try to make it straight. It may impact the subject of the photo and seem slanted or become distracting. Last, do not center all of your pictures. The rule of thirds has been assisting artists with compositions by dividing the photo into a nine-square grid. This grid helps photographers place the subject in ways that maximize aesthetics.
Photography is not easy. For more photography tips and tricks visit the YouTube channels of photographers like Jessica Kobeissi, Peter McKinnon, and Brandon Woelfel.
Prom and graduation are those once in a lifetime experiences. It is historic to capture the memory and spirit of our lives in today’s environment. This photoshoot represents the achievements we can only celebrate digitally and our persistence to thrive.