A picture-perfect graduation: 5 tips and tricks for taking Senior photos
A picture-perfect graduation: 5 tips and tricks for taking Senior photos
By Olivia Hunt/ Asst. A&C Editor
Remember those 2 a.m. walks from Copley during finals week, those early mornings spent chasing the tram, and, of course, that grueling transition to online learning? Yeah, the class of 2021 did that. And now their dedication has finally paid off. Graduation day is the culmination of all of their hard work, and it deserves to be commemorated through the perfect picture. Whether your photographer is a beginner or expert, a friend or family member, these five-pointers will ensure your big milestone is aesthetically archived. For some insight into the process of grad-photo-taking, two seasoned USD photographers shared some of their best practices.
1. Go for Golden Hour (or a couple of hours earlier)
Amateur and experienced photographers alike tend to shoot during “golden hour,” which is roughly an hour before sunset. The soft, glowy light during this time is far easier to work with than the midday sun, and it’s particularly flattering for portraits.
USD senior Carly Coberly, a working photographer with extensive experience capturing senior portraits, explained that budgeting a little time before golden hour may land you some better quality pictures.
“I love taking pictures just before sunset so that I can capture the photos in normal light as well as golden hour,” Coberly said. “It gives the client variety and options when going through the finished photos.”
2. Separate the Photographer from the Subject(s)
While self-timer settings are a great way to take group pictures, opting to use one may not be the most effective option for graduation pictures. And if a member of the group being photographed has to shift back and forth into the role of photographer, they may miss out on quality photos for themselves.
According to USD senior Helena Witiw, a proficient photographer, it is helpful to have a designated photographer during an important photoshoot.
“Have at least one photographer that’s not part of the group — either a professional or a friend who isn’t graduating with you,” Witiw said.
Keeping the roles of photographer and photographee separate allows for more focus on the subjects at hand. For Witiw, the more designated photographers, the merrier.
“To be sure that you’ll like the way the pictures turn out, an extra person can photograph from the same angle and position as the camera photographer, on their phone,” Witiw said. “That way, you can quickly check if you like how the photos look on your friend’s phone without slowing down the main camera photographer, by making them show you how they look. This allows you to get a better idea as to whether you like the position you’re in, the face you’re making, or the background of the photo.”
3. Choose Your Backdrop Wisely
It may be difficult for one setting to accurately capture the joy of graduation day. No matter which location you pick to reflect the excitement of this occasion, Coberly notes the most important factor to consider: comfort.
“Graduation photos are incredibly personal, so it’s completely up to the client to decide on a setting where they feel most comfortable,” Coberly said. “Taking pictures at USD is always a good call, especially with a campus as beautiful as ours. The beach is also a great option.”
If you’re able to take graduation photos on campus, there are, of course, plenty of options for a stunning shot. Witiw shared her top two places to have photoshoots on campus.
“The Immaculata is definitely a go-to for grad pictures,” Witiw said. “It’s a stunning background that captures the essence and beauty of USD in one shot. The Garden of the Sea offers gorgeous ocean views and reflections on its iconic fountain.”
4. Strike a Balance Between Candid and Posed
Though some students may prefer posed over candid, or vise-versa, Coberly explained that it’s important to get a good balance of both types.
“I try to encourage my clients to act as natural as possible so that I can capture some candid moments,” Coberly said. “It’s great to have a mix of spontaneous action shots and posed senior portraits.”
With candid pictures, the photographer doesn’t offer specific direction, allowing poses to arise naturally. Coberly expressed how she decides on the amount of instruction to give her clients.
“I have a lot of poses in mind when I go into a shoot, but I try to see how comfortable the client is with ‘modeling’ before deciding what to tell them to do or not to do,” Coberly said. “But for the classic graduation photo, standing with your legs crossed is a simple but effective pose to show off your outfit and regalia.”
5. Save the Champagne Photos For Last
For the big day, chances are you’ll want to spray a celebratory bottle of champagne. If you do decide to pop some bubbly, it’s a good idea to make sure that your photographer is ready first.
Witiw also recommends that you do it after the majority of your photos have been taken.
“Definitely do your champagne photos last in case they get messy,” Witiw said. “For alternatives to champagne, you could opt for beer or sparkling juice. I’ve also seen groups of friends bring out squirt guns for some fun final pictures.”