Snapping a high quality shot of your child on graduation day can go a long way to insure that the milestone lives on for generations to come. Commencement photos can be framed; turned into thank you cards or invitations; used in scrapbook layouts or featured on t-shirts, totes and key chains. The possibilities are practically limitless when it comes to creating incredible keepsakes from a single graduation picture.
However, before you can transform your images into photo gifts, you need to snap some decent shots. To do so, start at the beginning. The graduation ceremony provides a number of excellent photo opportunities. Get snapping from the moment the students begin to file into the graduation venue. Most will be grinning from ear to ear. Don’t miss that genuine emotion. Keep your graduate in focus as he makes his way to his seat. In the process, snap candid shots of him waving, high-fiving friends and laughing.
From there, try to find a spot near the stage that provides the best angle to shoot your son or daughter receiving his or her diploma. If it’s possible find a couple of spots that you can move to freely that offer the best views of your child walking onto the stage, strolling across to receive his diplomas, and exiting to his seat.
After the ceremony take some posed shots of your graduate with friends, family, and fellow classmates. This is your chance to capture some really fun moments. Find the school mascot and have your graduate pose with it or walk around campus and take some pictures of your child standing in front of his old dorm, a favorite statue or an iconic building.
If you are shooting outdoors, keep in mind that you may have to adjust your camera’s settings. This is especially true if your child is wearing all-black or all-white caps and gowns. If your graduate is dressed in black from head to toe, you’ll want to reduce the flash. Conversely, if your student is wearing a bright white cap and gown, you’ll want to increase the flash.
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