Graduations are a big deal as they can only be photographed once in most contexts. Once your graduate has passed the stage to get their high degree, there is no way you can do anything because you missed the crucial moment.
No matter how awkward your loved ones look in their hats and clothes, you will want to capture the milestone to the fullest. Here are some tips for great graduation photos.
Increase your ISO and try to isolate your subject
Graduation ceremonies are usually sprawling affairs. Using a telephoto lens, the primary purpose of which is to take pictures of people far from the camera, is certainly the best option. This will help you wade through the crowd and focus the shot on your preferred subject unlike any other graduate you may not know.
In addition, telephoto lenses are good at blurring the background of an image so that your subject really shines. They’re also good for portrait photography, which is essentially what you want, albeit at a distance. How Notes on rental lensesThis type of lens is especially flattering for your subject.
This effect can also make facial features appear more proportional. Add to that the beautiful bokeh from taking photos with a long lens and you have a great tool for portrait photography.
G / O Media can receive a commission
Another key if you are using a digital SLR camera – and especially if you are not an expert – is improving your ISO performance. The ISO refers to the sensitivity of your camera to light. When using a long lens or photographing a fast-moving subject, such as a portrait. For example, a sprinter or even someone walking across a stage, a higher ISO setting will help produce razor-sharp images.
If you’re shooting in daylight, a lower, but still somewhat high, ISO is recommended, but becomes even more important in low-light conditions, such as in a cave-like gym. Digital Photography School Details of some best practices:
Sure, when the light is bright, you can keep the ISO at 100 or 200 and get sharp, well-exposed images. But when the light starts to fall, you need to increase your ISO with confidence. This allows you to take bright and clear photos of 300mm, 400mm and more.
Another piece of advice, especially for laypeople who may not have fancy lenses, is to set the camera to automatic settings. If you do, then you can also try using an auto focus lens that allows you to sit back and just enjoy the process.
And of course you should (or not) consider the flash. Nikon recommends Only use it when you are near your drawer and indoors – two conditions that likely won’t apply to your graduation ceremony at the same time.
Unless you’re relatively close [read: in a classroom], don’t bother to use a flash. The flash won’t reach your subjects, so it won’t help with exposure and can drain your batteries.
Pointers to good pictures to take
Good photographers – even the amateurs – capture the subtle moments. So you need to strike a healthy balance between stealthy portraits of the day’s celebrations and staged photos.
One point that needs to be highlighted, at least thematically, is that this is a degree, which means that the equipment of such an event – the cap and gown, school, diploma, etc. – should be a focus. Basically, there are a number of different things you should try, all of which are in the broader portraiture category. Take portraits of the graduate with family, friends, and whoever you see fit. Try to include the school’s campus as recommended by Mimeo photos, what says:
Entrances and porticos are ideal. You won’t regret having that one picture in front of your school’s sign or mascot statue.
For taking real portraits, experts recommend using longer lenses for them too. For people who take photos with full-frame SLR cameras, this means “lenses with focal lengths between 70 mm and 200 mm”. according to DP Mag. As photographer and writer Jack Crosbie Lifehacker relates, longer lenses “make things look flatter, which is more flattering on people’s faces.” On the other hand, people make wider lenses look bigger and disproportionate to reality, on occasion.
Even then, think of all the big, solemn events that usually define a day, like throwing hats, crossing the stage, and partying with friends.
