Us Photography Schools
A good portrait of high school is a precious memory. Back in the late seventies when I was graduating high school everyone was forced to go into the studio hired. All Tux boys wore the same style with a ruffled shirt and bow tie. All the girls wore a simple black dress and held a single rose.
These were not high-level pictures. They were mug shots.
Today View Progress
High School Portraits High today are very different. Schools can still have a contract photographer, but many allow informal portraits to be submitted for inclusion in the yearbook. You can hire a professional photographer or shoot yourself. If you're willing to do it yourself by reading.
You will want to check with your school son and specific instructions for submitting the picture. There will be some rules about the size of the image, posing, pet clothing, or other restrictions. Be sure to get some details before setting out to shoot their own pictures.
Talk to your Kids First
The first thing to do is talk to your school. They may have certain ideas about his image. They may wish that the only formal portrait professional studio can offer. Many local photographers will specialize in senior high school portraits.
If your superior is willing to let mom or dad to do the portrait be sure to discuss all aspects with them. You may want to shoot some portrait style, but be sure to shoot your way too. Portraits quiet with his guitar, sports equipment, new car or other personal items makes for a memorable photo.
Location
Look around your house or yard. You may have the perfect place for a portrait. Be sure to see the clutter in the background. Move furniture or other items to create the perfect environment.
If your child has a favorite park or garden, consider going there. Do not go in the middle of the day when the light is harsh. The light from dark line about the causes "raccoon eyes". Early morning or late in the day is better. The light casts shadows more enjoyable and gives a warmer glow more gold for your photos.
If Noon is the only option you can place your child in the shade under a tree or a building's roofline. Change the white balance setting of shade or photos look too blue. Make sure you keep to the edge of light and shadow. Using a simple (white reflector main or commercially produced foam board reflector) can help fill in shadows and make the colors pop.
Team
Generally speaking, a P & S camera will not give the best results. A digital SLR with a telephoto lens and external flash light will provide optimal results and give the most flexibility. Using a telephoto lens between 70mm and 105mm will help separate the subject from the background.
A flash will help fill the shadows when shooting outdoors or potentially provide all the light, if shooting indoors. Bouncing your flash light in the ceiling or side wall of the softer light and pleasant. This may take a little testing if I have not tried before.
Armed with the proper equipment and techniques that can produce a large portrait of her high school. Of course, a happy smiling face will also help.
Karl Peschel runs TeachMeToShoot.com, a website for people who want to learn about digital photography techniques. Karl loves to teach people about photography and strives to explain things in plain English instead of techno babble. Check out the website at http://TeachMeToShoot.com and see for yourself. Sign up for the http://teachmetoshoot.com/nl_signup.html ShootLikeAPro Newsletter and get the free mini-report
Top 10 Tips for Better Digital Pictures
Copyright © 2007 Karl Peschel
Digital Photography Degree – Harrington College of Design
Tags: art, design, education, reference, school, top us photography schools