High School Graduations
GRADUATION GROUP PHOTO
Aerial shots of the senior class are a nice gift to the school if you are providing candid photos of the ceremony
Gear Preparation
2 Lights (3200s)
2 Black Umbrellas
Kit Backpack with Camera
Tripod
Tiered Step stool or small ladder
Always keep a charged backup battery in your pocket!
Wireless remotes for your lights
Vagabonds or Extension Cords
Power Strip
Ceremony Setup
Camera Settings
200-400 ISO, Shutter speed 1/125th, F11-16
Image Quality: Large Smooth RAW
Preparation
Much like a class group setup, this depends on how big the group is and location desired for the photo
Communication is key when planning the graduation group photo. Speak with the administrator organizing graduation prior to graduation day to secure time and location in order to plan equipment accordingly. Indoor or outdoor? Risers or stadium seating? Umbrellas or bare bulb? All of these factors need to be reviewed.
Tips
If it’s not too disruptive to the order the seniors are already asked to be in and are familiar with, line them up tallest to shortest
The caps actually make windows much easier to perfect
Valedictorians, Salutatorians, etc. might look nicer in the front representing the class
Using chairs for the first row is encouraged if possible