Outdoor Ceremonies

STAGE POSE

Taken as the graduate accepts their diploma on the stage
Typically a handshake, but sometimes a hug
Time sensitive as you want to avoid a build up of students that may disrupt the flow of the ceremony

200 ISO, Shutter speed 1/125th, F11 (This varies with natural lighting and weather)
Image Quality: Large Stair Step

Weather and natural light are big factors during outdoor ceremonies. The sun or wind can change drastically within an hour. Bring sandbags to stabilize light stands. If your lights are unprotected from rain, wrap them with Ziploc bags.
White balance both cameras with the natural lighting.
Have your vagabonds and backups ready and fully charged
Mark where the graduate is to stop and pose for the photo with the administrator. It can be much harder to notice outdoors.

Help with setup and anything the photographers may need throughout the event
Match student names in the job
Do not stand next to the photographer during the ceremony
Take notes on the walking list with any distinguishing features about each graduate to help identify students later if needed. For example, Glasses, Floral Lei, Gold Ribbon, Red Hair, etc.
If they are using camera cards or note cards, make sure that they are kept in walking order
Pressing record on the video cameras before students begin walking across the stage

Communicate to the administrator to stay in place as the photographer is typically on a step stool and unable to move around
Ask what the traditional pose is for this school. Is it a handshake and pose, a hug, a high five? Handshake and pose is always preferred and looks much nicer.
Try different angles to get the best photo of the graduate’s face and a nice background. Use props like floral arrangements to your advantage.
For a large graduating class, rent or borrow a tripod taller than our standards. Your arms WILL get tired during a big graduation with a large graduation class.
Before focusing, try to time out the tassel swaying to the side of the face

Typically taken as the graduate exits the stage after receiving their diploma
A few schools prefer to accomplish this shot BEFORE they walk across the stage
Both of these options are still time sensitive as you want to avoid any build up of students that may disrupt the flow of the ceremony

With outdoor ceremonies, the chances that the seniors practiced walking, handshaking, and posing off stage are slim
It’s important to create obvious and easy navigation for the seniors to walk off stage, stop, pose, smile, then continue on with their diploma

Try to make wind work in your favor. If the wind is blowing the senior’s hair in their face, switch the side of the background so the wind is blowing the hair away from their face. Outdoor ceremonies typically have more options of background choices to work with as a graduate exits the stage.
When focusing, try to time out the tassel swaying to the side of the face
If you miss, do your best to try “one more!” in the moment
Bring sunscreen