How to Take Pictures at a Graduation Ceremony

Unlike birthdays and sometimes weddings, graduations tend to be once in a lifetime events that mark the close of one stage of life and the beginning of another. Capture that special event of someone you care for with pictures that you'll be able to cherish forever. Follow these steps to take great pictures at a graduation ceremony.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Prepare your camera for the big day. Remember to load fresh batteries into your camera and bring some spares just in case. If you're shooting digital, make certain your memory card is empty and large enough. If you're shooting film, bring enough film.
2. Take advantage of great picture moments with lots of pictures. You'll want shots of your graduate, friends and family and the setting. Many things limit your picture taking ability at a graduation ceremony. You might not be able to get close to the stage or perhaps flash photography won't be allowed during the ceremony.
3. Use a flash when necessary. You might think flashes are only for indoors, but sometimes a bright sun at an outdoor graduation ceremony casts deep shadows. When this happens, move in close and turn on the flash.
4. Move in close. Shooting within a few feet allows you to capture the emotion of the occasion, whether it's the glee in the graduate's smile or the dampness in Mom's eyes.
5. Check your point of view and the background. If possible, get on the same level as the graduate or even kneel so that you're looking up at him. Busy backgrounds take away from your subjects. Find a solid color (although not black) curtain or wall to stand your subjects in front of at a graduation ceremony.
6. Take pictures at after parties. Any nervousness has vanished. Limit posed pictures. Take candid photos of people talking, hugging and goofing off.

Tips & Warnings

• Cameras with telephoto and wide-angle zoom lenses help you take great photos no matter what the setup is.
• A tripod helps keep your camera steady even when you're not.
• If you plan to buy a new camera, practice with it and learn all the key settings before the big event.