Relevant Monthly Photo Tips: Prom Pictures
It’s May, everybody, and addition to the flowers, margaritas on the cinco and college graduation guess what else happens?! Prom!
Aside from conjuring the inevitably fond and/or embarrassing memories in anyone over the age of 19, this is an opportunity for people to make gorgeous photo album memories rather than raising the question “What was I thinking?!” 10 years later when faced with a unique green chiffon number on yours truly while standing in front of a last-minute backdrop of a half-dead flower bed in the front yard. True story.
Dylan, looking snappy
Today I had the honor of photographing my little brother with his girlfriend on the way to prom. The experience was important for two reasons: one was experimenting with a new kind of portrait sitter (teenagers) but two was the reward in making memories for the people I love. So we set out in his hot red Mitsubishi 3000GT to Pratt’s Brook in Yarmouth. While the rain clouds were looming and the spring flies gathered if we weren’t quick on our feet, I’m pretty sure I got some good shots for Dylan and Kelly to remember for a long time.
Here are some tips on getting winning prom pictures that are photo album and Facebook-ready for when the kids get home:
Riding in Style
1. Plan ahead. Things usually get pushed back on prom day, depending on hair appointments, last minute wardrobe fixes and coordinating several teenagers to meet in one location (yikes). Anticipate everyone being late, so if you want them to meet for photos at 4:30, tell everyone that it’s 4pm. You can get extra pictures of whoever shows up on time, but still get some group shots at 4:30 without pushing back dinner reservations, limo drivers and arrival to the prom.
Have fun!
2. Be bold. Teenagers are teenagers and while it’s tempting to try and catch glamour shots the truth of the matter is what’s so wonderful about prom night is the youthfulness these guys have. Whether you’re photographing a boyfriend and girlfriend or a group of girls or boys all getting ready together, make sure to let them have fun, make funny faces at the camera, and do “silly” shots in addition to some more dashing, gorgeous, romantic photographs.
En Route
3. Choose a backdrop carefully! Pick a well-lit space and try to schedule for photographs before the sun goes down. Try not to use flash if at all possible. Choose possible locations ahead of time that aren’t “typical” (the park in town everyone goes to, or the lighthouse that is in every Maine post card from York to Kittery). You want your prom pictures to be unique. If you can’t drive to a location due to time or logistics, pick a neutral spot in front of trees, water, the yard, etc. Some cameras have built-in portrait features or, on a film camera you can adjust for a really low aperture (f5.6 or lower) which will blur out the background a bit if it’s not picturesque. Just make sure not to have any tall trees in the background sticking out of anyone’s head! Make sure the backdrop compliments the prom-goers’ personalities (i.e. skater kids can be photographed in front of graffiti and future poets of America are totally fine in a graveyard).
It's All in the Details
4. It’s all in the details. After years of photographing weddings, I’ve realized that sometimes the best shots that are the most memorable are of the details that a good amount of thought went in to like floral arrangements, center pieces, jewelry, footwear and the food spread. Similarly, photograph a curl of hair falling near a pearl earring, a rose corsage on her hand near his red vest, or snazzy cuff links poking out of tuxedo sleeves. This will give visual space in a series of images and really complete the picture of prom day, not to mention tip the hat to the expensive boutonniere which took thirty minutes to pick out.
Not in front of Mom!
5. Hire a photographer, if you can. This “tip” seems like a little bit of a cop out (my being for hire for prom pictures and all!) but what I mean is try and have someone other than Mom and Dad be the photographer. No doubt on prom day the last thing a 17 or 18 year old daughter wants is for Mom to get behind the camera and command that her boyfriend kiss her. Hiring a photographer or someone who is comfortable with cameras will give your kids the opportunity to relax a little while taking professional direction and yielding some really great photographs.
So there we have it, some quick tips at effective prom photography. Dance a lot, look great, ride in style and above all, be safe.