Many people are graduating really soon. Everyone supporting and celebrating their graduates from Preschool to post-Doctorate levels want great photographs.
Here are a couple of hints:
1. Check your batteries and memory cards and bring plenty of backups. A failure here will be the source of disappointment and ridicule.
2. Closer ... closer ... closer. This rule applies to every level of imaging and especially big events.
One "secret" is that the bigger the camera and lens and the better you are dressed, the closer you can get to the real action. A Hasselblad and tux will get you closer to the stage than a Brownie, ripped jeans and flip-flops. A tux also makes you pretty much invisible. You can move up and down and in and out and people just don't notice or care because "He must be a professional with that big-A camera."
3. Gather important people before they run away. Despite declarations of annual reunions and staying in touch, graduation day is the time to catch people in a generally civil and decently dressed atmosphere. At their 50th reunion, the images will be priceless. And what WILL the clothing and hair look like in 2061?
4. Be the hero and bring water, hankies or towels so people can refresh. Then take the shots.
5. Gowns, shoes and mortarboards are fun, especially if they are decorated. You can even have the grad put their gear on family and friends and even pets.
6. Have an ND, polarizing filter or sharpening filter handy. If you have time, drag out your Lensbaby.
Enjoy the pomp, circumstance, fellowship, meal and rest.
Your images will be there for everyone to enjoy. © tim www.timjohnsonphoto.com
