How to Take Great Graduation Pictures - Part III

Thank you for joining me for Part III of "How to Take Great Graduation Pictures". It's been a fun series to write, and I hope you learned a few things in (preparing for the ceremony and what equipment to bring) and (tips for indoor and outdoor ceremonies). 

For this last installment, our focus is simply how to make the most of the entire day.  

Final tips for the graduation day photographer:

• Take lots of pictures - from different angles and perspectives, and of lots of different groups of people 
• Candids are probably more important on a graduation day than posed pictures.  Candids are fun to take, people like to be in them, and they are the most fun to share later
• Try to document the whole day - from the robing to the last guest at the party - that is how you tell a story for posterity 
• If you are the parent of the graduate, or close to them in some way, don't forget to make sure that you get pictures of you WITH the graduate during the day
• Enjoy yourself - a stressed out photographer is no fun for anyone.  If you get into a situation you can't think yourself out of (bad lighting, etc., etc.), put that bad boy on AUTO and shoot away

A final list of graduation day photography do's and dont's:

1.  Do think about the setting you'll be shooting in and prepare accordingly. 

2.  Do pack the right gear and don't forget batteries and cards. 

3.  Do get there early enough to scope things out and take some practice shots so you can determine your shooting strategy. 

4.  Do raise your ISO if you need more light.  It can really help!

5.  Do try to keep the sun off to the side of your subjects if you are shooting outside. 

6.  Don't panic if you get stuck - put it in auto and shoot or at least see what the camera's recommended settings are. 

7.  Do enjoy this very special day - and don't spend ALL your time behind the camera.  Remember to get out there and celebrate, too!