Happy Graduation!

It’s that time of the year when gowns are flowing & caps are flying! Kindergarten, fifth grade, eighth grade, high school, college… They’re all important moments that need to be photographed!

Some tips before you head out to the event:

• Is your camera (phone) charged? If it’s an all-day event, you might want to bring a portable charger. You’d hate to miss that special photo!
• What photos do you want to get? Have a list in mind of the photos you want to capture – even better, write it down. The grad with parents and siblings is obvious. What about extended family? Friends? Favorite teachers? Take a minute to think it through because it’s going to get crazy!
• Are there any rules regarding photography? No flash? Stay in your seat? With larger graduations, it’s not feasible to have every parent with a camera down by the stage.
• What is the run-of-show? Maybe you’ll have time before the event to take photos. Or it’s possible you’ll need to wait until it’s over.
• Is there a professional photographer (or team of photographers) taking photos? Find out how you’ll be able to access the photos after the event.
• Shoot tight – there will be a TON of people around you. Get close to your subjects and eliminate some of the clutter.
• Give the camera to someone AND GET IN THE PHOTO!!

High school graduations are great since they’re typically local, but traffic can be a nightmare. Plan ahead and it won’t be too bad. Some schools offer off-site parking, and they’ll bus you to the event. If you’d rather drive, pack some snacks and have a tailgate before or after the graduation. Try not to make reservations or schedule your party too soon after the event – you might be waiting in the parking lot longer than anticipated.

It can get hot out there so bring water. If you have someone in your party who needs some extra help getting around or isn’t well enough to sit in the sun for the length of the event, check with the school. They may have help for those types of situations.

Take some great photos but don’t forget to put the camera down & enjoy the event. Congratulations!!