Photography Techniques for Your Yearbook

Photography for advisors can be one of the biggest challenges for the yearbook. Capturing the perfect moments for each event can be stressful and time-consuming. In this article, we will discuss modern techniques for mobile and DSLR photography for yearbook journalism.

Organize your Events to Capture

At the beginning of the school year, make a list of events and holidays. If you have a yearbook club or PTA team, divide this list. If you are solo, this is a great starting point.

Mark Your Calendar: Keep track of events you need to capture. Do not just wing it, it creates stress you don’t need. 

Clean That Lens: Before shooting, make sure your phone or camera lens is clean. It sounds silly, but many of us forget when we need to shoot on the go. Carry a small lens-cleaning spray and cloth in your bag.

Master Composition

Good technique in photography starts with composition. Use the following steps to create the perfect composition for your photos.

Framing: Make sure the shot is framed with everyone in the frame. Doorways or outdoor elements can help give you the outline you need. Taking a few extra seconds to see if all are in the frame makes or breaks your photo.

Rule of Thirds: Incorporate the rule of thirds by dividing your frame. Make sure your subject is within those lines or near the intersecting corners.

Lead with Lines: Use doorways, walls, or trees, for example, to frame your photo. 

Explore Various Angles 

It is time to explore different angles with your camera. This can make a difference in perspective.

Eye-Level Shots: This angle is ideal for portrait shots for clean professional images.

Over-the-shoulder shots: Get shots of students working on art projects, group projects, or using the computer.

Over the shoulder shot

Low-Angle Shots: For an edgier artistic shot, try shooting your subjects from low angles. This technique is ideal for sports, theater performances, and extracurriculars.

Low-angle shot

High-Angle Shots: Get shots of the hallways on the top of the stairways and capture the graduate class from the bleachers. 

High-angle shot

Be Mindful of Lighting

When you take your photos, use the lighting in the room or outdoor setting.

Backlighting: You can utilize backlighting in certain circumstances, such as theater performances or sports events. Light leaking through onto the subject can create a flattering silhouette. To use the light from windows but not have backlighting, put your back to the window and have the subject(s) face you. 

Natural Lighting: Outdoor shooting can be ideal for group and action shots. Plan photos or find events at certain times of day that work for the lighting. 

Finally, have fun learning how to capture these images. The more thought you put into it, the better the results. Now, go out there and capture those memories for your yearbook!