5 Tips For Beautiful Prom Photos
1. Find a fun, unique, or elegant location
What kind of location matches your personality? Do you want something fun and different? Or would you like beautiful trees, brick, or even old barn wood as your background? You are the focus of the photographs, but a background that lends itself to the look you want to create helps make a bigger impact.
Try to avoid super busy background or areas with distractions. No one wants a garbage can in the background of their prom photos and if a tree branch looks like it is growing out of the back of your head, it certainly takes away from the elegance of the shot.
2. Look for good lighting
Although there is so much I could write on this topic, there are a couple of specific things to keep in mind this time of year.
Watch for shadows from leaves. If there is light streaming unevenly through the leaves on the trees, you could end up with shadowy patches on faces or bright sunny spots on dresses. Sometimes you can set things up so the light is hitting in just the right spot (like the way it lights up Felicia's hair in these images), but it does take practice to see these nuances.
If you use your camera on auto or if you are using your phone, a safe bet it to look for shade or an area with even light. If you just point your camera toward the sun, you are going to end up with photographs that are too dark. The sun itself will be nice and bright, but you won't be able to see any of the faces very well.
3. Get close ... and don't forget the shoes
Don't be afraid to get in close and photograph a beautiful smile! Photographs look their best when you can see the eyes of the person in the picture. So get in there, make a connection, and capture a smile that melts your heart.
However, amazing prom shoes deserve their own moment of fame! Grab at least one full length shot with those fabulous shoes! If you want, you can take a creative shot of the shoes by themselves. I always find the person wearing the shoes is what makes the shoes look so beautiful. :)
4. Try out a few expressions
It can be hard to get a serious expression to look just right, but when you pull it off, it can be quite captivating. Smiling, laughing, resting with your hand comfortably up by your chin- these are all fun additions to your prom shots, and they can help bring out personalities and charm.
5. Fast forward time
Getting dressed up and feeling really good about yourself creates a really special opportunity to fast forward and catch a glimpse of the beautiful, amazing person you are becoming. Take a deep breath and feel how amazing you are inside and out. You may be surprised when you look at your photographs and see a reflection of not only who you are but also the beautiful person you are becoming.
Wishing you a beautiful prom and a great night celebrating with your friends. If you use any of these tips and want to share your images with me, I would love to see them! You can find me online on FACEBOOK and on INSTAGRAM. I would love to hear from you.
Likewise, if you are starting to think about what to wear to your senior portrait sessions this summer, grab our Style Guide. It is full of ideas on how to put together outfits that show off personality and look great on camera. Just let us know where to send the guide, and we'll deliver it right to your inbox.
All my best-
Michelle Massey Barnes
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