I was recently hired by a group of 20 children to photograph them before they left. Prom. Although photographing teenagers is a lot of fun, it presents unique challenges when working with a large group. How do I pose them in a way that shows connection, but doesn’t seem too intimate? How do you pose large groups? How can I make my photo shoot memorable? forHow can you help your kids? Here are 6 tips forProm posing andI photographed teen couples with the help of the SLR Lounge team. Many thanks! forThese are your tips guys! The shoot was a huge success! andIt’s so much fun.
1. Capture the Candids
I was able to capture candid shots while they were walking together at our photo shoot location. Their excitement forThis was a special day that was tangible andI wanted to demonstrate that energy, movement. andYouth. Man, wouldn’t it be nice to be 17 forOnly one day more? These moments of photojournalism that weren’t posed or forced were some of the best shots from the shoot.
2. Make sure to Keep the Lighting On forYour Prom PhotosSimple!
Prom photo sessions are usually short so make sure you keep it simple. These group photos were taken in about 45 minutes. I chose to keep it simple because I had only 45 minutes. andUsed all natural light without any modification. My trusty Canon 5D Mark III and 24-70mm f/2.8L II lens. Lucky forIt was overcast and it was pouring rain. andI was able to edit just before sunset so that I could capture the beautiful light. I edited using the SLR Lounge Lightroom Preset.
Consider simple lighting tools such as an umbrella if your prom session falls closer to sunset. Use tools that are quick to set-up. andYou can adjust.
3. Listen to the Teens’ Ideas andYou want!
A group shot is a better option than a couple shot. andA boy andGirl group shot. I was open to whatever the children wanted. I was open to whatever they wanted. Listen to them. andAs long as you have the time, follow their lead. Particularly the girls had very specific requests forYou can create different groups or ideas.
Also, don’t be afraid to ask each couple if they are dating or going to the dance as “just friends.” This will help you know how to pose them appropriately.
4. Avoid “Shrimp Cocktail Hands”
(*7*)
This tip was stolen from the SLR Lounge Natural Light Couples Workshop. forThis one must be sent to Pye Jirsa as our Editor-in-Chief. Interlocking fingers is a bad idea to avoid awkward looking fingers that look like shrimps in hand holding poses. They can touch their hands lightly, interlock a pinky or do whatever else they like. It is important to pay attention to your hands. and make sure they don’t look weird or tense.
5. When in Doubt, Use the “V-Up” Pose
Here’s another tip from the SLR Lounge Natural Light Couples Workshop DVD. One of the basic foundation poses in this workshop is called the “V-Up”. You can use the basic V-Up with teens because it’s a less intimate pose. Couples can hold hands or the girl can place her hand on the guy’s lapel forMore connection is possible through this foundation pose.
6. Remember “The OC”
Hanssie provided me with this tip as I was trying to figure out how to pose a group teen. “Remember the OC!” Say what? Do a Google image search for “The OC” cast and you’ll see how brilliant this tip really is. Some of them were pinned to my Photography page. PromPinterest boards are available for you to save and share your favorite images.
To get “The OC” look, you basically want to make sure to have everyone on different levels. There will be some sitting, others standing, and some leaning against a wall or post. Everybody is doing something with their hands in a different way. They appear posed but are not posed. andIt makes group photos more dynamic than if everyone stands in three or four rows. andSmile. Although this group of 20 was quite large, I think the casual approach to group photos was great. Great tip.
7. Have FunWith Your Prom Poses
Enjoy some good times after taking the perfect photos! You can have your kids do a jump (so make sure you set the shutter speed to 1/500th of an second or faster to stop the motion) or they can give you their best GQ/James Bond pose.
You should let them know if you have an idea. Gangster poses anyone? Michelle Ford gave me another great idea. forA group shot that is interesting. Ask everyone to take a look at one another after the formal group shot. andIt’s okay to laugh. It works! andThese make great teaser photos forYour Facebook page.
Okay, now you are armed with a plan for your prom, homecoming, quinceañera, sweet sixteen or teen dance party photo shoot. Go forIt andPlease let me know how it goes!
Conclusion
PromPhotography is supposed be fun andExciting. Your energy, ideas and enthusiasm should match the mood. andYour poses! Capture their personalities and their laughs! andTheir interactions. Some of the greatest photos andMoments will occur even if they aren’t posed. So be ready.
