Tips on taking prom photos

My high school prom photo is safely stuck in a gaudy 80′s photo album which is at my parents house in South Africa. However, my date that night had a lot in common with this guy so it’s probably a good thing I can’t show you the original pic wich included me. Tracy with big hair, tons of make-up and a pink and black water-stained taffeta dress is not a sight for the faint hearted:

Prom King

 Here are some tips on taking great prom night photos. Enjoy!

Ten Tips on Taking Perfect Prom Photos

Prom night is one of the most special and memorable events of a teenager’s life, and with the following ten tips for taking the perfect prom photos, you can capture every breathtaking moment like a professional. 

1. Plan Ahead – Planning ahead for the perfect prom photo session requires attention to a few simple, but often overlooked details that can save you both time and aggravation while ensuring the capture of some breathtaking images.  First, always make sure that you have plenty of back up batteries for the photo session.  You may also want to rent a Quantum battery pack that allows you to take several shots in a row without waiting for the flash to recycle. 

In addition, remember that you are dealing with teenagers who may be in the habit of showing up late.  If you plan to have a prom photo shoot at 4:30, be sure to tell everyone to arrive at the shoot by 4:00.  This will give you plenty of time to get in some quality shots without stressing about dinner reservations or other later arrangements.

2. Watch Your Background – One of the most important technical rules that apply in achieving perfect prom photos is always to watch your background.  Basic tactics include shooting with a clean background to avoid the appearance of objects such as trees and telephone poles “growing” out of people’s heads, as well as choosing a background that follows the idea of prom.  Try snapping a few photos in front of the limo, on a staircase or even in front of a shrub wall that produces a pleasant and natural green background. 

3. Mind Your Lighting – Any professional photographer understands the importance of proper lighting and the effect it can have on a shoot.  When shooting a prom photo outside, capture the perfect lighting by shooting in a shaded area, forcing the flash on for fill light to soften shadows on people’s faces.  You can also tape a piece of wax paper over the flash to diffuse it and create a soft, pleasant light to the face.    When shooting a prom photo inside, always soften the flash and choose a well-lit room.

4. Embrace the Power of the Pose – The secret to perfect prom photos is perfecting the prom pose.   A great prom pose requires a little bit of knowledge and a few key adjustments.  First, avoid taking a straight-on photo as this creates the illusion that people are larger than they actually are.  Instead, have everyone face 90 degrees away from the camera, turning 45 degrees back towards the camera with their upper bodies.  Then, have them turn the rest of the way towards the camera with just their head, elongating their necks to avoid an unflattering double chin look.

5. Capture Genuine Expression – Forcing a smile for hundreds of photos is no easy task, even for a professional model.  To capture genuine expression, it may be time to throw out the old “Say, Cheese” rule and replace it with something a bit more creative.  Instead, shout out something funny and wait for everyone in the shot to laugh.  Then, keep your eyes peeled and trigger-finger ready for that beautiful moment of warm, genuine expression.

6. Tell the Story – Give yourself something precious to cherish forever by capturing the entire story of the prom on film.  Snap every memorable moment from everyone getting ready to the last dance at the banquet hall.  Include moments that are funny, romantic and lively, each one full of great memories and unforgettable emotions.

7. It’s All in the Details – As a photographer seeking the perfect prom photos, you have a lot to work with in terms of details.  Beautiful prom details include anything from a curl of hair falling near a pearl earring to a sharp cuff link protruding from tuxedo sleeves or even a rose corsage on her hand near his red vest.  Capture these precious details to complete the whole picture of prom.

8. Let the Couples Get Close – Encourage a series of photos depicting the attendees touching cheeks or hugging to embrace the true image of prom. 

9. Make it Fun – Great prom photos last a lifetime, but a prom photo shoot can feel like a lifetime without a little fun.  After snapping a group of more traditional and romantic photos, try to incorporate a few silly shots with everyone making funny faces at the camera.  Remember, when you keep your subjects relaxed their photos will come out better in the end.

10. Consider Hiring a Professional Photographer – This perfect prom photo tip is a bit of a no-brainer, and it often beats the alternative of putting the pressure on Mom and Dad to capture this precious day on film.  A photographer who can provide professional direction will make the photo shoot go smoothly, helping everyone relax in the process.

Now that you have everything you need to take the perfect prom photos, we would like to introduce you to our SmileBooks photo book software.  Our free, award-winning software can help you create a professional and personalized prom photo book using a unique range of design tools.  Making a photo book is easy and fun and the results are beautiful and professional!

If you do not have the time to create a photo book, let one of our professional designers create one for you!  A member of our professional design service will customize each page just how you like it. Simply upload your prom photos and let us do the rest.  Best of all, you are the one to give the final approval, ensuring 100% customer satisfaction with every SmileBooks prom photo book.