With the prom season around the corner, all the teenager’s craze to dress up and get clicked is at its peak. Having everything captured in a photograph is the only thing that we can take forward as a memory of that evening.
Taking pictures with your close friends and partners is something you could not put a price on!
While you might already have plenty of selfies and phone shots with you, some solid, well-prepared images with professional prom photography ideas will make all the difference for you for the years to come.
Here, we have a detailed guide with information that would help you spruce up your prom photos like no other.
Preparing For The Shoot
List Of Equipment
Capturing the vibe of the most awaited prom event requires more than just a camera. It requires a lot of planning as well as the right pieces of equipment.
We have a list of equipment you may need.
- Camera, Duh!!
DSLR cameras are the most popular and versatile choice for photographers.
With a wide range of lenses, these cameras provide great-quality images in any setup.
If you don’t have a DSLR, you can even choose mirrorless cameras - they offer similar-quality image production.
- Stay Steady With a Tripod!
A tripod is the key to keeping your camera steady and getting clear and sharp images. Without one, even movements that are considered insignificant can cause blurry output, which no one may want. Tripods are best, especially when you plan on taking long exposure shots.
- An Extra Flashlight For More Glam
Lighting forms the essence of any image. That’s why, while capturing a standout image, you must have an external flash to make all the difference. Perfect lighting ensures the vibrancy and clarity of your glam prom night photos.
Moreover, the ability to shape the light in varied directions gives you creative control over your photoshoots.
- Ummm!!! A Reflector
For any photoshoot, achieving the right lighting is the foremost criterion of any photographer. Thus, reflectors are used to capture the shot you want.
Reflectors direct and diffuse the light in the desired direction, allowing you to capture flawless images, regardless of what the lighting conditions are.
- Variety Of Lenses, Of Course!
With different lenses, you can open up your range to capture various pictures in varied setups. Having options at hand can make sure every scene or moment receives the attention it deserves.
- Wide-Angle Lenses - Capture landscapes or panoramic shots
- Telephoto Lenses - Creating beautiful portrait photos
- Macro Lenses - Ideal for capturing details
Experimentation with your lens choice can truly bring an extra layer of creativity and individuality to your shot.
- Lastly, Fun Props & Accessories
In addition to the cheers and happiness of the attendees, a professional photo requires props and accessories to make the image more memorable. You can get as creative as you like - no prop is frowned upon or looked down on when it comes to imagination.
From umbrellas, hats, and scarves to even some furniture, you can use anything to create the vibe you may want.
Steps To Take A Perfect Picture
Everyone glammed up in beautiful prom dresses and exquisite tuxes to look lovely in pictures, but how to capture them is what takes all the effort.
Here are several prom photography tips to take some jaw-dropping shots:
Choose Your Focal Point
- Make sure to decide on what the subject of the photo would be and then focus on it.
- Put your camera at an angle that focuses on your subject as well.
- Get closer to the person, if possible.
- Make sure to reduce the camera shake to maintain a clear and sharp outcome.
The Rule Of Thirds
- It suggests that you should divide the shot into three equal parts, both vertically and horizontally.
- Keep your subject or important details in the center, leaving the rest open.
- It helps highlight the unusual or unique background and conveys more of a feeling of motion than a centered image.
Pick Up A Clean Background
- Be it an outdoor or indoor shoot, it is best to choose a clean background when possible.
- For Outdoors - Opt for natural settings with flowers, trees, or greenery.
- For Indoors - Try for a clutter-free environment or maybe a desired backdrop.
- By using the right light and equipment, indoor prom pictures can come out to be every bit as beautiful as the outdoor ones.
- Use props to create a nice theme for the images you’d like to portray.
Coordinated Outfits
Wear Colors While Keeping The Theme In Mind
- The theme of the prom can both be fun and depressing, only when it comes to choosing a dress.
- You can begin by choosing a color for your and your partner’s outfit that goes perfectly well with the color scheme and the theme of the party.
- Besides the color, keep the style in sync as well to get the perfect prom night pictures to cherish for the years to come.
Choose Coordinating Print Or Patterns
- Don’t hesitate to add a pop to your prom outfit.
- Choose a print or pattern that you can match the accessories of your date.
- If patterns and irregular features seem overwhelming to you, go with subtle or neutral ones. Allow your date to match their pocket square, vest, or tie with the dress.
Be Classy And Elegant
- Never underestimate the grace of black, white, or neutral colors for your prom dresses.
- A sharp black tux is a staple in the fashion world for prom events, allowing your date to take center stage with her prom gown.
Lastly, Finish Off With Flowers
- Add a splash of color by adding flowers to your outfit and coordinate easily with your date.
Prom Picture Poses
For Group Photos
1. Use Of Stairs
Use a fun set of steps as your photo prop. Let the group of glam girls sit on separate levels to create a dramatic look!
2. Classic Jumping Shot
Try to take a group jump photo inspired by the Disney movie - High School Musical.
3. Showing Off The Corsages
Another great click would be with the girls bringing out the corsages together. It seems kind of a tradition to have this picture in your prom night collection.
For Couple Photos
1. A Candid Pose
The unstaged pictures are the best prom poses, as it's where you feel most comfortable. These pictures would be the ones you’d always cherish.
2. Partner Lift
It would be a fun and adorable prom picture where the guy could lift up her partner.
3. Peck On The Cheek
For a sweet capture, you can give your date a quick peck on the cheek. It is one of the classic and timeless prom poses that you must capture.
For Individuals
1. Showing The Back
Highlight your back in your prom dress, which deserves all the attention as the front of it. Make sure to get some backshots to capture the whole beauty of your prom gown.
2. A Twirl
Never miss out on the chance to feel like a Cinderella in your princess prom gown. Spin and move to create some magical shots of you while showing the most of the dress.
3. Blowing A Kiss To The Camera
It is an adorable and creative self-portrait idea for the prom night. It is a fun and subtle way to show off your corsage in the picture.
Expert Tips For Creating Incredible Photos
1. Smile
Your smile is the best accessory you can wear, so don’t forget to flaunt it. With a genuine smile, your photos will instantly shine!
2. Try Creative Poses
Besides the traditional ones, take the liberty to go as creative as you like. Bring your own ideas to the photographer for the session.
3. Experiment With Tones
Colorful photos are great, you can consider adding different hues or tones to your collection to add a different mood or emotion to it.
4. Capture The Details
While focusing on the dress, you must not forget about the details. Allow the photographers to capture the minute features like shoes, manicures, shawls, gloves, and other extras that make the picture perfect.
Final Takeaway
No matter what you do or how you click pictures, ultimately, what matters is how much fun you had that evening. Showcase your personality, and don’t be afraid to experiment with anything that would highlight who you are on your social media feed.
Once you are done with the prom, make sure to capture all the post-prom adventures as well and create a memory that will always be imprinted on your mind. Don’t hesitate to put random pictures on your social media; it would be as fun and captured as your well-planned photoshoot images.