Yearbook Portrait Photo Tips!
Prepare your phone/camera for portraits
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Clean the camera lens so there's no dust/lint.
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Update photo size/resolution to the large for the best image quality (larger file size).
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Set the camera to portrait mode for automatic exposure/tones.
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Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for stability.
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Hold your phone camera with both hands and keep your elbows close to your body to avoid camera shake.
Choose a good background
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The best background won’t detract attention from your child, but will still compliment him/her.
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Separate your child from your background by not standing directly against a wall/window/fence/artwork or shrub/tree/flowers, etc. (6+ feet apart)
Find good light
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Shoot with an abundance of natural daylight if at all possible.
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Overcast winter days provide even light any time of day.
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On sunny days, early morning & late afternoon provide warm light but avoid direct sunlight (causing squinting).
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In the house, be close to a window, in front or to the side, but not behind your child.
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In the shade adjust for face brightness or turn on the camera flash to illuminate the face (avoid shadows by 6+ feet from your background).
Get up close
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Fill the frame with your child from the shoulder upwards (from the underarms).
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Leave a bit of room around both shoulders and top of the head (similar to a passport photo, see sample student portrait template).
Exposure and focus
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Tap on the face so your child's face is in focus.
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Tap and slide the exposure to increase brightness of the face (especially in the shade, indoors or lower light).
Take more photos
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Take more photos to catch the best smile, pose, location, etc.
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Have fun!