Yearbook Portrait Photo Tips!

Prepare your phone/camera for portraits

Clean the camera lens so there's no dust/lint.
Update photo size/resolution to the large for the best image quality (larger file size).
Set the camera to portrait mode for automatic exposure/tones.

Stand with your feet shoulder-width apart for stability.
Hold your phone camera with both hands and keep your elbows close to your body to avoid camera shake.

Choose a good background

The best background won’t detract attention from your child, but will still compliment him/her.

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

Shoot with an abundance of natural daylight if at all possible.
- Overcast winter days provide even light any time of day.
- On sunny days, early morning & late afternoon provide warm light but avoid direct sunlight (causing squinting).
In the house, be close to a window, in front or to the side, but not behind your child.
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

Fill the frame with your child from the shoulder upwards (from the underarms).
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

Tap on the face so your child's face is in focus.
Tap and slide the exposure to increase brightness of the face (especially in the shade, indoors or lower light).

Take more photos

Sutter PTA