high school graduation

[moto749]

My friends little brother is walking this week and her video camera broke. Naturally the friend with the photo hobby gets "volunteered". LOL! Oh well just another excuse to get out there and take photos. I already told her not to expect much since Im still somewhat new to photography.

If anyone has any suggestions on what types of photos I should take Im all ears. I have a few ideas in mind already, but it doesnt hurt to get a different perspective.

Also I dont have a telephoto longer than my 24-105L and im not sure how the stage will be setup. Im working under the assumption that I wont be able to get very close to the stage. I guess I can always crop if needed. I plan on getting there early to get a few test shots in and find out how close I can actually get. I'll post results this weekend.

P.S. am I the only one that gets excited when I know I'm going to get to spend a few hours doing nothing but taking pictures?

[kleidascope]

If you want to be close to the stage - get there REAL early. I'm not kidding! Those places fill up quick. Usually flash is restricted so keep that in mind. Of course you need the traditional, down the aisle (if you can get it) getting diploma, turning and switching the tassel.

If someone can save your seat, and you can go wander around - the kids are usually milling around 'back stage' or whereever they are keeping them contained. Go back there -the kids are bored out of their mind waiting and waiting because chances are they had to be there early too! grab him and his friends do some shots. Do some individuals of him there too - tossing the hat, etc.... You'll probably draw a crowd of other kids hamming it up. My son and his friends had cigars - we had to be a little shy about that - no tobacco on school grounds... but we managed. Chances are there will be better lighting there than in the auditorium. Also - try to get pics of him with his family and parents if possible. They mean alot.

We have grad on Thurs. So I've been planning a little too - have to get it down on paper so I don't forget and get to the phase of all emotional mom before I get the pictures I want. We are also going out this weekend and taking pictures in cap and gown with some nice backgrounds and a few 'meaningful shots'. We're doing some on a bridge, really cool stone stairs, the river, etc. Might be something you want to think about ahead of time, chances are he already has his gown.