Help... shooting Graduation pictures

[Canadian Mum]

So... a friend told another friend that I take amazing photographs ... and that I would probably love to take her graduation pictures. So... with that intro... she called me. I have agreed and we have scheduled the day and time. She wants me to take pictures of her all dolled up and ready for the graduation banquet and dance.

So... my questions... anything I should know or remember while shooting? What are the best kinds of photos to really capture her? She wants the shots taken in her backyard (which is very nice... but spring is very slow here... so there won't be as much greenery and flowers as I'd hoped)

Any help or tips are greatly appreciated.
(including tips on best settings to shoot... or at least to start with)

[private]

The one thing I would caution you about is uneven lighting caused by trees. Is there a way you can look at her backyard - open shade is best - IMO, but hope and pray for a cloudy day, then most of your problems will go away...

[AnneWynne]

Don't forget that you can use reflectors to bounce light back to her to light up her face. Also, shoot in raw so you can correct any exposure, white balance, etc, problems.

Ask your subject, and the mother, what they would like,

GL,
Anne

[Canadian Mum]

...not very often that I would pray for that kind of weather... especially with the spring we have been having! lol...
I have been in the backyard... there are a couple of places that will be full shade... regardless of the sun. Thanks for pointing it out though... because I'm not sure that I would have planned for that. Also... having thought about it will be much easier to give her reasons on why I want her where I want her... and not just where she wants to be! lol

I know that white balance is a big thing!! I will have to think about it... and make sure I get it right. I should maybe ask her what colour her dress is... and pray she doesn't say white! lol

I'm not sure if she wants them all outside... guess I should find that out. Guess I should find out if she is wanting them with just her... or with a friend... or with parents! argh!! Glad I got thinking about this now... and not the morning before!

[Trader]

Two things . . . . . Fill Light is your friend . . . . . and . . . . . . Shoot .RAW!

That is by far the best advice I can give anyone. I sure hope they don't want to do the shoot at 1:00 PM.

[Canadian Mum]

So... we did the shoot today. starting about 2:30 in the afternoon. Bright super sunny... quite windy.
She was very creative with positions and places to shoot. We did the shots in their backyard. Shot in about eight or nine different spots... with different backgrounds and combinations of people. The gal was great to shoot and was very natural. She too loves to take pictures and does lots of self portrait type shots... so she had great ideas about what she wanted.
I am looking forward to starting editting some of them... I will share a few once I have...

[elvenprincessjo]

I would love to see them once you have edited them! ^_^

[Trader]

Yes, definately. After all that, can't wait to see how they came out.