High School Yearbooks - Creative Photography Ideas

Here are several tips to increase the impact and effectiveness of images used in your yearbook.
1. Covers. Encourage the submission or creation of custom cover photography. Last year, our high school yearbook cover was an abstract image of CD's reflecting light in rainbow colors - taken by a student member of the staff. A cover contest generates interest and personal stake in the yearbook, increasing the student body's participation.
2. Club and Team shots. Chess club? Try for an artsy shot of a chess table with the team behind and slightly out of focus. Debate club? How about a staged brawl? Think creatively and do some planning to come up with original and entertaining images.
3. Baby Match. Take candid baby shots and sprinkle them in the yearbook. It will be fun for the students to match up to the right kids.
4. DVD Insert. Consider putting a DVD slide show in a plastic jacket as an upsell. Make sure you use legal music for the soundtrack. Lots of programs can be used to take images and music and make a DVD. Proshow is my favorite.
5. Pro Photos for Ad Space. Consider sprinkling in photos taken by professionals, in exchange for ad space.
6. Faculty Shots. How about a hobby focus? Instead of the same dry shots, have the faculty dress or bring items that they use in a hobby or interest and make a mini-bio for their images.
7. Contributor Web. Consider a public website such as Winkflash where anyone can submit photos for consideration in the yearbook. Make sure you get their name and credit them on the page where the images are used.
8. School Shots. Take some creative shots of the architecture and features of the school, such as mascots or common areas. Choose some times when they are busy and filled with kids, and contrast when they are empty. This will create pride and good memories of the school buildings and property.
9. Town Images. Some images from the local towns will also be appreciated. Consider asking for ad sponsors and spice up their contribution by taking a photo of their business and including it in the book. Think product placement.
10. Assemblies and Events. Make sure someone from the yearbook staff has permission to shoot freely at assemblies, pep rallies, sports and art/music events. Try to capture all scholastic, recreational and athletic/music activities as candids so you capture the depth of the high school experience.
Have fun with your High School Yearbook!
John Huegel is a photographer in the Erie, Pennsylvania area who specializes in Seniors, Dance Studio, Families and other groups. He is active in many charitable and volunteer activities in the Erie area. His work can be seen at http://jhphotomusic.com
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