Shooting Graduation Portraits of Kids at Home (Traditional School Picture Style) with Sigma Lenses

Whether it's preschool, elementary or otherwise, graduation time can be a bit hectic, and formal graduation portraits of kids are often forgotten in the process, leaving us with on-location snapshots or low-resolution phone pics that rarely end up being "frameworthy." And when graduation ceremonies don't even happen (hello 2020), well, that makes it even harder to commemorate the occasion.
Thankfully, with a little time, patience and some basic equipment, you can shoot your own graduation photos (or traditional school pictures) at home. In this video, Nick from Sigma shows you how to take great portraits of your kids on their special day!
Get your gear at:
www.sigmaphoto...

[@natestain7103]

Happy to see someone getting good results using affordable continuous/video lights for a still portrait shoot, rather than mess with 2 light boxes and a hair light, and expensive external flashes or moonlights.

[@sigmaphoto]

Yep, continuous lights can produce excellent results as long as you have a controlled space, so for home studios, they are a great option.

[@mariacarolinaechaniz502]

I don't usually comment on videos but this one deserves it. Very clear instructions and steps. You are a great instructor. I am planning to take photos of my daughter since this year her school is not doing it and this video has everything I need for setting everything up. Thank you so much!

[@sigmaphoto]

Thanks! Good luck with the photos. :)

[@mariacarolinaechaniz502]

@@sigmaphoto I got great photos. I'm so happy. Thank you again for this video!

[@sigmaphoto]

@@mariacarolinaechaniz502 Glad to help!

[@bonemad888]

Good points in general. He mentions not cropping in too tight and then shows photos where he's just done this! The end photos show the childs hands aren't fully showing. Always let the photo breath and leave more space than you think . Lightroom has a tool to show how all the photo sizes will look especially when cropping down to 10x8" from a 3x2 ratio. he mentions 100th second shutter and then his camera shows 160th... personally I always use 160th as you're stuffed if the image is out of focus due to slow shutter speed and movement.

[@zaecrazyy1152]

This is soooo helpful because I plan on doing my own graduation photo shoot in May

[@dorothysewing9997]

My parents didn’t have a professional photo of my preschool graduation in 1979. I remember at my graduation, our caps were orange with a white curled ribbon as a tassel. I didn’t get my first graduation photo taken until 8th grade (middle school didn’t exist back then, so the elementary schools were k-8).

[@brittanidavis5521]

This tutorial is exactly what I was looking for! Thanks a bunch 😊

[@samueltrujillophotography]

Very informative and to the point! BTW Sigma lenses rock! Thank you.

[@christellewiggins1580]

I had to look up the expression mortar board. Never heard of that before! We call them the Cap from the Cap & Gown set. Now I know! This video was so well done and informative. Thank you!💫

[@sigmaphoto]

Thank you, and glad we could help. From photo tips to vocabulary, we try to offer a little bit of everything. :)

[@markguerin6071]

Thank you for sharing this video. I am a teacher and found it very instructional. My school keeps going in and out of Covid lockdown and I would love to be better at taking pictures, both formal and candid, to be able to share with my parents and students. All my best from Michigan.

[@sigmaphoto]

Glad you enjoyed it, and hope you can put some of the tips to good use. :)

[@markguerin6071]

@@sigmaphoto Will do!

[@darnlove55]

That one dislike is a glitch in the universe.... this video was perfect!!!!!!

[@allthings_araba23]

Wow, I found this really helpful. Thank you for the information.

[@jaeccaturan6515]

This video is very very helpful! My sister is graduating from college and as her brother who happens to be a photographer (for hobbies not professionally), going to take her graduation picture. Thank you so much.

[@sigmaphoto]

Glad to help!

[@OscarMartinez-fu6jn]

just realized he's not using a flash. NOICE!

[@bawtreerd]

Nice portrait Thank you for sharing your knowledge

[@ArthurDesignEnglish]

Wow) enjoyed every minute

[@sigmaphoto]

Thank you very much!

[@romiemiller7876]

Florescent lights give a green cast, and they're typically not over powered completely even with studio strobes. Also, I agree with not shooting any wider than f. 5 or so. It's silly to have the eyes in focus and the end of the nose and ears out of focus.

[@johnericksalonga7652]

Thanks for the graduation photoshoot tutorial sir Im a beginner photographer and I really learn what you've teach.im from Philippines..thank you for this one sir ♥️

[@Edgardbmedia]

Just what I needed. Thanks. Where would you send to print these if you dont have a photo printer?

[@sigmaphoto]

We can't really endorse any in particular, but if you want long-lasting quality, look for a photo lab that is preferred by photographers. You'll find plenty of options online with fast turnaround time and competitive rates.

[@DiviPhotos]

Thank you for sharing this video

[@elizabethmendoza7372]

Excellent information! I"m an Elementry school teacher and sometimes we can't afford a professional photographer for school dances. After watching multiple studio photography setups this seems to be the most affordable. I love your idea. This video was so helpful. But I can't quite find the exact light. Do you mind listing everything that was used? I would love to purchase the same light set up and backdrop.

[@ahindrisramosrodriguez7287]

Loved it . Great and informative video.May I ask what is the printer that you used to print the picture?

[@ChicagoNava3]

Hold on now, Meowth can now use thunderbolt??? Definitely wasting his life away with Team Rocket 😂 Thanks for the clean tutorial and tips!

[@sigmaphoto]

It appears this thunderbolt info was just a ruse! Meowth -- a Pokemon that *taught himself to speak* -- still remains an ally of the hapless Team Rocket.

[@annadominiquepolahon4727]

What is the brand of your background light kit? The flat light kit at yhe back?

[@ultramuc466]

Where did you get that backdrop?

[@BrianKRoss101]

Absolutely wonderful, ty!

[@athenkosintlemeza7862]

Thanks for the lesson. Please make a video of you arriving at a school, setting up, preparation, actual shoot and sometimes with editing video as well. Trust me, you'll have more subscribers in a month... A-tee from South Africa

[@joshuamendoza6942]

Good job pops

[@WedisemaetAntonios]

Which printer do you use or recommend for me to start printing my photos?

[@jon3787]

im curious what light kit that is? I'm looking for something like that!! Great video

[@sigmaphoto]

Dimmable LEDs. Neewer makes that specific kit.

[@saraifulcher3824]

What watt are the lights/kit?

[@pastormamawifey]

Wow you did amazing!!!! I cannot afford the camera and all of the lights right now. My babygirl is graduating kindergarten & my baby boy is graduating 1st grade! I am so so proud! What do you suggest for someone on a budget? I plan on doing an affordable photoshoot just to have something. I’m pretty good at taking pictures but at this time I’m only going to be using my iPhone 12. It has a nice camera especially with portrait mode. I’m thinking of doing it outside because we have a small apartment. Anyways, it’s 7 weeks away and I am going to do my best to make it look as good as possible. Last year- my last minute, DIY SHOOT TURNED OUT QUITE NICE! 🤗 The reason that really propelled me to wanting to do more this year is because my children’s’ school has offered one ☝️ option: “A drive 🚗 through Promotion Photoshoot!” Ugh, I’m Not interested lol So please - suggestions or advice would be great help! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ GOD BLESS YOU GUYS ! 🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽 ❤️ from A Pastor’s Wife

[@sigmaphoto]

Thanks! If your only option is the phone, then focus on finding nice, soft lighting and shooting with the longest lens. If you can borrow a camera with a nice lens (maybe even a SIGMA!), that's even better. Or if you can spend a little bit to hire a local professional photographer (it will be a LOT less than a camera/lens/lights) you might consider that. There will almost surely be someone in your area with a nice portfolio who would love to help!

[@pastormamawifey]

@@sigmaphoto wow! Thank you so very much! I will look and see. Thank you for this information. You are much obliged. #GodWillHelpMe figure it out! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️ God Bless You!

[@andycotton6451]

nice and informational!! btw the older son in blue is your CLONE dude lol. the genetics are strong wthin this one

[@Veectory]

what is that backdrop?

[@likeskittys]

Thank you for the tips!

[@tedebaer1]

Thank you!

[@davidkarl_dave]

Thank you

[@WedisemaetAntonios]

Thanks

[@cerealclicker]

Very helpful, and informative thanks!!!🙂

[@averymcdaniel423]

What printer did you use to produce the photos?

[@sigmaphoto]

Old Canon MX922. Most inkjet printers can produce fine prints for general use with decent paper.

[@dodothebird2199]

is 119mm any good for kids? (from your experience)

[@sigmaphoto]

Any long focal length will give your portraits a compressed look with a blurred background, but if you're too far away you won't be close enough to direct your subjects.

[@kennymasaglang7916]

Can I ask for a give away lens or tripod. 🙏🥺

[@highlycreativedigital5472]

Sigma send me a 35mm please

[@marlowilliams3622]

Me too! lol

[@pagpapaitim]

dude you funny

[@annadominiquepolahon4727]

What is the brand of your background light kit? The flat light kit at yhe back?

[@athenkosintlemeza7862]

Thanks...