Prom pictures are full of emotion for the teen and their parents. So here are ten prom picture ideas to help you capture some great prom photos and make both teens and parents happy.
Prom is one of those events that you document in a young person’s life. It’s right up there with high school graduation or senior photos. So you want to make sure they are picture-perfect!
10 Perfect Prom Picture Ideas with Poses and Props
Here are our ten tips for taking the best prom pictures
10. Use Conversation and Breaks to Keep the Poses Natural
Teens are at a stage where they are very aware of their outer image. This means that sometimes they can feel a little intimidated by the camera.
Take this into account. And take photos that keep the mood light and natural.
Have the teens talk with each other before posing them. This can create natural conversation and allow you to capture some cute candid shots.
If you notice that the session is getting a bit stale, opt for a quick break. Photograph the in-between moments. This is when teens tend to be the most relaxed and natural.
This way, you can capture them as they are during this right of passage. A break also keeps the session from getting stagnant, boring, or awkward.
9. Zone-in on the Details to Tell a Story
Prom is one of those events where teens make decisions over every detail of the evening. The choices that they have made can include anything from their wardrobe, shoes, and transportation to flowers for corsages and boutonnieres.
Teens like to feel heard and seen. So photographing these details is crucial. It shows appreciation for their time and effort to make the night important and meaningful.
Ask the teens before the session if they have decided to do something special for when they arrive or leave. These details are also important to capture because they add to the story of their prom night experience.
8. Photograph Each Person Individually to Personalize the Photo Shoot
Take photos of each person with different focal lengths. Take one up close, another at mid-length, and another at full length.
Try to choose a portrait background that allows you to photograph each teen with these three focal lengths. That way, all three photos match in style and lighting.
Try scheduling the individual prom photos in-between the group photos or couple photos. This can help break up the session so it doesn’t get boring.
It can also give the other teens a break and time to relax between portraits. Many times, it’s a great time to check makeup and adjustments.
Make sure that each person has their full wardrobe, including florals. This way, the final portrait isn’t missing any important detail of their wardrobe.
7. Schedule Enough Time to Cater to Everyone
So how much time should you schedule for a prom photo shoot? Prom photos need a bit of time.
You need to capture the whole evening’s emotions, wardrobe, and details. You also must account for more time if you photograph more than one couple.
You must also give the teens time during the session to take breaks, enjoy the excitement, and make adjustments or fix details. This can make all the difference in the final photos so they won’t look so stiff.
Schedule the prom photos at least an hour and a half before the teens leave for prom.
For groups, schedule the session at least two hours in advance. Then you have enough time for individuals, couples, and group photos.
6. Avoid Using Flash to Keep Outfits Looking Natural
Flash can be useful, especially if you have to photograph the prom photos indoors. But flash can cause sheer fabrics to come out shiny with the added pop of light.
Some layered or see-through fabrics may not come out right if you use a flash. So if you have to use your flash, try bouncing the light off a white ceiling or adjacent wall.
Using your flash tilted at a 65-degree angle and backward can also help fill in without being too harsh. And using your flash in manual mode can help you control the power of its output.
You can get the desired amount of light without it causing too many problems. It won’t create too much light on the fabrics or overexpose your images.
The best option would be to use your flash off-camera on a flash stand. You can control where the light is coming from and how close or far away you need it to be to light the whole scene. This is especially important for group photos where more teens are involved.
5. Try Different Poses for Individuals, Couples, and Groups
Are your subjects wondering how to pose for prom photos? Here are some posing tips to help them.
When you pose couples for pictures, try to keep the poses casual. Not all teens who go to prom together are necessarily dating.
It can quickly get awkward if you try to pose the couples to reflect more than they are. But try to pose real couples close together with their arms around the shoulders or lightly around the waist.
But above all, capture natural posing. For example, take pictures when the teens put on the corsages or boutonnieres. Capturing a natural smile when they’re not paying attention is much better than a crisp, nervous expression.
And photograph all the in-between moments as well. This includes the awkward laughs, the expressions, and all the other fun poses. Even conversations where they are being really expressive are great.
Another pose that can loosen the stiffness and break the ice is to have the prom couple walk. They can walk toward the camera. Or, depending on the location, walk away from the camera.
You can also pose the couple dancing and having fun. This can look really sweet.
Don’t force poses that are uncomfortable for the teens. During this time in their lives, they are very sensitive to how awkward dating and social situations can be. So be aware of their emotions.
They won’t want to look back to their prom shoot and cringe. Nor will the family members paying for the portraits enjoy that.
You can also use the location to pose the couple or individuals. Have them sit on steps or stand with one arm on a shoulder while the other has their hands on their hips. This makes the pose more friendly and less like engagement photos.
Posing groups can get tricky. But try getting one group photo of all the prom couples posed together. Then have fun by mixing it up.
Ask the group to go in for a group huddle or hug. This can bring about lots of laughs, fun, and natural poses.
In addition to the big group photos, don’t forget to get photos of smaller clusters. For example, take photos of just the girls. Or take pictures of two who are best friends. Do this for the boys too.
4. Keep the Session Quick to Avoid Boredom
Teens are excited to enjoy themselves at prom. This also means, more often than not, they aren’t too concerned with spending lots of time taking photos.
Make sure to work quickly and have your locations scouted before the session. That way, you can move through each set of photos quickly.
Have two or three poses in mind ahead of time. You can pose them quickly without missing the in-between moments, either.
Giving the teens breaks when working with another couple or individual can also help relax things. You can also play music to set the mood and keep the excitement up.
3. Use a Variety of Props to Make the Photo Shoot Fun
Are you wondering what props to use? Using props can make the prom session even more fun!
Use streamers or confetti pops to add to the excitement. They are fun for everyone and for you to photograph!
You can also use signs that read “Prom (Insert the Year)” or something that goes with the prom theme at the teens’ school.
You may find that some teens pull resources to rent a car or special transportation to arrive at prom in style.
You can use this car, limousine, etc., as a backdrop or prop for some photos.
2. Give Parents Time to Document the Event as Well
You are the official photographer for the prom photo. But you should still allow mom and dad to have their time to document the moment.
Let them take photos of the same setups that you have created. Give them time before or after you capture the pose to document the prom photos.
If you have a chance, get a photo of the parents with their child. Do this both individually and with their date.
Some may not be willing. And that’s okay too. But don’t miss the opportunity. Make sure to ask if they want them.
1. Ask the Teens If They Want Anything Special
Before you wrap up the prom photos, ask the teens if there is anything that they wish for you to photograph. Teens can feel like the photos are more for their parents.
Ask them if they would like a particular photo. It allows the subjects to direct their prom photo session experience.
Maybe they want one of them inside the limo peeking through the sunroof. Or maybe the prom subjects see a photo they’d like to try with their friends to post on social media. This is a great way to give them photos they are excited to see and share with their friends!
Including the teens in the session experience is a great way to create more referrals. And it gives them something that perhaps you didn’t think of in terms of poses, photos, or ideas.
Conclusion
Prom photos aren’t just for parents. Giving the teens the best prom portrait experience can mean working quickly and taking lots of candids to really capture the emotion and excitement of this fun evening.
The most important tip for prom photos is to keep things light and fun. Both teens and parents will appreciate that kind of experience. We hope we’ve given you enough prom picture ideas to get you started!
