Photographing a high school graduate is always a special occasion, and when you have the opportunity to capture their personality in a place they love, the results can be truly magical. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Gabi, a soon-to-be graduate of San Dieguito Academy High School, at one of her favorite surf spots, Turn-arounds in Carlsbad, CA. Gabi brought her surfboard and cap and gown to the shoot, and we had a fantastic time capturing some amazing shots.
When planning a photo shoot for a high school graduate, it is essential to understand their personality, interests, and hobbies. Gabi is an avid surfer, and Turn-arounds is her go-to spot, so it was the perfect location for our shoot. When we arrived at the location, we scouted the area to find the best spots for taking pictures. We found a few different locations that offered a stunning backdrop, including the beach, the bluffs and even the spring wildflowers across PCH, which added some colorful variety to the photos.
Once we had scoped out the area, it was time to start taking some pictures. Gabi was excited to get started and brought her surfboard to the shoot. We began by taking some pictures on the bluffs above beach, where we used the surfboard as a prop to add some interest to the photos. Gabi was a natural in front of the camera, and her genuine smile and infectious energy made for some great shots.
After the bluffs photos, we moved on to the beach, where we found some incredible angles that showcased the natural beauty of the area. We had Gabi pose on the hardpack sand, looking out over the ocean, and the results were breathtaking. I used a mixture of both natural light and strobe to create different moods, and the end result was a set of photos that captured Gabi's personality and love for the ocean.
Finally, we went into the water, where Gabi put on her cap and gown and posed with her surfboard. The surf was a bit too rough to do any real surfing that day, but we managed to capture some stunning shots of Gabi in the water with her surfboard, cap, and gown. The final images were of Gabi with her surfboard, cap and gown silhouetted against the warm setting sun. Magical images to end an epic shoot.
Photographing a high school graduate at their favorite location can be a fantastic experience. Gabi's love for surfing and the ocean made the shoot at Turn-arounds incredibly special. The variety of locations we used, along with different lighting techniques, made for some incredible photos that captured Gabi's personality and interests. If you're planning a photo shoot for a high school graduate, take the time to understand their hobbies and interests, and choose a location that reflects their personality. You won't be disappointed with the results.
