Photographing the Prom...

The Prom season is with us and here are a few of my suggestions that might help when photographing the British Prom...

• Firstly...don't do it! No I'm only joking, it's great fun but you need to be prepared, because unless you are the only designated Prom photographer, everyone and their Mother, and I mean every one and their Mother, will have a camera at the ready. So now is not the time to try out the new camera that you've had for your birthday, or that new fish eye lens, as you need to work fast and feel comfortable with your camera, as space and time will no doubt be limited.  
  


• Whilst I know it can be difficult to get details out of teenagers, try to get as much information as you can; for example knowing how much time you will have at each point such as the meeting place and the venue. Another tip is to try to find out how long the limousine or car ride will be, including what time the driver plans to get to the prom venue. All these details can all help, because fun as it may be to ride in the limo, it's such a shame if the car arrives leaving no time to photograph the prom party before they have to go into the private party area.
  


• The Weather - Now no one can predict the great British weather, but this is where your knowledge of the venue helps, so should the weather not be the best, you can have a back-up plan...it might just consist of having clear plastic brollies, but at least you might still be able to get some great photos.  If you are outside also remember to keep an eye out for any background and foreground obstacles, posts and roof lines... or excited young children running through your view finder...you name it keep your beady eyes open.. 
  


• The Dress!  Sorry guys I know that you look good all suited and booted, but Proms are all about the girls and the dress! Whilst there may be a few 'big fat gypsy wedding' style dresses my experience seems to be that most young women go for the elegant 'red carpet' look...whatever the style of frock try to get all the full length into the photograph along with those all important accessories and details.  
  


• Other Opportunities - Whilst it's important to try to get the girls in their beautiful dresses and the guys in their smart suits, it's also good to get in close...capture the funny faces, the rabbit ears above someone's head, the head-dress details...and whilst a prime lens is always good, a 28-80mm lens also works just as well.  Consider other opportunities which all add to the atmosphere and memory of the evening, such as the prom cars, the Ferrari's, Bentleys, Limousines. Capture It! - Keep it!  Basically keep things as simple as possible and have fun!