PERFECT EXPOSURE
We asked for your best photography. And you’ve blown us away.
Since launching the new log-in screen for myHJyearbook.com and requesting student work, we’ve received more than 400 emails packed with photos. This overwhelming response has us choosing a round of new feature photos monthly.
Want to join in?
Here are some hints:
- Attach (don’t drag and drop) up to five photos per email and send to YBK@herffjones.com.
- We love to see your vertical photos, but we can only use horizontal photos that leave space for the log-in and photo credit boxes. We might find other places for vertical shots.
- We’re not into offending people. Keep it classy.
- Include photographer’s name, school, city and state. Extra credit if you use them in the file name.
About the featured photos
Undeniable proof students are following composition lessons, these photos represent everything from leading lines and rule of thirds to capturing the height of emotion. And, this is just a small sample of the photos you’ve submitted. Send your best photos to YBK@herffjones.com.
CROWNING MOMENT
Alexia Laramore tells YBKhq how she got this shot.
“I took this photo at our school’s homecoming dance with a Canon T6. This was not my first time, so I knew the best spots. When the court presentations started, I went to the back of the gym — where the court girls begin walking down the aisle — and I took as many photos as I could.
“I was going to get the perfect shot, even if it meant pushing through the crowd. I remember seeing the lights beam on the queen and thinking her silhouette was spectacular. I actually ended up walking down the aisle behind her until she reached the end.
“I was in the moment, and saw the perfect photo opportunity. I just went with it. I took many similar photos, but I choose this one because I liked how she was reaching into the crowd. I planned on taking a photo of the queen, but I didn’t expect it to turn out like this. I guess you could say it was a lucky shot, but I’d say the only lucky thing is that it captures a special moment that will forever be documented in our yearbook.”
Alexia Laramore
Jefferson City High School | Jefferson City, Missouri
SEEING DOUBLE
Yes, that cover is a real shot captured by a staffer with a Canon 7d Mark 2 with an 18–35 Sigma lens. And while we don’t all have access to the natural beauty of the islands, we do all have the ability to create great photos like this one.
This shot is stunning because it adheres to multiple photo composition principles.
Center of interest: Focus should be obvious, and it is here. The boy is a clear focus, and that doesn’t happen by accident.
“It took us about 10 minutes of trying the same pose with around 75–100 shots,” Riley Shimatsu said.
That’s right — 10 minutes for one photo. Sometimes that’s what it takes.
Varying angle: For a different perspective, find a low or high angle to isolate your center of interest.
“This photo was taken at a tide pool on Hawaii Kai side,” Shimatsu said. “I took it really close to the ground so we could get this type of reflection.”
Keep the balance: All elements work in harmony. The symmetry of this photo draws you in.
Simplicity: Isolate the subject, then change perspective to reduce background clutter. We love the work that went into this photo. We are humbled by the innovations of yearbookers.
Riley Shimatsu
J.B. Castle High School | Kaneohe, Hawaii
