Thursday, January 30, 2020

7 Tips to Get Great Prom Group Photos by Dallas Photographer Lisa McNiel



Prom is right around the corner and in most parts of the country, the group you go with is more important than having or not having a date. Juniors and Seniors want to celebrate with their friends and they will definitely want good pictures!!! 

These beautiful kids were my senior models for the graduating class of 2020. They represent Marcus High School in Flower Mound, Grapevine Faith, Byron Nelson in Trophy Club, Guyer in Denton, and Boswell around the Dallas Fort Worth area of North Texas. 


Here are SEVEN tips on how to do good group shots and be the photographer hero on prom night:


1. Have them on different levels. In the top photo you can see that I have some girls standing up on lawn furniture, some sitting, some standing, and some sitting on the ground. This way you get to see everyone and their dress and it's much more interesting than to see them standing in a straight line. If you have a dancer in your group, have her help you and tell her you need an "ending pose."


Follow me on Pinterest here: DallasPhotographer
 

To see more photos from senior photographer Lisa McNiel, click Dallas-Photographer or follow 
DFW-Senior-Photographer on Facebook or Senior Pictures on Instagram.


2. Have them put their backs to the sun. That way they won't be squinting at the sun. This works better if you don't have the light source of the sun also in the photo, because the shadows on their faces would be too strong. As you can see in the photo above with the rim light around their hair, the staircase and building are high enough behind them that their faces remain bright enough.



3. Have them engage with each other and with you. They can group tightly together, "accordion" back and forth, hold hands, walk toward the camera, etc.




4. Incorporate their interests! I realize this is something I am doing as a Senior Picture Photographer, but it is a fun idea to show their range. How cute is it to see a swim cap, football, pompoms, running shoes, a baseball bat and glove, or volleyball with their glam prom dresses, suits, and tuxedos?



5. Get a variety of shots. It seems like everybody gets the same shot 100 times. Instead, make sure you get photos of them with their closest friends,  date, and parents. Also, get full-length, 3/4, and close up shots.



If you know a guy or girl graduating in 2021 around DFW who might want the experience of being a Senior Model for me, have them apply online here:  http://www.lisa-marie-photography.com/team-2021




6. Get some candid shots! These two have been buddies since childhood and are not romantic, but the goofy shots when they weren't posing were among their parents' favorites.











7. Take your time. Move around and get shots of each kid by themselves, or just your child. But be intentional. Have them spin around. Vary the angles. Get the back of her dress and his jacket over his shoulder.

















Saturday, January 25, 2020

Airplanes, Cowboy Boots, and Guitars - A fashionable Texan - Senior Pictures by Lisa McNiel




"Once you have flown a plane, your eyes will always look to the skies." That's a saying that I live by daily. Ever since I was a little kid, I've always been fascinated with the idea of flight.Achieving my pilot's license was one of my favorite memories.


Ty was not only featured in Inspiring Teens Magazine, he had an entire spread, the back cover, and was the ITI Style Model.

Ty Thompson and his folks came all the way from Amarillo to do Senior Pictures. They were an absolute joy to work with, and came fully prepared with clothes pressed and ready. Part of the reason it was so much fun to work with the Thompsons was because they were easy-going and happy, the other is because they understood how important timing is and had his clothes and props ready for the varied interests we wanted to cover. 

Bomber jacket and aviators, jeans and boots, gorgeous suits and polished dress shoes, serious and jovial, airplanes and guitars, flags and guns, but mostly God and family. Ty was able to show many aspects to his life and loves as a modern Texas Renaissance Man!

Follow me on Pinterest here: DallasPhotographer 

To see more photos from senior photographer Lisa McNiel, click Dallas-Photographer or follow 
DFW-Senior-Photographer on Facebook or Senior Pictures on Instagram.




My heart is always with moms - so it's important to know her perspective. Here's what Berkley had to say about Ty: 

Ty is such a fun young man. We have regularly received compliments on his outgoing personality and his excellent manners since he was very young. Ty is one that will keep you smiling and can lighten up any situation, as he is always in a good mood. Ty has a strong foundation in his biblical beliefs and has never been ashamed to share his faith. He has a servants heart and is always one to take the lead in a kind and gentle way. Ty is a true southern gentleman. He loves God, his family, his country, American and Texas history, and aviation. Ty could identify every type of airplane flying overhead before he started Pre-K. His love for aviation is still going strong today. He is currently working on his private pilot's license and has even completed his X-country solo. Ty's use of common sense has proven to be helpful in numerous cases already. If anyone needs information about an event in history, Ty can fill them in and tell them about the aircraft or lack thereof! Ty is one that is content in any situation and can get along with anyone, anywhere. He loves to listen to Outlaw Country music. He has an amazing Bass voice, and I love to hear him sing! He makes me so proud to be his mom!



Student Executive Council: 2018 - 2019
Bel Canto Varsity Choir 2017 - 2019
District Choir 2017 - 2019
Academic Letter: 2018, 2019
AB Honor roll: 2015 - 2018
Student Council: 2016 - 2018
Junior Class officer: Secretary 2017 - 2018
Latin National Honor Society: 2016 - 2017
Latin Club officer: Tribuina 2016 - 2017
Golf 2016 - 2018
Chess Club-Vice President 2017 - 2018
Choir 2015 - 2019
Ken Club 2016 - 2019
Tennis 2015 -2016