10 Must-Have Prom Photos

This past weekend, I had the pleasure of photographing multiple couples dressed to the nines before they headed to prom. The dresses were a sight to behold, the guys look so handsome in their tuxes, and it was so much fun to get to see everybody dressed to the hilt. Like with any other major event, photographers only have so many available slots for sessions and prom is no exception. Because of that I wanted to share some of the must-have photos for those of you who want to be sure to capture great pictures on your own to celebrate this special night!

1. Don’t forget to get a group shot of all of your friends together. You’ll want to remember who you spent the evening with and who doesn’t love a great group photo? Here’s an extra tip: get a couple of shots where no one is looking at the camera to give it a more candid feel!

2. Take a solo shot that shows your outfit, hair, and makeup from head to toe. You didn’t spend all that time getting ready for nothing! Does your dress have detailed beading or a really cool back?  Be sure to get those things in the shot as well!

3. Have some fun with props! Grab some balloons or colored sunglasses and strike a pose.  We’re all familiar with the traditional Prom Pose™, but prom is all about having fun with your friends and your photos should reflect that.  Be silly and laugh!  Personal photos don’t have to be up to IG standards, you know.

4. Don’t forget to capture the details. Get close up shots of your corsage or boutonniere, shoes, and jewelry. Similar to how you spent hours preparing for the day, you also poured a ton of time and effort into the accessories and color coordinating and you’ll want to remember it.  The great thing about photos is that they’re forever and will be around long after the flowers have died.

5. Get a shot of the limo or car you arrived in!  It’s a classic prom photo you’ll cherish for years to come and it’s not everyday that you roll up to an event in a limo.

6. Take a photo with your prom date or group of friends holding up your prom tickets. You’d be surprised at the details you’ll forget as the years fly by. The prom tickets will likely display the theme of the year and, in case you lose the tickets themselves at some point in the future, you still have the photo.

7.  Capture the moment when you step onto the dance floor, be sure to get the event decor in the background!  Chances are, volunteers and other students have poured their hearts and souls into making prom happen and you’ll want to remember everything about the night.

8. Get a shot of you and your date sharing a special moment like a slow dance.  Better yet, opt for a photo of the classic ‘dip’ pose (think at the end of a slow dance.)  It’s a great pose and super romantic.

9. Take a photo of you and your friends dancing the night away!  After all, that’s what you’re there to do and that’s something you’ll look back on fondly in the years to come.  (Bonus points if it’s a shot of the Cupid Shuffle or the Cha Cha Slide!)

10. Finally, don’t forget to snap a photo of yourself at the end of the night. Once you’ve danced the night away, your feet are aching, and you’re itching to throw on some sweats, be sure to grab a photo of your shoes hanging over your shoulder and a smile on your face.

Prom is a rite of passage and definitely a night to remember.  Take tons of photos while you’re there, but remember to be in the moment too.  It’ll be over before you know it!
For more prom (and senior!) inspiration, don’t forget to follow me on Pinterest.

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