I finished my Master’s degree last summer, and my commencement day is next month. Now that I officially have my cap and gown, I’m taking my graduation portraits myself. I printed them using the Mini 3 ERA Portable Photo Printer gifted to me by Kodak, and they look so good. Check out my video below to see how I did my DIY graduation portrait photoshoot at home.
Camera
I’m still rocking with my Canon T6i which I’ve had for a realllllly long time. It’s a DSLR, but if you don’t have a professional camera you could work with your phone. I recommend using the back camera if you use your phone. Work with what you got sis!
When I take pictures on my camera, I also use a digital remote. I use one that you can set (meaning I don’t have to hold it. I set it up and go) to take a certain amount of pictures, and allow a little break between each picture. You can see more on how it works in this YouTube video on my channel.
My Lighting SetUp
My lighting setup for all my content is always the same. I use my ringlight and 2 octagonal-shaped softboxes. They’re all LED lights, so they don’t emit too much heat (and make my room too hot while I use them). I also used a reflector to help bounce the light back onto my face. Check out my Amazon storefront to see all of my Content Creator essentials.
$17 Portrait Backdrop
I got a pink portrait backdrop for $17 on Amazon, since it was a sit-down portrait I got it in the 5″ x 7″ size. You could also use 2 yards of fabric from the fabric store instead. I hung the backdrop from my clothing rack while I took my pictures.
Kodak Mini 3 ERA Portable Photo Printer
My friends at Kodak gifted me their Mini 3 ERA Portable Photo printer to try out, and I really like it. I used it to print my graduation portrait, because I didn’t want the pictures to just live in my phone lol. I like this portable printer because I can connect it to my bluetooth devices (phone, iPad, etc.), and print my photos. This means I get to take my pictures, edit them how I like, and get them on point before I print.
I was impressed with the quality of the prints too! I placed my graduation portrait in the mini photo frame Kodak sent along and placed it on my desk.
The Mini 3 Era Portable Photo Printer works via the Kodak Photo Printer App, and you can add borders, make collages, etc. in there too. It’s pretty compact, so I’ll probably toss it in my bag for graduation day too. Check out my YouTube Short below to see it in action.
How I Took My Graduation Portraits
So there you have it, that’s how I took my own graduation portraits at home. Are you graduating this year? Have you already taken your graduation pics? Let me know in the comments!
Stylishly Yours,
Theresa Seyi
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