101+ Great Yearbook Photos

Photo by Mikayla Yue

101+ GREAT YEARBOOK PHOTOS That Captured Our Attention (And Why!)

TABLE OF CONTENTS

101+ GREAT YEARBOOK PHOTOS THAT CAPTURED OUR ATTENTION (AND WHY!). . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

PHOTO TERMS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4

ACADEMICS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

FEATURE OR PORTRAIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 36

JUNIOR HIGH OR MIDDLE SCHOOL

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SCHOOL SPIRIT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 74

SPORTS ACTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

SPORTS REACTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 114

STUDENT LIFE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

YEARBOOK LIFE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 145

ACADEMICS 2 TABLE OF CONTENTS

101+ GREAT YEARBOOK PHOTOS THAT CAPTURED OUR ATTENTION (AND WHY!) What makes a great yearbook photo? There’s a lot that goes into good photography, like proper exposure and white balance. But sometimes there’s also a je ne sais quoi element. In this follow-up to 100+ Great Yearbook Photos that Captured Our Attention and Why, we’ve gathered even more examples of incredible student photography and done our best to explain what made them stand out. We explain what rules were followed to make each photo great, and if the rules were intentionally broken, we share why that worked, too! We know how hard yearbook staffs work to gather all the photos they need for the year. This book celebrates the hard work they do and the skills they build. Looking at the pictures in this book, it’s hard to believe that many students started yearbook with almost no photography experience! If you see your photo in here, congratulations and keep up the good work. You’re all doing amazing things.

3 OUR ATTENTION AND WHY 101+ GREAT YEARBOOK PHOTOS THAT CAPTURED

PHOTO TERMS Here are some of the characteristics that make up great photographs. We will be talking about them throughout this book. • Action Shot The photo shows a subject or object in motion. • Angle The photo was taken from a good vantage point. This can be eye level, but taking photos from high or low (a “bird’s eye” or “worm’s eye” view) can make them more interesting. • Background The area farther away from the photographer • Bokeh An effect caused by blurred lights in out-of-focus areas; could be created by out-offocus Christmas lights, rain drops or distant streetlights • Candid The photo wasn’t posed. This is a great way to show emotion and relationships between two or more people. • Catchlight Reflection of light in a subject’s eye, which adds depth • Center of Interest Point or feature that draws the eye’s attention • Complimentary Color Colors that are opposite each other on the color wheel, creating contrast in the image • Contrast The difference between highlights and shadow in an image • Depth of Field The balance that exists between in-focus and out-of-focus zones. If only a small zone is in focus, that’s called shallow depth of field. A large zone kept in focus is called wide depth of field • Exposure The light captured in an image. It changes in various light settings, and is controlled by the camera settings. If the exposure wasn’t correct, the image will be overexposed or underexposed. • Filled Frame The subject fills the entire frame of the photo. • Focus How clear and sharply defined an image is. In focus images are sharp and welldefined, while out-of focus images are blurry. Different parts of a photo can have different focus. • Foreground The area closer to the photographer • Framing A compositional technique in which the center of interest is viewed through something else. The most effective frames are natural, often created by slightly out-of-focus objects or people in the foreground.

• Grayscale A range of monochromatic shades, also referred to as “black and white” • Juxtaposition Two objects placed side by side for contrast or comparison • Leading Lines These are lines within an image that lead the eye to another point into or out of the image. The lines can be made from arms, stair railings, power lines, fences, bridges or a shoreline. • Matte A finish that reflects light in a diffused manner • Repetition Lines or shapes in a photo that reoccur within a photo, creating a pattern • Selective Focus Using shallow depth of field to draw attention to a subject in sharp focus • Sharpness The degree of an image’s clarity, in terms of focus and contrast • Silhouette A dark image outlined against a light background • Vantage Point/Point of View The place and position from which a photographer takes a photo to create a more interesting image • Rule of Thirds

If you were to divide an image into nine equal sections (like a tic-tac-toe board), the focal point falls where the lines intersect. Putting the subject slightly off center makes the image seem more dynamic.

Photo by Jacob Moscovitsch

• Single Person Showcasing Reflection An image of one person reflecting on the project or activity in which they are engaged • Two People Showcasing Relationship An image of two people showing the nature of their relationship, such as friendly, competitive, family or romantic • Group Interaction An image of three or more people and the dynamics or moving force of their behavior together, such as players in a game, fans in the stands, or students at a play rehearsal, a science lab or community service • White Balance A setting that adjusts the color temperature of light, so objects that are truly white appear white

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ACADEMICS Don’t assume academic photos have to be boring! The photos in this section highlight some of the amazing activities happening in class. From flaming science projects to art as it’s created, there’s plenty to capture.

Photo by Katherine Severin

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PHOTO BY DELANEY BARLOW Blue Springs High School, Blue Springs, Missouri

The sparks and smoke, along with the lighting, give this photo a film noir look. We love how dramatic this academic image is. Even though the background is dark, we’re able to see the outline of the subject. You can even see the texture of their clothes and read the letters on their helmet! The contrast in this image is extraordinary – look how dark the background is compared to the bright, exciting sparks. We also like that the photographer filled the frame well.

ACADEMICS

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PHOTO BY IMANI BINGHAM Mansfield Summit High School, Arlington, Texas

Everything in this photo drives your eye to the teacher in the center. From the stick they’re holding, to the way the students’ hands and bodies create a frame, to the repetition created by the bleachers in the background. There are leading lines everywhere you look! This photo was taken from a great vantage point and is all the more memorable because of it.

ACADEMICS

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PHOTO BY MELODY CASTRO Phineas Banning High School, Wilmington, California

This lively academic photo taken from a unique perspective demonstrates the joy of learning and discovery. You can tell the photographer got low to take the photo. We love the excited looks on their faces – this photo was snapped at the perfect moment. The front student’s arm creates a frame, and the selective focus is good.

ACADEMICS

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PHOTO BY MATTIE COLLINS West Wilkes High School, Millers Creek, North Carolina The sparks flying in this welding photo give the image a feeling of enchantment. It also follows the rule of thirds and showcases good white balance. The contrast is great – look how rich the dark colors of the welder’s shirt are compared to the bright sparks. The use of selective focus mimics how focused the student is on the job at hand. We also like the way the background of this photo adds context to what’s happening.

ACADEMICS

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PHOTO BY KATIE DRAKE Shawnee Mission East High School, Prairie Village, Kansas This photo makes learning look fun! We love the expressions captured on the students’ faces – the danger and exhilaration of playing with fire. The use of selective focus and the interesting vantage point make it an even better image. The photo also has good white balance and exposure, and we like that it fills the frame.

ACADEMICS

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PHOTO BY KATIE DRAKE Shawnee Mission East High School, Prairie Village, Kansas The photographer got creative with this academic photo by framing the photo through another sewing machine and lowering herself to get a more advantageous vantage point. This photo has good lighting, especially for being taken in a classroom. The white balance is also good, and we love the use of selective focus.

ACADEMICS

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PHOTO BY KATIE DRAKE Shawnee Mission East High School, Prairie Village, Kansas The photographer used an interesting art project to get a great shot! We love that you have to look through the art to see the student in focus behind it. The art helps complete an image that fills the frame. We also like that this photo has good white balance and is cropped to perfectly conform to the rule of thirds.

ACADEMICS

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PHOTO BY NOAH FINER Fairview High School, Boulder, Colorado It’s not often that “academics” and “action” go together, but this is a great academics-action photo! It’s clear that this teacher makes chemistry fun. The exposure in this image is good for being taken in a dark classroom. The fire brings a bright center to the photo, creating a vignette effect. You can almost feel the heat coming off the fire. The image is crisp for being taken in low light, and being able to see the posters on the cabinets adds a nice touch. The photographer’s position allows the viewer to feel the movement in the photo, from the subject’s body leaning forward, to the tube he’s blowing through, to the flames that move across the photo – it all leads naturally from left to right.

ACADEMICS

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PHOTO BY VENUS GUTIERREZ Shawnee Mission East, Prairie Village, Kansas

Talk about jaw-dropping. You can almost hear him saying, “No way!” in this excitement-filled, candid photo. Their expressions make you wonder what they’re looking at on the screen. The photographer caught these subjects in a moment with genuine reactions. We like the use of selective focus – the student on the right is in sharp focus, while the laptop and background are less sharp. This image also follows the rule of thirds, has leading lines from the desks and ceiling, and has excellent white balance for a classroom environment.

ACADEMICS

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PHOTO BY HANNAH ILAO El Camino Real Charter High School, Woodland Hills, California This excellent academic photo is a good portrait of learning in the classroom. The exposure is good, it follows the rule of thirds and it uses depth of field. The table in the foreground creates leading lines that draw your eye right to the front student. You can tell the photographer crouched down to capture the image from this angle and was able to take a candid photo of students in the classroom. The photographer proves that you don’t have to have an exciting experiment or activity to get a great academics photo.

ACADEMICS

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PHOTO BY MARYANN JOHNSON Liberty High School, Liberty, Missouri

This is an excellent, exciting academics photo. The white balance and contrast are on point. Look closely and you can see how crisp and in-focus the bubbles in this student’s hands are! The flames encompass their hands, which is neat. We like that you can see the student’s eyes through the goggles – and the serious, focused look on his face that contrasts with the thrill of the fiery flames. This photo is cropped well too. All in all, a very cool image.

ACADEMICS

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PHOTO BY JORDAN LAWLER Helena Christian School, East Helena, Montana

This photo is an excellent portrayal of the relationship between a student and teacher. The computers frame the student well – the photographer made a deliberate choice to crouch low to get this unique perspective – and the photographer used great selective focus. We like the smiles on their faces – but we know those smiles will disappear at the end of the book.

ACADEMICS

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PHOTO BY FRANK MANCIA Bell Senior High, Bell, California

We love this fun photo! The photographer came up with a unique idea for a photo and made the most of it. We like that it follows the rule of thirds (you can literally see the grid on the camera that demonstrates rule of thirds!) and uses selective focus. The subjects have good expressions that let you know they’re having fun. The photographer gave a behind-the scenes peek at something most of the student body only sees on the school television screens.

ACADEMICS

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PHOTO BY ALLISON MCMURRY Bishop Kelley High School, Tulsa, Oklahoma

This stop-action photo captures the candid emotions of two students in an exciting moment. Their facial expressions tell a story while the smoke rising from the bowl adds a fun element. The exposure is good for a classroom setting, which can be difficult to adjust for. The school name visible on one student’s shirt adds a nice touch.

ACADEMICS

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PHOTO BY ELIZABETH SANDSTROM Shawnee Mission East, Prairie Village, Kansas

This is an excellent use of a worm’s eye view, giving a different perspective of a pottery shot. We like that the main subject is in focus, but her eyes lead you down to what she is working on. This photo has good white balance, fills the frame, and is a good example of cropping a photo well. It’s an exceptional example of selective focus.

ACADEMICS

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PHOTO BY MEGAN SAUCEDO Stony Point High School, Round Rock, Texas

The white balance and exposure in this image are excellent – no easy task when you consider what’s happening in the photo! We like that you can see the teacher’s arm with the lighter to the side. This photo also follows the rule of thirds, while the cabinets create leading lines to the exciting event in the center of the frame. The student’s expression adds a fun touch, highlighting an interesting science experiment.

ACADEMICS

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PHOTO BY CAMILLE TAYLOR University High School, Orange City, Florida

The lighting in this image is a testament to the photographer’s skill! It must have been difficult to capture this photo without overexposing it. We like that there’s great lighting behind and in front of the subject, and the way the light behind frames her hair. It’s in crystal-clear focus, and the microscope creates leading lines. We are able to see the intensity of her expression because the photographer lowered herself to get the perfect angle – taking this from a standing position would have obscured much of her expression and lessened the impact of the lighting. This is a good, frame-filled, academic photo, demonstrating the power of effective cropping.

ACADEMICS

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ORGANIZATIONS Capture students in action! From drama club to marching band to ROTC, clubs and organizations offer ample opportunities to photograph students doing something they love. CLUBS AND

Photo by Brendan McDonald

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PHOTO BY BIANCA COMRIE Seminole High School, Sanford, Florida

This photo makes you wonder what the subject is looking at while she sings – she has such emotion in her face! The exposure and white balance are excellent, which can be difficult in a dark auditorium. The choir in the background creates repetition, and their robes create leading lines. The depth of field helps keep our focus on the soloist while showing off the photographer’s skill. It’s unexpected that the center subject is on the left looking out of the frame, and we like it.

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PHOTO BY GABRIELLA FATIGATI William R. Boone High School, Orlando, Florida

This is a great candid. It can be difficult to take good dance photos. The photographer captured a brief moment in time that still conveys movement; you can tell the dancer’s hair is still in motion. The spotlight shining down on the two main subjects is a nice touch and her leg even creates a bold leading line. The vivid colors are striking and dramatic. This image has good white balance and exposure, and uses depth of field. ORGANIZATIONS

CLUBS AND

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PHOTO BY GABRIELLA FATIGATI William R. Boone High School, Orlando, Florida

This fun, energetic photo makes us want to watch the show! The light burst coming from the top is a neat effect that spotlights the center subject. The deep colors and all the visible jazz hands create a dramatic effect. It also follows the rule of thirds horizontally. Even though the photo was taken in a dark environment, the blacks are rich. We love that you can see so many faces in this inclusive photo, highlighting a significant portion of the cast in their element.

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PHOTO BY ALYSSA PURPURA Aledo High School, Aledo, Texas

Lines, lines, lines! We love all the lines and repetition in this image. Repetition appears in the trumpets, water bottles and students. The line at the bottom of the frame runs parallel to the edge of the photo and the line of trumpets. The trumpets cut across along the horizontal rule of thirds. We like the use of depth of field and the decision to keep the instruments in focus. The unique angle makes for a great photo! The photographer must have planned to get this shot.

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PHOTO BY KAYLEE RICCHETTI Madison Central High School, Madison, Mississippi

Photos of clubs and organizations can be tons of fun, as we see in this image. It’s great stop action and captures the subject’s hair flying through the air. All of the arms at the same angle create repetition and leading lines, which point toward the central figure’s face. The photographer used good depth of field to keep the focus on the front dancer. White balance can be tricky indoors, but it’s good in this photo, as is the exposure and contrast. It also follows the rule of thirds and has been cropped well.

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PHOTO BY CIERRA STARK University High School, Orange City, Florida

Look at how well this photo is framed! The people on the sides, along with the rope and ground, frame the student who is in focus as he crawls through the mud. The depth of field is excellent – the intense look of determination on his face is in sharp focus and you can see the individual water droplets around him while mud flies through the air. This is a good action shot, and the photographer had to get down on the ground to get it. They also managed good exposure and great white balance in the image.

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PHOTO BY ELISE BAKER Shawnee Mission East High School, Prairie Village, Kansas This image conveys just how much the actor loves what she’s doing – look at that expression! Her whole being is thrown in the role. We also like the way this image fills the frame – which can be tough to do with just one person. The photo has been cropped, and it works well – Ursula falls along the rule of thirds. The actor is in good focus, which allows us to see how much care and detail went into this costume and the lighting adds theatrical intensity!

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PHOTO BY ELIZABETH CHAN McKinney High School, McKinney, Texas

There’s a good likelihood that the photographer planned ahead to get this shot – it’s a well-known scene in the play that created a great photo opportunity! The expression on the front singer’s face is priceless, so it’s good it’s in such sharp focus! The white balance is excellent for being inside at a dark play, as well as the exposure. The emotion and technical skill shown in this photo combined to make it a Walsworth Photo Contest award winner.

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PHOTO BY ELIZABETH CHAN McKinney High School, McKinney, Texas

The photographer captured an adorable candid moment in this photo. We like the leading lines and the repetition created by the dancers, and the way this photo fills the frame. Additionally, the white balance is excellent, especially for being in a stadium setting, and the front dancer and her apprentice are in sharp focus, creating depth of field.

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PHOTO BY VENUS GUTIERREZ Shawnee Mission East High School, Prairie Village, Kansas The interesting angle of this photo gives a fun perspective. We love the sharp focus on the student in the mirror. The photographer even captured the catchlights in her eyes! The student curling their hair in the background gives additional context in this photo. It follows the rule of thirds and demonstrates exceptional selective focus.

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PHOTO BY EMMA JONES Shawnee Mission North High School, Overland Park, Kansas The photographer captured a great moment! Both of their faces are in focus and you can see the water spewing out of her mouth, creating a sense of movement. When you’re taking photos in an auditorium, it’s easy to overexpose them, so kudos to the photographer for achieving nice exposure! We also like the way this photo almost forms a line from his head to her hand as well as the way the angle of the tray is parallel with the spewing water too – it’s a nice feeling of symmetry and order even in a chaotic moment.

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PHOTO BY MELANIE RUSSELL McKinney High School, McKinney, Texas

How incredible would it be to join this color guard team? The front student looks awesome – we love the way the photographer got down to the ground for a worm’s eye view. The sky behind her makes for a great background. Nighttime photos can be tricky, but this one is excellent. The colors are vibrant, it doesn’t feel dark, and the image has good white balance and contrast. It also has great depth of field and follows the rule of thirds. We really love the sense of movement this image evokes; you can almost hear the sound the flag makes as it cuts through the air.

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OR PORTRAIT These photos give you a glimpse into the life of the student featured. Focusing on one student allows you to showcase their personality or skill set. These photographs create a sense of intimacy with the students being photographed. FEATURE

Photo by Kennedy Brown

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PHOTO BY ZIAN CAO Worcester Academy, Worcester, Massachusetts

The sharp eyes of the portrait subject draw you in to this dramatic photo, making you wonder what she’s thinking. The contrast is great in this black-and-white photo, with very rich blacks. It follows the rule of thirds, while lines from the booth, the lights behind her, and her sweater draw your gaze to her eyes.

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PHOTO BY JERRY DING Western Christian Schools, Upland, California

The photographer did a great job with framing by using a water bottle on the left side of the lense to create a blurred, ghosted area. It’s proof that you don’t always need fancy equipment to take great photos! The door, walls and ledge the subject’s sitting on create additional framing. We like that all the leading lines draw your eye to his face, and the photo shows great contrast.

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PHOTO BY WILLOW DODGSON North High School, Sheboygan, Wisconsin

Sharp focus, a good angle and a strong understanding of the rule of thirds take this portrait to the next level! You can see the individual drops of water on this swimmer’s arms. We also love that it wasn’t taken from a comfortable angle – the photographer got down to the ground (or in the water) to add interest. The vivid blue lighting and fog add drama, while the diving stand and edge of the pool create leading lines to the swimmer’s well-lit face. You can even see his face reflected in the water. Wow!

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PHOTO BY HAYDEN FOGLEMAN Yelm High School, Yelm, Washington

We love this colorful, candid shot. The subjects’ smiles are genuine, and their reactions and posture speak proudly of their obvious close relationship. The colors pop and this image fills the frame. It’s also clear with a good focus and white balance. The photographer chose a great location that complements their personalities to take a fun photo.

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PHOTO BY KAITLYN GORDON Texas High School, Texarkana, Texas

The photographer used a flash in this great action shot so the subject would be lit from the front even though the sun was behind her. This photo follows the rule of thirds, has good white balance and good exposure. The colors are vibrant. Her arms are out of focus, which we would normally advise against, but it creates a sense of movement in this image to show an athlete in her element. We also like that the shape of the clouds behind her echoes the shape of her arms.

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PHOTO BY ZANE HUDSON Legacy High School, Mansfield, Texas

This is a great portrait that uses backlighting and dramatic effects to create an almost fantastical feel. We don’t know what the photographer used to create the cloud behind this player, but it really makes the photo. Additionally, the white balance is good and the image is in excellent focus. This is good, because his intense expression draws you in to his eyes.

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PHOTO BY JAYLA JOHNSON Corsicana High School, Corsicana, Texas

The lighting in this photo is just amazing. It’s not often that you get an action shot from a studio setting, but this photographer managed to do just that! You can see every speck rising from the drum. The exposure is good and the contrast is great – look how rich the blacks are! This dramatic photo captured the subject’s passion and intensity, all with precise focus.

FEATURE OR

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PHOTO BY KATHERINE KEATHLEY Corsicana High School, Corsicana, Texas

We love the lighting in this image! The photographer chose an interesting time of day to take this photo, either sunrise or sunset, and played with gel lighting on the plane for a fun effect. The exposure is good and this image is in sharp focus – you can even make out letters on his nametag. We also like the way the top of the building in the background leads your eye back to the subject. This all makes for a great portrait.

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PHOTO BY ALLYSA KOENNING Yelm High School, Yelm, Washington This is a unique portrait of a student and her work. It’s an artistic take on a student portrait. We like the way the smooth surface of the painting contrasts with the textured tree bark behind her, the excellent white balance displayed, and the selective focus on the student’s face. We also love when little details provide context, like the artist’s name visible at the bottom right.

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PHOTO BY SARAH MARTINEZ El Dorado High School, El Paso, Texas

This is an interesting, unique photo. We like all the leading lines – those created by the musician’s bow and instrument, as well as the blue lines painted on her hands and face. This portrait is in excellent focus, with good white balance and exposure. The cropping is good and allows the photo to fill the frame. We like the way her shirt blends into the background, while the blue on her arms and face almost matches her eyes and makes them stand out. All in all, it makes for a good, dramatic portrait.

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PHOTO BY KIRAT MOKHA Brookfield Central High School. Brookfield, Wisconsin This portrait is a great example of how to use contrast and selective color for dramatic effect. The spotlight from the upper right creates leading lines and showcases the emotion on the subject’s face, making you wonder what she’s thinking. The light creates selective focus and her position follows the rule of thirds. The entire picture is crisp and clear, with even her hands in focus. It’s easy for black and white photos to get muddy, so the photographer did a good job of keeping it crisp – the pop of yellow in her headscarf enriches that crispness, drawing attention back to her face. Cropping enhances this photograph to make it a standout.

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PHOTO BY KIRAT MOKHA Brookfield Central High School. Brookfield, Wisconsin

Showcasing a good use of black and white, this portrait uses contrast and depth of field to create drama. The subject’s face is in sharp focus – you can even see his individual whiskers – while his shirt is out of focus. The blacks in this image are rich, while the light on his face is uneven without obscuring any features. It has superb exposure and white balance and is cropped tightly to give an intimate feel to the portrait. The visible catchlights in the subject’s eyes add even more interest to a great portrait.

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PHOTO BY AURYEAL PARKER Texas High School, Texarkana, Texas

This is a truly stand-out portrait for many reasons. It’s an interesting concept and extremely well executed. We like the way the rich black in the background the white liquid on her face create a stark contrast. The smooth liquid provides textural and color contrast with her skin. Even though it’s a portrait, it’s an action photo and it’s in perfect focus. You can see every detail on the subject’s face, even her eyelashes, and the droplets are frozen in place. You can even see the shadows of falling droplets.

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PHOTO BY JOSHUA PRADO Saint Lawrence Seminary High School, Mount Calvary, Wisconsin The background of this image gives it an industrial feel that works well with the subject’s action. We like the way the subject and tire fill the frame. We’re also impressed with the white balance and exposure – the blacks in this image are very rich for being taken outside. The streaks on the wall in the background create leading lines drawing us back to the subject and the photo follows the rule of thirds.

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PHOTO BY HUMBERTO REGALADO Corsicana High School, Corsicana, Texas This dramatic portrait lets you know how seriously the subject is about fencing. We like that the photographer played with a gel light to get the red effect – this is a technically advanced choice that resulted in a dramatic look. The lighting and exposure are good. We like the placement of the fencing sword and the lower angle the photo was taken from. It all seems very intentional and is a unique way to photograph someone in the sport. This is an excellent example of studio photography done well.

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PHOTO BY RICHARD REICHARDT Silver Creek High School, San Jose, California

We don’t know what caused this football player’s tears, but you can’t help but feel a little sad looking at the photo. It’s an excellent storytelling image with incredible emotion. The focus is very good – the depth of field directs our attention to the subject in focus – and you can see the details of his face. The photo also follows the rule of thirds.

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PHOTO BY LYRIC ROBERTS Maumelle High School, Maumelle, Arkansas

The colors in this photo are so vibrant! It has great color balance and saturation. We love the yellow of the bus in the background, the orange of her tie and flag, and the way those colors complement the blue shirt she’s wearing. Good thing the white balance is on point! The windows of the bus, her flag and her tie creating leading lines to her face, which is in sharp focus. You can even see another bus reflected in her eyes! We like that the photographer crouched low for a worms-eye view, adding interest to this photo.

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PHOTO BY ABBE SMITH Corsicana High School, Corsicana, Texas

There’s no mistaking this portrait subject’s pride or passion for school and band in this image! The light gives this photo a dramatic look, but the yellow hue adds a warm feel to it. The rich black background is a good contrast to the shiny instrument, which aligns vertically with the rule of thirds. The entire image is crisp and clear, in focus, with good exposure. Just look at all the detail you can see on the feathers in his hat.

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PHOTO BY SARA STEWART J.W. Mitchell High School, Trinity, Florida

What a clever way to do a portrait! The photographer was committed to this image and probably used a waterproof camera to get in the water with their subject. The photo was snapped at a good time – the angle of the water on the subject’s face creates a sense of motion. It also appears to have been taken during the golden hour. Her face is in sharp focus, and you can even see the drops of water in her hair. The smooth, glass surface of the water creates an interesting contrast with the texture of her face and hair. The unique setting and perspective create a dramatic portrait.

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PHOTO BY NICK STYERS Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, Shawnee, Kansas This is an amazing portrait that highlights the musician’s passion. It’s a great example of using selective focus and depth of field to add interest and draw your eye to the subject’s face, which is in extremely sharp focus – you can see the individual hairs in his beard! The angle the photographer took this from really makes the photo. They got low for a worm’s-eye view, which also put the cello front and center. The neck and strings of the instrument create leading lines to the subject’s face. The lighting is perfect and gives the image a warm feel. You can even see the musician’s hand reflected in the wood. All around, this is an excellent photo.

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PORTRAIT

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PHOTO BY NIRBHAY VIG Brookfield Central High School, Brookfield, Wisconsin What a cool portrait! For starters, the technical aspects of this photo are on point: the white balance is great, it follows the rule of thirds, it’s in sharp focus that allows you to see every detail, and the rich black creates artful and bold contrast. The lighting is great, and the photographer used gel lighting for a vivid, unique effect. We like that this isn’t a standard portrait pose – the dancer was captured in her element, and it shows her passion for it. The result is leading lines from her legs, arms and even fingers. The photographer got down on the floor for a more interesting perspective. This is a fashion-forward way to do a yearbook portrait, which resulted in a dramatic, memorable and elegant photo.

FEATURE OR

PORTRAIT

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PHOTO BY ISABELLE YAP Chamblee Charter High School, Chamblee, Georgia

The photographer was trying to convey happiness in this image and did it well! The bright, vibrant yellow catches your eye. The white balance is good, which can be tough with this much yellow in an image. The image is framed well, and the subject fills the frame. She’s also in sharp focus. You can see every detail on her face, hair and the flowers. Topping everything off, this photo is candid and the subject’s laugh looks genuine.

FEATURE OR

PORTRAIT

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MIDDLE SCHOOL Younger photographers can produce outstanding images. These photos capture middle school and junior high students in all aspects of their academic life. At football games, in science class and simply having fun with friends, these excellent photographs give a glimpse into their lives. JUNIOR HIGH OR

Photo by Emma Navarro

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PHOTO BY NICOLE ABRAM Woodland Junior High School, Fayetteville, Arkansas The framing really makes this photo! The photographer was intentional with where they stood. The selective focus sets off the framing. We like that they captured a moment not usually portrayed in sports photography. It shows the photographer’s commitment to capturing the entire athletic experience.

JUNIOR HIGH OR

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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PHOTO BY AUDREY BARNES Harrisonville Middle School, Harrisonville, Missouri

The angle makes the image, and this photographer made the effort to get low for a worm’s eye view. This image shows the creativity she used, while the strong contrast, filled frame, good use of cropping and good exposure all make for a strong photo. The students’ arms create leading lines, and you’re able to see the emotion on their faces.

JUNIOR HIGH OR

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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PHOTO BY KAYLEE BRAATEN Schoo Middle School, Lincoln, Nebraska

This is an incredible middle school photo. The photographer used great depth of field and rule of thirds. The front runner is in tack-sharp focus. The lines on the field lead your eye to the main subject, whose intense gaze and determined expression draw you in. We also love that this photo features many colors with all the bright uniforms, emphasizing the strong saturation in the photo, and the contrast, rich black and perfect exposure to see all the details of his face! It’s not easy to do outdoors in such bright sunlight, but the photographer pulled it off beautifully.

JUNIOR HIGH OR

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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PHOTO BY EMMANUELLE DE LEON Immanuel Christian School, El Paso, Texas

What a fun action shot! We like that the photographer got down to the ground for a worms-eye view and caught the subjects mid-leap. This image fills the frame well. The angle it was taken at makes the students appear higher than they probably are, adding drama. The light coming through the trees is nice, and the photo’s white balance is on point.

JUNIOR HIGH OR

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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PHOTO BY AMELIA GERARD Bak Middle School of the Arts, West Palm Beach, Florida This photo is crystal clear. The pitcher is in sharp focus and you can even see the stitching on the ball! This is a nice action shot that uses depth of field and follows the rule of thirds. We’re also impressed by the good white balance, exposure and color saturation.

JUNIOR HIGH OR

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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PHOTO BY KAYLE HARDY West Junior High, West Memphis, Arkansas

This is a really good junior high photo. The framing is great and the image fills the frame, while cropping has been used to enhance the image. We like that there’s depth of field and the players closest to the camera are out of focus. The focus of this image is clearly on the players’ eyes. The rich blue is pervasive throughout the image.

JUNIOR HIGH OR

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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PHOTO BY ANNETTE HRABIK Heritage Academy Laveen, Laveen, Arizona

The basketball gives a good center of focus to this fun posed photo from a worm’s eye view. Their arms

create leading lines that helps put the focus on these students’ faces. The repetition created adds interest to this photo. It’s a good example of an image showcasing how interconnected the team is. MIDDLE SCHOOL

JUNIOR HIGH OR

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PHOTO BY JAMESON KACHEL Woodland Junior High School, Fayetteville, Arkansas

The photographer froze the action in place – you can see the dancers’ hair flying through the air. This is an excellent filled-frame photo, and using depth of field adds interest. We like the repetition created by the dancers in the background and the leading lines formed by the bleachers.

JUNIOR HIGH OR

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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PHOTO BY KYLIE MOLLNER Woodland Junior High School, Fayetteville, Arkansas

Look at all the framing and leading lines in this photo! From the rubber barriers to the metal stage truss in the background, it all draws your eye to the runner as he prepares to take his big slide. The photographer did a good job of capturing the focus and determination on his face. The focus is great – you can see the water droplets stopped in mid-air. It’s a great photo!

JUNIOR HIGH OR

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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PHOTO BY JENNIFER PETRONE Woodland Junior High School, Fayetteville, Arkansas This photo fills the frame, and the inclusion of a light flare adds an artistic touch to the image. The sun flare and his arm lead your eye to the egg, while the expressive faces of the students in the background add a nice touch.

JUNIOR HIGH OR

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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PHOTO BY JENNIFER PETRONE Woodland Junior High School, Fayetteville, Arkansas

This action shot captured an impressive feat! It’s a good action photo; we especially like the motion visible in her hair. The yard lines and bleachers create leading lines, while the white balance and exposure are both good. The photo has decent contrast, and it appears the photographer took the photo from a lower angle, allowing us to get a better view of the cheerleader’s face while she jumps and simultaneously making the leap appear even higher.

JUNIOR HIGH OR

MIDDLE SCHOOL

70

PHOTO BY LILLIAN TRAN Timberview Middle School, Fort Worth, Texas

We love this middle school photo! The focus on the front student is sharp, and the use of depth of field adds interest. This photo follows the rule of thirds and has great white balance and contrast. We like the way the fence, net and other students create leading lines to the front subject. Outdoor photos with such bright sunlight are tricky at best, but the photographer managed to get perfect lighting on the student’s face.

JUNIOR HIGH OR

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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PHOTO BY LILLIAN TRAN Timberview Middle School, Fort Worth, Texas

This is a good stop-action photo. It’s nice and crisp – you can even see the individual blades of grass! The photographer froze the teams in the middle of a play. The white balance is good – just look at those white helmets! This is a good middle school sports photo. We love number 75’s expression in the background.

JUNIOR HIGH OR

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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PHOTO BY LINLEY YATES Woodland Junior High School, Fayetteville, Arkansas

The photographer was intentional with this shot – you can tell they planned where to stand and crouched down for an interesting angle. The framing and light make for a dramatic photo. We love the way the framing puts the focus on the student running down the line. It’s taken in a dark gym, but the blue in the uniforms is still fully saturated. The cheerleaders create repetition and leading lines. This is a great, unique middle school photo.

JUNIOR HIGH OR

MIDDLE SCHOOL

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SCHOOL SPIRIT We’ve got spirit, yes we do! There’s no doubt that the students in these photographs are proud to be a part of their schools. In pep rallies and sports games, school colors abound and enthusiasm is abundant.

Photo by Rylee Bilton

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PHOTO BY ELISE BAKER Shawnee Mission East High School, Prairie Village, Kansas We love the excitement and energy pouring out of this candid photo. The photographer used selective focus well – they didn’t choose the person closest to them, they deliberately chose to keep the face of the center student in focus. The focus is so sharp on her that you can see each hair blowing in the wind with incredible detail. The white balance is good, and the choice to crop this photo made it even better. The contrast, exposure, saturation and vibrancy are all on point. The image fills the frame and the balloons frame the two front students, directing your eye to the face of the student in the center.

SCHOOL

SPIRIT

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PHOTO BY ELISE BAKER Shawnee Mission East High School, Prairie Village, Kansas The depth of field in this image keeps the front student in sharp focus – you can even see the field reflected in his sunglasses lens! It follows the rule of thirds, while the bleachers create leading lines and repetition in the background. We’re also impressed by the white balance and exposure. The photographer took this from a crouched position, giving the student a larger-than-life quality that pairs perfectly with the energy in this photo. You can’t help but feel caught up in the Lancer spirit when viewing this photo.

SCHOOL

SPIRIT

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PHOTO BY REBECCA COOK Corsicana High School, Corsicana, Texas

This photo is all about movement and light! Even though the fabric of the drill team member’s golden skirt was moving, it’s in sharp focus. Kudos to the photographer for a great action shot! This image also showcases great contrast, excellent focus and depth of field. The lighting is phenomenal, especially for being in the evening, and we like that the photographer got low for a better angle. The skirts form a frame around the main subject, keeping your eye on the star of the show!

SCHOOL

SPIRIT

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PHOTO BY TEMI EJUWA Timber Creek High School, Keller, Texas

We like the angle of this photo. It’s an exciting band photo – it looks like a fun performance. It’s expressive and makes you wonder what the front percussionist is feeling. The white balance is good, and they chose to do an HDR matte look, being very intentional with their editing.

SCHOOL

SPIRIT

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PHOTO BY SEBASTIAN EMERSON Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, Shawnee, Kansas This photo was taken from a great angle. It captures a priceless reaction on the student’s face, with the crowd visible in the background. The depth of field helps keep the focus on the student so the background complements instead of competes for attention. The contrast, white balance and exposure are each exemplary. The startlingly deep blue sky behind them adds to the drama. We like the way this photo was cropped, and how it fills the frame.

SCHOOL

SPIRIT

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PHOTO BY VENUS GUTIERREZ Shawnee Mission East High School, Shawnee, Kansas The leading lines and repetition in this photo make this crowd shot stand out from the crowd. This image captures a candid moment, and you can almost hear the students chanting. We like the way the movement of the arms leads from the upper right of the frame down to the cheer leader. We really love the way the bleachers and fence angle toward a vanishing point perspective.

SCHOOL

SPIRIT

80

PHOTO BY EMILY HARMS Madison Central High School, Madison, Mississippi

This fun school spirit photo makes you wonder what, exactly, is going on. It was taken at an interesting angle and follows the rule of thirds. Leading lines are created with the humans and flags, while the repetition of colors in the background gives this photo a nice feel. It makes you almost want to attend this event! The focus is on the student in front, but we like that it’s still clear enough focus to capture the expressions on the students behind.

SCHOOL

SPIRIT

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PHOTO BY TERA HAWES Shawnee Mission East High School, Shawnee Mission, Kansas This is a fun, expressive photo! It’s great for being taken in a gym – the white balance, color and contrast are all good. The rule of thirds is demonstrated here, and the depth of field is also excellent; you can see the individual hairs sticking out of her braid. We love the faces they’re making – you have to wonder what they were up to! Class competitions perhaps?

SCHOOL

SPIRIT

82

PHOTO BY AIDAN MCCALL J.W. Mitchell High School, Trinity, Florida

This awesome action photo captures every detail of a chaotic scene. You can see strands of hair as the center student whips his head, illustrating movement, confetti flying through the air, and even the specks of glitter on their skin. The raised hands in the background and clapper at the upper right add a nice touch. The bar at the bottom of the image creates leading lines. This image does an excellent job of capturing a candid moment of student reaction that brims with school spirit.

SCHOOL

SPIRIT

83

PHOTO BY ISABEL MILLER Shawnee Mission East High School, Prairie Village, Kansas We love the repetition in this photo – it shows up in the feet of the students and the paint on their faces. The blue color that is pervasive throughout the image is great, and the photographer had a good white balance. It’s clear that this photo was cropped with intention; they kept the faces of the students in the front row. The good focus and exposure make it possible to see little details. The entire photo invokes a sense of movement.

SCHOOL

SPIRIT

84

PHOTO BY PAIGE MOYER Port Charlotte High School, Port Charlotte, Florida

We like all the expression in this photo – you can tell the main subject is a passionate fan. This photo is in good focus and has good contrast. We also like the choice of cropping, which helps this image fill the frame while also applying the rule of thirds. The depth of field adds to the photo, and you can practically hear the “We’re number one!” scream.

SCHOOL

SPIRIT

85

PHOTO BY KAYANNA PHAM Silver Creek High School, San Jose, California

This is a good vantage point to take a photo during a student rally. Focusing on the students in the crowd brings a fresh perspective and includes lots of students’ enthusiastic faces. All the action fills the frame. This image uses depth of field well, follows the rule of thirds and has good exposure. The white balance is excellent. The students in the background are mostly wearing dark clothes, which makes the bright white of the front student’s shirt pop.

SCHOOL

SPIRIT

86