# @ephemiamaria on Instagram

- **Type:** Image
- **Original URL:** https://www.instagram.com/p/C2PmeyWOi2h
- **Gondola URL:** https://gondola.cc/posts/10722647-ephemiamaria-instagram
- **Thumbnail:** https://img.gondola.cc/tr:w-,h-,fo-auto/postThumbnails/1c780ae05a.jpg
- **Posted:** 2024-01-18T13:42:20.000+00:00

## Caption

Why you should probably listen to your photographer when they make a recommendation about lighting & location —

When I photograph seniors, there’s always the iconic shots that they want: the library, the mascot, etc. But have you ever thought that maybe there’s actually a better way to photograph your favorite spot without actually being in it like everyone else?

For my Quinnipiac grads, this iconic shot is the Arnie Library (slide 2). This is a beautiful, tall building that the grads love to get in front of to honor how iconic it is. The problem? It is super tall, requiring a wide angle lens, and you have to get close to it to capture the whole thing (or do you???) But, this is the iconic shot…you have to get it!

This past senior season I did some experimenting. I took my grads a bit further away, and something amazing happened (slide 3). The photos were spectacular. Why? Well, maybe I know a little bit of what I am doing, and thank goodness my grads trusted me!

Here is why I MUCH prefer this further away shot than the up close.

#1: Focal length. By being farther from the building, it allowed me to use my 70-200 to actually compress the background of the image and make the library appear closer to my models while ALSO getting a stunning, creamy bokeh.

#2: Light diffusion. Stepping farther away allowed trees to come into view that diffused the harsh light coming through the top of the sky, especially around 6am during late spring. This prevented sun flare as well as the model’s face getting washed out!

#3: Crowding. When it gets closer to graduation time, I can completely AVOID or people in my shot. By being further away, the grad’s body can most often block anyone who may be on the path behind them!

So, next time, remember: even if you want a “certain shot” just know that if your photographer recommends something different, they’re probably right (99% of the time).

Photographers have years of experience to best know how light & location will affect your photos and make you look your absolute best. Trust them!

#CTGradPhotographer #PortraitPhotographer #CTphotographer #GradPhotos #Quinnipiac

## Stats

- **Views:** 0
- **Likes:** 200
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- **Comments:** 32

## Credits

| Name | Username | Profile | Role |
| --- | --- | --- | --- |
| Ephe | @ephemiamaria | https://gondola.cc/ephemiamaria | Photographer |

## Tags

quinnipiac, ctgradphotographer, 3, 2, portraitphotographer, ctphotographer, gradphotos, 1

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