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Camera pros and cons
A digital single-lens reflex (DSLR) camera is what our minds associate with photographers. It’s the tool of the trade. But is it the best thing for our yearbook teams? Cell phone cameras have their own pros and cons–we’ll explore both sides so you can choose what’s best for your team.
Benefits of a DSLR
When using a DSLR, you generally* get high-quality images due to full control of the exposure triangle. These features offer greater versatility to adjust for lighting conditions, like gyms and choir concerts. (I say generally because a con of DSLR cameras is the blind faith amateur photographers put in them. The camera alone does not make the shot.)
A DSLR also has interchangeable lenses for various scenarios:
- The nifty fifty for classroom shots
- A telephoto lens for concerts, assemblies, or sports events to capture shots without needing to be up close
- The all-purpose 18-135mm
Using a DSLR camera may help yearbook creators feel more professional—after all, you are selling the yearbook. It may unleash a new passion in students and volunteers as they master different settings.
A major con is the additional expense associated with the gear. Lenses and camera bodies do not intermingle, so if you have Nikon, Sony, and Canon in your equipment cabinet, you’ll need to take additional precautions to keep them separate.
Additionally, they can be bulky, and if you’re carrying multiple lenses, it can feel like lugging a small suitcase. Plus, not all models have Bluetooth, so transferring photos requires connecting to a computer, which can be time-consuming. Some students may feel intimidated by large cameras, so it’s worth considering if this is the best option for close-up situations.
Using a Cell Phone for Yearbook Photos
Alternatively, using your phone or tablet camera has benefits. Compact and always at hand and ideal for capturing moments on the go, cell phones are usually in the back pocket of yearbook creators. (And unless your kid is on the yearbook team, you didn’t pay for it. Score!) They are convenient and much less intrusive than their DSLR counterparts—plus when photographing camera-shy students.
The main con is that phones don’t offer as much control over camera settings. While cell phones are continuing to improve portrait and low-light modes, they may still look over-edited or may lack quality. Digital zoom is also destructive (it easts pixels) and can reduce resolution.
Tips for Using Cell Phones
When using a cell phone to take yearbook photos,
- Shoot in well-lit conditions (natural light is always best).
- Avoid digital zoom–like my yearbook adviser always said, “Zoom with your feet.” move closer instead.
- Tap the screen to focus and adjust brightness manually by using the slider.
Can I Use a Tablet To Take Pictures?
Some schools are switching to tablets for yearbook photography because of school policies on cell phone usage. Like cell phones, they are familiar devices, especially for younger yearbook creators.
While tablets can be used for yearbook photography, they typically lack the camera quality and features found in smartphones. Using a tripod (image stabilization) and photographing in HDR (High Dynamic Range) setting will improve the crispness of photos if you don’t have a “pro” model in your budget.
Quick Tips to Improve Your Yearbook Photos
Bottom line: whatever tool you use, you can take better photos by improving your composition skills. Practice by taking lots of photos at events. You’ll soon apply those framing and lighting techniques instinctively as you learn where to stand (and move) to get the best shot.
Teachers and club leaders should make a weekly habit of practicing composition techniques to improve students’ skills. We created a BINGO card to help. Play a class-wide game of coverall, have sections compete against one another (e.g., student life vs. athletics), or make it an individual activity.
This blog is adapted from Sandra Violette’s Photography session from TRL 24 POV: I’m on the Yearbook Team. Violette, a professional photographer and PTO mom, serves on the Onboarding and Engagement Team at Treering Yearbooks.
