Here are several tips to increase the impact and effectiveness of the images used in your yearbook.
1. Covers. Encourage the presentation or creation of custom cover photos. Last year, the cover of our high school yearbook was an abstract image of the reflective light from the rainbow colored CD, taken by a student staff member. A cover page contest generates personal interest and participation in the yearbook, increasing student participation.
2. Stick shots and equipment. Chess Club? Try doing an artistic shot of a chess table with the team behind it and slightly out of focus. Debate club? How about a fight on stage? Think outside the box and do a little planning to create original and entertaining images.
3. Baby Match.Take candid baby photos and sprinkle in the yearbook. It will be fun for the students to pair up with the right kids.
4. DVD insertion. Consider putting a DVD slideshow in a plastic sleeve as an upsell. Make sure to use legal music for the soundtrack. Many programs can be used to take pictures and music and make a DVD. Proshow is my favorite.
5. Professional photos for advertising space.Consider adding professionally taken photos in exchange for ad space.
6. Shots from the faculty.How about a hobby approach? Instead of the dry shots themselves, have the teachers dress up or bring items they use in a hobby or interest and make a mini-bio for their pictures.
7. Web contributor. Consider a public website like Winkflash where anyone can submit photos for consideration in the yearbook. Make sure you get their name and credit them on the page where the images are used.
8. School shooting. Take some creative photos of the architecture and features of the school, such as pets or common areas. Choose times when they are busy and full of children, and contrast when they are empty. This will create pride and fond memories of the school buildings and property.
9. Images of the city. Some images of the towns in the area will also be appreciated. Consider asking for ad sponsors and spice up your contribution by taking a photo of your business and including it in the book. Think about product placement.
10. Assemblies and Events.Make sure someone on the yearbook staff has permission to shoot freely at assemblies, rallies, sporting and art / music events. Try to capture all school, recreational, and athletic / musical activities as heartfelt to capture the depth of the high school experience.
Have fun with your high school yearbook!
