Hallmark Magazine - Entertain

Celebrate your kid's graduation by making a personalized yearbook. Plus, tips for taking fabulous group photos

MAKE YOUR OWN SPECIAL YEARBOOK for your happy graduate that celebrates all those special moments.

Gathering the Goods
Start by going through all those boxes of photos and keepsakes to recall favorite moments and anecdotes, hunt down clippings from events, and gather sports and school uniforms, awards and certificates. Also ask your teenager’s best friends to write about a favorite memory or funny story. Then write up some yourself.

Making the Book
Color-copy or scan fabrics from sports or school uniforms, or even clippings to use as mats behind your photos. Cut some photos into silhouettes or talking heads. Then use thought bubbles to make them “talk,” or write captions or anecdotes underneath. If you hate your handwriting, just type up your stories and print them out. Above all? Have fun! The sillier you get making this book, the better it will be.

Tips for Great Group Photos
Group photos are often the best way to commemorate a family gathering. With a little planning ahead you can create images that will be admired by all.

Be Prepared
Have a pose and setting in mind so when you round up the group they wont get bored while you set up the shot. If anyone will be sitting, have chairs or benches in place.

Clear Faces
If you have people line-up only two person’s deep and get in as close as possible—without cutting out the people on the ends—you’re more likely to get each person’s face in focus.

Lights, Camera, Action!
Make sure the lighting is adequate. It’s better to have the sun behind your back, shining on the group¬¬— a great time is when the sun is setting. Make sure your camera is ready to go and that batteries are charged.

Shutterbug
Take multiple shots quickly. This helps ensure that everyone is looking at the camera.

Birds-Eye View
Climb a latter (be careful!) and have the group gather below and look up at the camera. This is great for really large groups.

Have Fun
Take a few shots while people are getting into place without them knowing. These candid shots are often funny and comical and are nice juxtaposed with a more serious group shot.

What�s your favorite graduation gift idea?

Posted By: BLUESEABREEZE
8/9/2008 3:56:08 AM

My favorite graduation gift I recieved and have since given as a gift was a nice writting pen. As I recieved it with instructions to use it well to help in my search for a new job and/or further my way through school. My newly found friend was a great comfort in filling out numerous job applications and grant forms.

Posted By: jomamala
6/20/2008

I really enjoy documenting family occasions. I now do everything digitally which is a fun long-lasting way to preserve memories.

Posted By: BLUESEABREEZE 8/9/2008 3:56:08 AM

Posted By: jomamala 6/20/2008

Posted By: BLUESEABREEZE
8/9/2008 3:56:08 AM

Posted By: jomamala
6/20/2008