16 Stylish School Gala photo ideas for success

Preparation is key when it comes to having school gala photos taken. But how exactly can you do that? well here are some of the ideas we love and know will make your event a memorable one.

Preparing for school gala photo ideas

1. Consider the photoshoot location for your school gala photo ideas. This needs to be somewhere close enough to your final venue for your school gala, or even at the venue where this will be held if it is allowed. But locations like the Pandhof in Utrecht where Luse had her photos above are also really stunning and you can make yourself stand out from the crowd.
2. Your school Gala dress or suit is equally important. Choose something that is going to make you feel fabulous, but also celebrates you. After all, this moment is all about you and what you have achieved. For great photos like the ones we got from Luse’s photoshoot, a flowy skirt is always a great option.
3. Who will you have your photos with? Will you be alone or with a partner? Or maybe you want to celebrate your moment with your family or friends? All of these are possible, but will also determine which school gala photo ideas suit you best. Think about this before the big day and discuss with whoever you want to include so you can plan together about the location etc.
4. Think about your mode of transport and be sure to include this in your school gala photo ideas. There are many options from a classic car , or here in the Netherlands why not include a bicycle or two? Or if you are with a group of friends why not have some fun and take the bus or train together to your destination?
5. Also think about other props you can use in your school gala photo ideas. Such as a bouquet of flowers or maybe your graduation hat? After all you are getting all dressed up, why not make the most of the moment?
6. Hair and make up – make sure appointments are booked in advance if you are having this professionally done – and that they will be finished in time for the photoshoot.

Now that we have done the preparation, its time to practice those poses! And the best way to do that is actually pose as little as possible – As a photographer I prefer to use prompts that help create more natural flowing photos . Here are some of my favourites.

1. Twirling in a circle – this is a must especially if you have a long flowy dress, and it creates the most natural free feeling for your school gala photo ideas.
2. walking, skipping or jumping are all movements that can create fun and movement in your photos, try walking away and towards the camera first – remember not to look down , but to the side or above the camera , and swish your gala dress as you go from side to side.
3. twirling your hair or flicking it in the air – sometimes creates a whimsical photo and focuses on the hair which you have probably spent hours getting ready.
4. If you are having photos with a partner then there are some really fun school gala photo poses you can think about such as a bucket swing, or playing peekaboo.
5. A staring competition almost always invokes a giggle from one or the other , so this is another great one to do with a partner.
6. If you are up for it then jumping in the air or running towards the camera with shoes off creates a really fun vibe photo and represents your freedom after school.
7. Using props such as your graduation cap and throwing in the air or something more unique like the horse in the photo below are also a great way to make your school gala photo ideas more personal and incorporate the things you love. 
8. Also think about other aspects of your day, such as getting ready , or the pre celebration with some champagne and family and friends, or the actual arrival at your dance in style.
9. If you are doing the photoshoot with all your friends together then also do something fun like a big banner with your class year for instance. Or get everybody involved in one activity such as going through a tunnel like this
10. Last but not least, don’t forget the details. After all you spend a long time choosing the perfect shoes, earrings, jewellery and other accessories to complete your look, so be sure to include them in the overall story of your special day!