Open any yearbook, and you'll see they're full of head-and-shoulders portraits. Of course these are important, but they're not the only way to tell a story! If you want to add more personality, creativity, and visual interest to your book, try mixing in a few of these photography styles. They're fun, dynamic, and perfect for capturing the spirit of your school in a whole new way.

ENVIRONMENTAL PORTRAITS

An environmental portrait is more than just a photo of someone, it’s a photo of someone in their space. Think the drama student backstage with costumes all around, or the goalie standing in front of the net, pads on, ready to go.

These portraits give context. They show who someone is by showing WHERE they are and WHAT they do. It's not about a perfect pose; it's about capturing personality through surroundings.

STREET PHOTOGRAPHY

Street photography isn't just for downtown Toronto, it works for hallways, busses, and gyms too! It's about capturing real moments as they happen: friends laughing at lunch, or someone tying their shoes before a race. Unlike environmental portraits, your subjects might not even know they're being photographed. That's what makes it feel authentic.

FORCED PERSPECTIVE

This one is just plain fun. Forced perspective uses optical illusion to mess with scale and distance. Think someone "holding" the school mascot in their hand, or two students pretending to climb a stack of textbooks like a mountain. It's all about camera angles and creativity! How to make it work:

• Use a wide-open space like the field or gym.
• Place smaller objects closer to the camera and larger ones farther away.
• Bring a friend to line things up.
• Don't be afraid to get silly!

PINHOLE PHOTOGRAPHY

This one is old school cool. If you're wanting a vintage, artsy vibe, try pinhole photography. It's a super stripped-down way of taking photos…no lens, just a light-tight box with a tiny hole and some light sensitive paper inside. The result is a dreamy, blurry photo that's full of character that's perfect for a special feature page or an art-themed spread.

KINETIC PHOTOGRAPHY

Kinetic photography is all about motion. Instead of holding the camera still, you move it…shake it, spin it, even toss it (carefully)…while the shutter is open. The result? An abstract, colourful, and totally unique image. It's not for every spread, but it's a great way to add energy to a dance page, a pep rally, or a creative section. Just make sure you (and the camera) stay safe:

• Use a wrist strap (wrap it twice!).
• Try it with a less expensive camera.
• Have a soft landing spot nearby, just in case!
  
  
  

FLAT LAY PHOTOGRAPHY

This style is all about arranging objects on a flat surface and shooting them from directly above. It's clean, creative, and super satisfying to look at, plus it's a great way to showcase school life in a fresh and organized way.

Think of it as a bird's-eye view of a moment...a messy desk during finals week, a collection of sports gear before a big game, or a themed spread of art supplies, snacks, or spirit wear. It's perfect for title pages, section dividers, or even fun "day in the life" features. Here's how to create them for maximum impact:

• Use a solid background like a table, gym floor, or poster board to keep things tidy.
• Arrange items with intention…symmetry and spacing matter!
• Try colour-coordinating objects for extra visual impact.
• Use natural light or soft lighting to avoid harsh shadows.
• Stand on a chair or ladder (safely) or use a tripod with a boom arm to get that perfect top-down angle.
• Add a hand or two reaching into the frame for a human touch.