1. BluJadePhotography.com
2. Event folder entitled “MPE 2010″
3. Password “MPE2010IMAGES”

Thank You again! Please call Mandy, (913) 406-0911, with any questions!

2010 MPE Graduation Photography Committee Report

The Photography Committee was responsible for lining up a photographer to take cap and gown pictures as well as a group photo and pictures of each graduate receiving his/her diploma. We did this all the night of graduation. The photographers came early to set up all their equipment to be ready for individual pictures from 2:30-4 pm. The group picture started around 4:15 and took about 45 minutes to complete. An additional photo was taken of the graduates tossing their caps into the air. 2 cameras were used during the ceremony, one each side of the stage to take the pictures of the graduates, entering from opposite sides, receiving their diplomas. Quick pictures were also taken as the graduates exited the stage. Due to time constraints, graduates were not able to stop and pose for that.

The photographers did not charge a fee for the service. To make it equitable for them, all graduates were asked to have their portraits done. We used an alphabetical system and just assigned them a time. For example, last names A-C 2:30, D-F 2:45, etc. This did not really work out like we planned. Instead they had the graduates sign up and wait until they were called. This ran us a little behind.

The photographers used were Josh & Mandy Hutchison of BluJade photography. Their phone number is 913.406.0911; their email is blujadephotography@hotmail.com. They are located in Gardner, KS.

Other photographers who were considered for the job but not contacted due to the Hutchison’s being available and having done it previously, were Creative Life Studios in Shawnee
http://creativelifestudios.com/ 913.448.1316

Additional Photography Notes:
It would be good to communicate to the photographer exactly what you would like pictures of and any time restraints you might be under. The 2010 photographers were hardworking, organized, and respectful of our time limits. They made photos available on a website for ordering from a Canadian lab at reasonable prices.

Arrange for photographer to take group and individual photos at graduation and distribute the photos.

Minimum needed:  2 people

2008 MPE Graduation Photography Committee Report

The Photography Committee was responsible for lining up a photographer to take cap and gown pictures as well as a group photo at the graduation rehearsal the night before graduation.  The photographers for the 2008 class came about 2 hours early to set up all their equipment to be ready.  Pictures started at 4:30 pm, 2 hours before the beginning of the rehearsal.

The photographers were also asked to take pictures of each graduate receiving his/her diploma the night of graduation.  Random pictures were also taken as the graduates exited the stage.The photographers for the 2008 class came early to graduation to set up equipment.  They also had a backdrop set up to take family pictures with the graduates before and after graduation.

For future planning, it was asked if 2 cameras could be used to take the pictures of the graduates receiving their diplomas, since they come from 2 sides of the stage.  There was only 1 camera used in 2008, and it seemed to flow fairly smoothly.

At one time there was discussion about having the photographer attend the Senior Banquet to take pictures.  It was decided by the Senior Banquet Committee to save the extra expense and allow the students to take their own pictures at the banquet.

The photographers used in 2008 were Josh & Mandy Hutchison of Heck of a Shot.  Their phone number is 913.406.0911; their email is sootyjosh@hotmail.com; and they are located at 17171 South Osage; Gardner, KS.

Other photographers who were considered for the job were:  Dan Parkison, a free lance photographer with Action Photo and Caswell Photography of Olathe, KS (913.782.6300) www.caswellphotography.com

Additional Photography Notes:
It would be good to communicate to the photographer exactly what you would like pictures of during the ceremony.  We expected the photographer to take shots only during the diploma presentation, but he also took shots during the processional, speeches, and recessional.  Because there were two lines of graduates during the processional and recessional, the photographer didn’t take pictures of every graduate.    The recessional shots slowed things down quite a bit since the graduates felt the need to pause for photos rather than simply exiting in a continuous stream.  Also, it was a bit distracting to have the photographer standing at the front of the stage throughout the ceremony.
It would also be more simple (and save time) for the photographer to take parent & graduate shots during the diploma presentation rather than having each family pose for a photo after the diploma exchange.
The 2008 photographers were very nice, hardworking, and organized.  They made photos available on a website for ordering.  A complaint was made stating the orders were placed through Canada even though the photographers are from Gardner.  At the time of this report, we have not looked into that issue.
We tried to do the group photo first (4:00 p.m.) before the 6:30 p.m. rehearsal, but not all the graduates were present.  Rather than keep everyone waiting, the photographer began with the individual shots.