I have such a soft spot for a graduation photo session with my college grads. This is such a unique and exciting time in your life. You’ve worked so hard, invested so much, and now it’s finally here. You’re ready to step into the real world.
A cap and gown session on your university campus is always special, but what if you want something a little different? Something that feels more like you. Something that tells the story of the journey you’ve been on and the beautiful finish line you’ve reached.
So how do you make that happen? How do you plan a session that’s personal enough to reflect all of your hard work and your dreams for the future?
CHOOSE A MEANINGFUL LOCATION FOR YOUR GRADUATION PHOTO SESSION
Your photographer can help you brainstorm the perfect location for your graduation photo session. An experienced photographer will listen to your ideas, get to know your style, and make suggestions that bring your vision to life.
College Campus Locations
Your campus is the place where you have spent so much of your time. It holds countless memories—both the good and the challenging—that together tell the story of your college experience. Including these familiar spots in your graduation photo session can make your images feel even more meaningful.
Other Locations Tied to Your Major or College Life
Sometimes the most special locations are not directly on campus. Think about where you completed an internship, worked your first job, or spent your favorite weekends with friends. These meaningful places can add a personal touch to your graduation photo session and help capture the full story of your college years.
Locations That Feel Like YOU
Not every location needs to be tied to your campus. For example, in this sweet graduation photo session, my client chose old, historic buildings because they reflected the comfort and warmth she feels about her major and the career she is beginning.
If you are going into business or finance, you might want the energy and backdrop of a downtown setting. If agriculture is your passion, a farm might be the perfect spot. The key is to remember that this is your graduation photo session, so choose a location that feels completely you.
BRING PROPS THAT FEEL LIKE YOU FOR YOUR GRADUATION PHOTO SESSION
This session was the perfect example of how thoughtful props can bring your graduation photo session to life. Props add so much—not just visually, but in meaning and memory for you. Years from now, when you look back at these images and share them with your children or grandchildren, you will remember exactly how you felt in this season of life. That is the magic of photography.
(Side note: This is also why printing your pictures is so important. An album is a beautiful way to relive your graduation photo session easily for decades.)
But what kind of props should you bring?
Graduation Paraphernalia
Let’s start with the obvious: your cap and gown, diploma, cords, and stoles. You could also wear a college shirt with your major printed on it or your favorite school sport represented. If you’re a college athlete, bring something from your sport. I’ve photographed fraternity members who all wore matching socks. Little details like this can add so much personality to your graduation photo session.
Bring Tools of the Trade
Think about the tools you’ll use in your future career. They don’t have to be elaborate. A laptop works perfectly. Or maybe a stethoscope if you’re going into nursing or medicine, or a stack of children’s books if you’re becoming a teacher. If you’re headed into construction, bring a hard hat and boots.
When I graduated with my photography degree in 2007, graduation photo sessions weren’t really a thing, but if they were, I would have absolutely brought my camera.
This session is For YOU: Bring Fun Personal Touches
Your props don’t have to be related to your major at all. This is about you and what you love right now. Maybe it’s your favorite flowers, a cute coffee mug, or your Minnie ears to show off your Disney adult status. Your graduation photo session should be fun, personal, and a reflection of who you are in this moment.
PLAN MULTIPLE OUTFITS FOR YOUR GRADUATION PHOTO SESSION
Choosing your outfits can be one of the most important parts of planning your graduation photo session—and sometimes the most overwhelming. At Mollie Jane Photography, we make this easier with our Style Guides, which are included in your Client Experience Guide, so you can feel confident in every look you choose.
Start With a Classic Look
A classic, more dressy outfit is always a great place to start. This is the perfect look to pair with your cap and gown, but even without it, you’ll get timeless, beautiful images. A polished, classic outfit will never go out of style, making it a must-have for your graduation photo session.
A “Future You” Look
The Casual You
Think about what you might wear in your future career. If you’re becoming a teacher, choose something you might wear in the classroom. If you’re going into medicine, a white coat over scrubs can create a great look. Pair this outfit with your “tools of the trade” props for a set of photos that feels creative and personal.
FIND A PHOTOGRAPHER THAT GETS IT
Do your research and choose a photographer who truly wants your graduation photo session to be 100% you. Look for someone who will brainstorm ideas with you and help bring your vision to life. You might know exactly what props you want to bring but feel unsure about the location. Or maybe you have the perfect location in mind but need help deciding what to wear or which details to include. An invested photographer will help you pull it all together so your graduation photo session feels personal and unforgettable.
Are you ready to capture the perfect college graduation photos? Click the link below to send me a message so we can chat about what you’re looking for and get you on the calendar. Planning creative sessions is one of my favorite parts of being a photographer. I want your graduation photo session to be meaningful and cherished for decades to come.
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