5 Simple Steps to Having a Successful Graduation Photoshoot
Just like many other rites of passage, like weddings and births, commemorating a graduation with photos make sense to preserve this momentous occasion. It's an event that celebrates the years of hard work, dedication, and perseverance that led to this milestone achievement.
To help you have a successful graduation photoshoot, I’ve put together 5 Simple Steps to Having a Successful Graduation Photoshoot. So, whether you're graduating from high school or college, read on to find out what you need to know to make your graduation photoshoot a success.
Why is a graduation photoshoot important?
Before we dive into the steps let’s talk about the reasons behind having a graduation photoshoot. Graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, a moment that every student dreams of. It’s a celebration of your hard work, and it deserves to be captured in a beautiful and meaningful way. A graduation photoshoot is a fantastic way to capture these memories and create a lasting memento of this special day. Your graduation photos will be a testament to your academic achievement, and you can look back on them fondly for years to come.
Not only is a graduation photoshoot a great way to capture memories, but it’s also an opportunity to express your personality and style. You can showcase your unique style and personality through your outfit, accessories, and poses. It’s a chance to show the world who you are and what you’ve accomplished.
Finally, a graduation photoshoot is an opportunity to share your accomplishments with your friends and family. You can share your photos on social media or send them as graduation announcements to your loved ones. It’s a way to spread the joy and excitement of your achievement with the people who supported you throughout your academic journey.
Step #1: Finding the right photographer
A graduation photoshoot is a significant investment, and you want to make sure that you get the best possible results. Finding the right photographer is crucial to the success of your photoshoot. Here are some tips to help you find the perfect photographer for your graduation photoshoot:
Look for photographers who specialize in graduation photography. These photographers have experience with graduation photoshoots and will know how to capture the perfect shots.
Check out the photographer's portfolio to see if their style matches your vision for your photoshoot.
Read reviews and testimonials from past clients to get an idea of the photographer's professionalism and quality of work.
Finally, schedule a pre-booking consultation (I personally call them virtual chats) with the photographer to discuss your vision for the photoshoot and make sure you feel comfortable working with them.
Step #2: Choosing the perfect location
The location of your graduation photoshoot is just as important as the photographer. You want to choose a location that reflects your personality and style and provides a beautiful backdrop for your photos. Here are some tips to help you choose the perfect location for your graduation photoshoot:
Choose a location that is personal to you. This could be your school campus, a favorite park, or a location that holds special meaning to you. One thing that I personally specialize in is mountain graduation photo sessions, because so many people choose Colorado for the lifestyle and proximity to the mountains. It’s a great way to celebrate the place where you spent either your childhood (for high school seniors) or your college years (for college graduates).
Consider the time of day when scheduling your photoshoot. The lighting during the golden hour (an hour before sunset) is ideal for outdoor photoshoots.
Speak to your photographer about your hopes and dreams for this photoshoot. Get their opinion on if the location you’re considering will produce the type of photos you want.
Step #3: Bringing Essential props and accessories for your photoshoot
Props and accessories can add a fun and personalized touch to your graduation photoshoot. Here are some ideas for props and accessories to consider:
Graduation cap and gown: Your cap and gown are a symbol of your academic achievement and should be included in your photos.
Diploma: Hold up your diploma in your photos to showcase your accomplishment.
Class ring: If you have a class ring, wear it in your photos for an extra touch of personalization.
Signs: A sign with your graduation year, school name, or personal message can create a great way to announce your big milestone in paper, email, and social media announcements.
Step #4: Putting Together the Best Photoshoot Outfits ideas
Your outfit is a crucial element in your graduation photoshoot. Here are some outfit ideas to consider:
Dressy: A dress or suit is a classic and elegant option for your photoshoot.
Casual: A casual outfit, such as jeans and a t-shirt, can be a comfortable and relaxed option.
School spirit: Wear your school's colors or apparel to show your school spirit. Make sure to include both your current school and your future school. So, if you’re a high school senior, bring apparel from both your high school and the college you’ll be attending. If you’re in college and planning to go to graduate school, bring apparel for both your college and the university where you’ll be continuing your studies.
Personal style: Wear something that reflects your personal style and personality.
Step #5: Scheduling your photoshoot
Timing and scheduling your photoshoot is crucial to its success. Here are some tips to help you schedule your photoshoot:
Do not schedule it on graduation day. Either schedule it before or after graduation day. March - June are often the months for spring graduation photoshoots.
Outdoor photoshoots will typically be right before sunset, so make sure it will work with your schedule for that day.
If you’re graduating from college, schedule the photoshoot for when family is visiting for your graduation, so that you can have them join in on the photos. Just make sure you let your photographer know your plans to have them join. It might be recommended to do a longer photoshoot, so that you get all the photos you’d normally get during a graduation photoshoot and still have time for family photos as well.
Conclusion and final thoughts
A graduation photoshoot is a fantastic way to capture memories, express your personality, and share your accomplishments with your loved ones. With the ultimate graduation photoshoot checklist, you're now equipped with everything you need to make your graduation photoshoot a success. Remember to have fun, relax, and be yourself, and your photos will turn out beautifully. Congratulations on your graduation!
Sara Herkes is a maternity, newborn, family, and senior photographer based in Longmont, CO. She serves the the Denver Metro Area, the Colorado Rockies, and the Northern Front Range and captures your pregnancy amidst the Colorado wilderness. Learn more about her services here.
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