Preparing for Your Graduation Photoshoot (Graduates & Photographers)

You need to remember some basic things in all photoshoots, but each type of shoot has its own unique needs.

Here’s an overview of what you should mentally/physically prepare for your next graduation portraits photoshoot- for both graduates and photographers.

Graduates

• Bring a pair of walking shoes
  If you are be taking any photos on a college campus or even a small high school campus, be sure to bring a pair of shoes that you can walk in. College campuses tend to be quite large, and the shoes that look best on camera may not be the most comfortable ones for walking across hallways.

• Brainstorm some of your favorite spots
  Was there a building you always studied at? An area you were always with your friends? Aside from any campus monuments and signs, these additional spots ensure we capture some of your best memories.

• Remember to bring all your graduation gear

  • Graduation hat

  • Bobby pins for hat

  • Graduation gown

  • Regalia

  • Sash

  • Hood

• Props.
  Make sure you consider if you’ll be using any props- some ideas: champagne, biodegradable confetti, balloons, other campus gear.

• Touch up gear

  • Brush

  • Lipstick

  • Towelette (for those hot days)

• Nails
  They can be done or not done- either is fine, just no in-between. I’ve made this mistake myself, where I’ve had photos taken when my nail polish was half off- yikes. It appears in photos.

Additional Notes

• Tassels move RIGHT to LEFT.
  The tassels are on the right side before you graduate and are moved to the left once you graduate. This always, always comes up during a shoot, but no one ever notices a thing after. I’ve never received a comment or questions about tassels in graduation photos, so it’s good to know, but not a deal-breaker if it ends up moving around (and it will end up moving around).

• Consider parking
  Again, if you’re visiting any college campuses, consider areas to park and leave your car comfortably. A lot of graduation shoots happen toward the end of the semester when parking isn’t really an issue, but you definitely want to monitor any unique campus regulations.

• Hit all desired outfit combinations.

• Water
  Good to have not 100% necessary, but you’ll be walking around, and it’ll most likely be warm out.

• Remember, it’s a celebration
  As photographers, it is always an honor when people trust me with their stories, and graduations are definitely a milestone to be celebrated.

Prep for Photographers

• Scout the location
  Whether it’s online or in person, it’s always a great idea to scout the location and have a general idea of where your subject will want to go and how to make your shoot flow. You don’t want to get caught zigzagging and tire out your subject(s).

• Know your graduation shots
  While different graduates will request different shots, remember to try to include photos that show the campus, show the signs/monuments, hat toss, and, if possible, a good headshot. Some of your graduates will be on the job, so a nice professional headshot will go a long way.

• Always monitor the lighting.
  At least in California, most graduations happen during the warmer part of the year, which can make for some intense exposure. Be sure to monitor how the lighting hits your subject as you go from spot to spot.

• Be mindful of the graduation gear

  If you’re lucky to have help from a graduate family member or a friend, great! They’ll help watch out to make sure your graduate’s hat is in place and that all tags and graduation gear are set. If you don’t, for the most part, this is a responsibility for you. Your graduate cannot see themselves at all times during the shoot- so be sure you pay close attention and ensure things don’t move out of place. This is all the more important for graduation shoots because outfits change/rotate more frequently in these shoots.

If you have any other helpful tips or any questions, from either the graduate side or the photographer side, feel free to let me know by emailing me at: cathy@photographsbycathy.com