How to Prepare for Your College Grad Photos: My Top Graduation Photoshoot Tips

January 15, 2026

Congrats, Grad! You’ve conquered the late night study sessions, the early morning exams, and let’s not forget – life in the dorm. It’s time to turn in that final project and celebrate all your hard work! A great way to commemorate this important milestone for yourself, your family, and friends is with a graduation photoshoot. If the idea of being the center of attention in front of a stranger with a camera seems a bit overwhelming, I get it. But don’t worry, I’m here for you! Preparing for your session doesn’t have to be stressful. Keep reading for my top graduation photoshoot tips that will help you as you prepare to document this incredible accomplishment.

Graduate wearing a cap and gown during a graduation photoshoot, looking over her shoulder with the Love Statue behind her.
Two female college graduates posing in cap and gown during a graduation photoshoot in Philadelphia in front of Independence Hall
College graduate styled for a graduation photoshoot in Philadelphia, wearing a cap and gown and white dress outdoors
Law school graduate wearing academic regalia during a graduation photoshoot at Drexel University in Philadelphia

Graduation Photoshoot Tips for a Stress-Free Session

Book Your Photographer Early

The first thing you’ll want to do is find your photographer (Hi, that’s me!) and book your session early. Many graduate photographers get booked months in advance, especially during peak seasons like spring and fall. To ensure you get the photographer you want, aim to book your session at least two months before your ideal date. If you’re planning to use your photos for your actual graduation day celebration, booking early is even more critical. Keep in mind that turnaround time for graduation photos is typically 2-3 weeks.

College graduates walking hand-in-hand outside a historic building during a graduation photoshoot in Philadelphia
Graduate sitting with legs crossed and confidently laughing in cap and gown during a graduation photoshoot in Philadelphia.
Female graduate with long blond hair and a red dress with black cap and gown smiling in cap and gown during a golden hour graduation photoshoot with warm natural light
Law school graduate wearing academic regalia walking inside Drexel University’s Kline School of Law in Philadelphia

Pick Your Session Date

It might seem convenient to schedule your session the day of your ceremony since you’ll already be dressed up and surrounded by family, but try to avoid it if possible. On graduation day, there will be thousands of families shuffling around campus trying to snap photos at the same popular spots. It can get crowded. This can lead to long waits, and a rushed, stressful experience. Plus, you’ll likely be exhausted from your graduation ceremony and feel completely overwhelmed. Most people are ready to go out and celebrate immediately after they throw that cap in the air. By then, a photoshoot will be the last thing you want to do.

Instead, consider booking your photoshoot a week or more before graduation day when the excitement is still buzzing. Weekends on campus can be less busy, and if you’re still concerned about crowds, scheduling your session during school breaks, exam weeks, or study periods is a great option. But don’t worry. Your photographer will know how to find private, picturesque locations, even if there are other people around.

Female college graduate with long strawberry blond hair wearing a white dress with black cap and gown and red cords posing near the Temple University owl statue during a graduation photoshoot, showing the benefits of booking early to avoid crowded graduation days
Smiling college graduate in cap and gown holding a diploma in front of the Drexel University dragon statue during a graduation photoshoot
Graduate sitting on a brick ledge above the La Salle University sign on campus
College graduate wearing a cap and gown and heels, standing in front of a Temple University owl mural
Graduate standing at the edge of a glass railing inside a circular spiral staircase, viewed from below
A black and white scene of a graduate wearing a gown and sash while holding a cap, standing in a quiet glass hallway with her body facing forward and her head turned to the side
Black and white scene of a graduate in a cap and gown leaning against the inside of a bell tower with one hand in his pocket at Temple University

Select Your Location

While many students opt for photos on their campus, there are plenty of other great places for your graduation photos. If you love nature, consider a local park during golden hour for soft, flattering light. For a more urban feel, a downtown setting with your favorite coffee shop, record store, or even the main street and alleyways could be a perfect backdrop.

If you choose to stick with campus, make a list of your favorite spots. Think beyond the typical landmarks – how about your favorite food truck, a campus bar, or the building where you spent all those endless hours studying? Brainstorming ideas with your photographer prior to your session will make the photoshoot more efficient, less stressful, and most importantly, feel like you.

*Expert tip: Some locations in urban settings or parks may require permission, or a permit fee, and can take a few weeks to process so be sure to check ahead of time with your photographer.

Graduate wearing a cap and gown walking in front of Charles Library at Temple University with intentional motion blur
Graduate wearing a blue graduation gown ordering food at a colorful food truck on a city sidewalk, on the Drexel University campus in Philadelphia
Female graduate with dark rimmed glasses and long curly hair wearing academic regalia standing in front of a colorful mural and smiling proudly
Graduate wearing a cap and gown and heels standing on an outdoor track field, facing to the side as her gown flows behind her
Graduate wearing a cap and gown and heels standing outside Maxi’s bar on Temple University's campus during a graduation portrait session
A black and white scene of a female graduate wearing a cap and gown and heels standing in a city street with the Philadelphia skyline softly blurred behind her
Graduate wearing academic regalia, sitting on a brick ledge beneath the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School plaque with her legs crossed and her head turned to the side
Two graduates wearing white dresses and graduation stoles holding hands while walking along a riverside boardwalk beneath the Ben Franklin Bridge in Philadelphia
Graduate wearing academic regalia sitting in her wheelchair on campus at Drexel University, smiling proudly

Graduation Photoshoot Tips for the Perfect Look

Get Your Cap, Gown, and Cords Ready

Depending on when your session is scheduled, getting your cap and gown could be tricky. Don’t worry! You can often request these items early through your student services office or campus bookstore. If that’s not possible, ask a friend or family member to borrow them or purchase your own online (there are a ton of options at reasonable prices). No one will be able to tell the difference in the photos.

*Expert tip: Make sure to iron or steam your gown before your session. Wrinkles will show up in the photos!

Graduate wearing a cap and stole smiles during a spring portrait session with blooming trees behind her.
Graduate in a cap and gown looks back while walking across a modern glass campus bridge
Graduate walks away down a tree-lined sidewalk with American flags in the background in a cap and gown during fall.
Full-length portrait of a graduate holding her cap while standing on a leaf-covered lawn.
Close-up of a graduation cap held at chest level, showing tassels and a class of 2025 charm.
Close-up portrait of a graduate wearing a graduation cap, with soft natural light and greenery in the background
Graduate in a white dress tosses her cap into the air while standing on a brick campus walkway.
Close-up of a white student athlete graduation stole with embroidered lettering and La Salle University emblem
Black and white close-up of a female graduate's smiling face with a graduation cap wearing a Temple University tassel

Plan Your Outfit Early

Make sure you choose your outfit in advance and try it on to ensure it fits and looks great from all angles. Your photoshoot will likely involve sitting, walking, jumping, and even throwing your cap, so you want to feel comfortable in what you’re wearing. If you’d like to add some variety to your photos, you can plan a quick outfit change—many sessions allow time for one wardrobe swap. Still can’t decide on what to wear for your graduation photo session? Check out this blog post for more helpful tips on how to prepare and what to wear.

Graduate standing on a rooftop garden in a red patterned dress with the Philadelphia skyline in the background.
Graduate celebrating on a tree-lined campus path while spraying champagne, wearing a sweatshirt, skirt, and graduation cap.
Graduate in a fitted red dress holding a graduation cap, standing on a modern glass walkway.
Graduate seated on stone steps wearing a blue velvet dress with turquoise jewelry and wrapped footwear, smiling at the camera.
Temple University graduate wearing a Temple Dental sweatshirt and white skirt, standing outside a campus building.
Graduate in an off-the-shoulder white dress and graduation cap, turning back toward the camera on a campus walkway.
Graduate smiling in front of a La Salle University sign, wearing a blazer over a shirt that reads Black Mental Health Matters and patterned pants.

Don’t Forget Props!

Adding props that represent you or your school is a fun way to make your photos unique. However, to keep things manageable, I recommend limiting your props to two – three items max. Here are some ideas that photograph beautifully:

  • Bubbles
  • Balloons
  • Flowers (a bouquet works better than a single flower)
  • Athletic gear or a jersey
  • Cultural items (flag, hat, t-shirt)
  • Books or instruments
  • Hobby items (like a camera, skateboard, etc.)
  • A favorite childhood toy
  • Degree-related items (think stethoscope, lab coat)
  • Customized graduation cap
  • College memorabilia (mugs, banners, rings)
  • Champagne (bring two bottles, just in case one doesn’t pop!)

* Expert Tip: Check with your photographer to see if they allow smoke bombs, sparklers, or confetti during their sessions. Many limit these materials to at-home sessions only.

Graduate popping a champagne bottle on a brick walkway during a celebratory graduation photoshoot.
Temple University graduate with long blond hair wearing black pants and a short white coat holding a soccer ball on a brick walkway on campus with the sun setting behind her.
Nursing graduate wearing a cap and gown while holding a stethoscope in a garden setting.
Drexel University graduate holding a Drexel Alumni banner while smiling in a sunlit outdoor setting.
Graduate wearing a cap and gown holding large gold letter balloons outdoors during golden hour.
Temple University dental graduate holding a smiling tooth prop in front of campus greenery.
Graduate smiling as bubbles float around her during an outdoor graduation portrait session.

Get Plenty of Rest

Get a full night’s sleep the night before your session to make sure you’re well-rested. Also, be sure to stay hydrated, avoid getting too much sun, and if you drink, try to cut out alcohol for a few days. Your skin will thank you.

And if possible, try to not schedule your photoshoot around stressful events like final exams, job interviews, or the ceremony itself. By following this simple advice, you’ll look great, feel confident and arrive to your session ready for your closeup.

Graduate in cap and gown smiling at the camera during golden hour on campus with soft greenery in the background.
Graduate in cap and gown smiling while standing among blooming white flowers on campus.
Male graduate wearing a cap and gown stands outdoors with sunlight filtering through trees behind him.
College graduate standing in a white dress beside pink spring blossoms, smiling during a calm outdoor portrait session.

Arrive early

On the day of your shoot, plan your arrival time carefully. Use Google Maps to figure how long it will take to walk to the meeting spot. If needed, use an app like SpotHero to book your parking ahead of time. Most sessions are scheduled around golden hour when the light is soft and flattering, but this time passes quickly. Unfortunately, if you’re late, there’s no way to make up for the lost light. There’s nothing worse than starting your session frazzled and stressed because you were running late. Plan to arrive fifteen minutes early to ensure you have enough time to relax, get organized, and chat with your photographer for a few minutes before you begin.

Graduate in cap and gown walking confidently through a modern glass pedestrian corridor.
College graduate wearing athlete and student stoles standing on a tree-lined campus walkway at golden hour.
Graduate in cap and gown smiling while looking off camera on a sunlit campus path.
Male graduate leaning against a campus gate with hands in pockets, surrounded by greenery.

Bring a hype person!

Having a supportive friend, family member, or significant other with you can be incredibly helpful. They can assist with getting dressed, fixing your hair, carrying your things, and, of course, reminding you how amazing you look! Plus, I might just sneak them into a few shots with you to capture that special bond.

Graduate poses with family in front of the Penn Commons sign during a University of Pennsylvania graduation session.
Two sisters stand together with their arms around each other in front of a colorful mural while laughing
Graduate stands between family members, smiling together on a tree-lined campus walkway.
Two graduates hold colorful graduation tassels forward while smiling together.
Black-and-white portrait of a graduate laughing with her mother during a graduation photoshoot while a bike and rider ride across the front of the frame.
Graduate laughs as her partner lifts her in a glass walkway while celebrating graduation in a glass hallway.
Black-and-white portrait of a graduate laughing with his mother during a graduation photoshoot.
Mother adjusts her son’s graduation hood as he smiles during a Temple University graduation photoshoot.

My Number One Ultimate Graduation Photoshoot Tip: Relax and Have Fun

Feeling camera-shy? Yep, totally normal. 99.9% of my clients tell me they’re “awkward” in front of a camera. Me too! Remember, it’s okay to be nervous with a camera pointed at your face. It can feel super-vulnerable. But this is where your photographer comes in (Hi, again!). We will work together to find the best spots, beautiful lighting, flattering poses…I’ll even tell you what to do with your hands! (Trust me, no one knows.)

Remember, you worked hard for these photos! This is more than a photoshoot – it’s a celebration! If you love music, create a playlist on your phone to get you moving. Don’t be afraid to act silly. Enjoy the many, many “Congratulations!” you’ll receive from fellow students as they see you being photographed in your cap and gown. Be proud of your accomplishment! Most importantly, have FUN!

This is it, your big moment! Take in that feeling of pride and revel in it. You’ve earned it!

Graduate celebrates by jumping on Broad street in Philadelphia while holding a champagne bottle with the sun setting behind her.
A woman in a gradation cap and gown, and white dress smiling with her hand on her hip in front of City Hall in Philadelphia
Woman walking away from the camera in a graduation robe in front of City Hall in Philadelphia as she's holding her cap in the air.
Two graduates clink champagne bottles while celebrating together on campus.

“Working with Laurel was truly amazing! From start to finish, she made me feel completely at ease—patient, encouraging, and always finding the best light to get that perfect shot and glow. I can’t thank her enough for such an enjoyable and memorable experience.”

– Shani

Ready to Book Your Graduation Photoshoot?

Now that you’re armed with my favorite graduation photoshoot tips, are you ready to capture this once-in-a-lifetime-milestone? Let’s do this! If you’re in Philadelphia or the surrounding areas, I’d love to work with you to celebrate this exciting time. Shoot me a message so we can start planning your big day!

Woman standing in the median of Broad Street in Center City Philadelphia with City Hall in the background and cars driving on either side. She has on a shot white dress and black graduation cap and gown and has one hand on her hip.

Be the first to comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *