gradudation photo of a girl's back by MD Duran on Unsplash

20 Things You Should Know Before the Graduation Photoshoot

July 24, 2022

Graduation photoshoot is a perfect time  to document this particular time with some amazing photos. Before you head to your graduation photoshoot, here are a few things to keep in mind and 15 graduation picture ideas.

Know Your Graduation Gown

There are a few different types of graduation gowns, and each one comes in a variety of colors. Highschool: The graduation gowns are usually black with red or blue trim. They also lack the extra fabric at the bottom that is found on college gowns.

University: The gowns are usually black, but the color of the trim varies depending on the degree.

The main difference between degree, master's, and doctorate graduation gowns is in the material they are made from. Degree gowns are usually made from velvet, while masters and doctorate gowns are made from a more expensive, higher-quality fabric. Masters and doctorate gowns have different features, such as hoods, collars, and piping.

How to Choose the Proper Graduation Gown

Consider the formality of the occasion and the dress code of your school. If the ceremony is very formal, you will want to choose a gown made of a more formal fabric, such as silk or satin.

a girl's graduation photo with Kate Bookshelf Back to School/Graduation Children Backdrop Designed by Arica Kirby

Kate Bookshelf Back to School/Graduation Children Backdrop Designed by Arica Kirby

If the ceremony is less formal, you can choose a gown made of a less formal material, such as cotton or polyester. You should also consider the color of your gown. Black is traditional, but you can also choose a gown in your school colors.

If you are unsure of your graduation outfit, you can always ask your school's graduation committee for advice.

How to Wear Your Graduation Gown

  • Remove gown from bag
  • Place it on a hanger. This helps remove wrinkles. Alternatively, you can use a cool iron or steamer first.
  • Try it on. The sleeves should fall below your elbow and above the palm of your hand. The bottom should fall below the knee and above the ankle.
  • Loop the tassel over the button on the top of the cap. Check inside the cap for the area written front and try it on.
  • The tassel should start hanging on the right side and shift to the left after graduation

What to Wear Under Graduation Gown

This will depend on several factors, such as the weather, the formality of the ceremony, and your personal preference. On a warm day, you may want to wear a short-sleeved shirt or dress underneath your gown.

You can opt for a long-sleeved shirt or sweater if it is cooler. Whatever you choose to wear under your graduation outfits, make sure that it is comfortable and that you feel confident.

How to Find the Best Places for Graduation Photoshoot

When choosing the location for graduation photoshoot ideas, you will want to find a great location that represents you and your personality. If you are looking for a classic look, you may want to shoot at a beautiful park or in front of a historic building.

a boy's graduation photo with Kate 5x7ft Abstract Texture Spray Painted Backdrop

Kate 5x7ft Abstract Texture Spray Painted Backdrop

If you want a more urban feel, you may want to shoot in an alleyway or graffiti-covered wall.

15 Best Graduation Photoshoot Ideas

1. The Classic Pose

This graduation picture pose is classic for a reason - it is simple and elegant. To do this pose, stand in front of the camera and smile. You can try adding a prop or changing your location to make this pose more unique. For example, you could hold your diploma in one hand and your graduation cap in the other. Or, you could stand in front of a beautiful landmark.

2. In the Crowd

One of the best things about graduation is being surrounded by your friends and classmates who have all worked hard to reach this milestone with you. Use this to your advantage and get some great photos in the crowd.

To achieve this, ask your photographer to focus on you in the midst of your classmates and make sure everyone around you is in the frame. This is a great way to capture the energy and excitement of graduation day.

3. With Your Parents

This is a great way to commemorate your special day and show appreciation for all they have done for you. Make sure to get a few shots of you both together and individual shots of each of you with your parents. And don't forget to have some fun with it – pose creatively, make silly faces, and enjoy this special moment.

4. With Your Friends

two girls' graduation photo with Kate Gray White Brick Wall Graduation Backdrop Studio

Kate Gray White Brick Wall Graduation Backdrop Studio

A great way to commemorate this special time is by getting a group photo with friends. You can all pose in your graduation outfits and smile for the camera. This will be a great way to remember this special time in your life, and it will be something that you can look back on for years to come.

5. At Your School

Your school is a place that holds so many memories, and it will be a great way to commemorate your graduation. You can choose to shoot at a specific location within your school, such as in front of the main building or in your favorite classroom. Or, you can simply walk around the campus and take photos in different locations. Either way, your photos will be filled with meaning and memories.

6. Pose While Receiving Your Degree

The moment you are handed your degree is a huge accomplishment and milestone in your life. It is a time to celebrate all of your hard work and dedication. You can ask your photographer to capture you receiving your degree, or you can set up the camera on a tripod and have someone else take the photo for you. Either way, this will be a great way to remember your graduation day.

7. Giving a Speech

If you are lucky enough to be chosen to give a speech at your graduation ceremony, take advantage of the opportunity and snap a photo of yourself while you're up on stage. This will be a great way to remember your big day and capture the moment when you achieved your academic goals. Make sure to smile and look confident in your photo - you'll be proud of it for years to come.

8. Jumping

graduation photo by throwing the caps

Photo by RUT MIIT on Unsplash

This will definitely make your photo stand out, and it will be a great way to capture your excitement and energy. Make sure to find a safe place to jump, and ask someone to take your photo while you are in mid-air. If you want to add a little bit of personality to your photo, you can also jump in the air and throw your graduation cap.

9. Virtual Graduation

A virtual graduation is a graduation ceremony that is held online instead of in person. To take a photo for your virtual graduation, you will need to set up your camera in front of a computer or laptop. You will then log into the online ceremony and take your photo when it is time for your graduate to receive their diploma. After the ceremony, you can download your photo and share it with friends and family. Virtual graduation is a great way to celebrate your achievements while staying safe during the pandemic.

10. At Your Graduation Party

This will be a great way to capture all of your friends and family in one place. Make sure to set up a photobooth or designate someone to be in charge of taking photos throughout the night. You can also ask guests to write messages to you on polaroid pictures that you can keep as a memory of your special day.

11. Pose With Gifts

graduation photo of a little girl with her parent with Kate Gray White Brick Wall Graduation Backdrop Studio

Kate Gray White Brick Wall Graduation Backdrop Studio

This is a great way to show off your personality and commemorate this special time in your life. To make this idea even more special, make sure to ask your friends and family to write you personal messages on your graduation gifts. This will make for some truly one-of-a-kind photos that you will treasure for years to come.

12. Lie on the Lawn

In order to get the perfect ground level angle, make sure that you are lying flat on the ground and that your body is in a straight line. If you are taking the photo from above, make sure that the camera is directly above you, and if you are shooting from a high vantage point, make sure that the camera is pointed down at a 45-degree angle.

13. Look Towards the Future

Stand in front of an open door or window or by having you sit on the edge of a cliff or balcony. Whatever you do, make sure that your body is facing towards the camera and that your eyes are looking off into the distance. This will create a powerful and symbolic image that represents your graduation and your bright future ahead.

14. Fix Your Tie

This is a great way to add a bit of humor to your photos, and it will also be a great way to show off your sense of style. To make this pose even more unique, you can have someone else help you fix your tie.

15. Make a Funny Face

graduation photo of a little girl

Kate Gray White Brick Wall Graduation Backdrop Studio

For great graduation photoshoot ideas, why not try making a funny face? This will add some personality and fun to your photos. Just be sure to smile and have a good time.

Conclusion

Graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime event, so make sure to document it in a way you will cherish for years to come. Taking photos is a great way to do this. Hope these graduation picture ideas can give you some inspirations and capture the memories of this special time in your life.

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