Whether you are graduating from preschool, high school, or college, everyone wants to remember the accomplishment.
This post will help you prepare to make you get the most out of your graduation portraits. Remember, this is for you. Well, and future you, too! It’s not for the Instagram post, it’s not for your parents, and it’s not for the little square in the yearbook. It’s a great opportunity to spend a day just looking after you and taking some time to reflect on what it feels like to be on the cusp of one of the biggest transitions of your life. You will look back on this time forever.
First, here is what to expect...
Before-
A couple of days before your graduation portraits, I will send you a reminder email with your final invoice and some instructions on how to prepare for your shoot. The day before your graduation portraits, I will email/text to confirm your shoot, time, and location. As always, you are free to contact me with any last-minute questions.
Day of-
On the day of your graduation portraits, I ask my clients to arrive 15 minutes early. Arriving early will allow us to get to know each of a little bit, and make any last-minute adjustments. During the shoot, don’t worry if you don’t know what to do because I will direct you! Most people just automatically look at the camera and smile, but I’ll probably tell you to look away or to let yourself be absorbed in whatever you’re doing. We’ll dance, chat, walk, act, and laugh, and you’ll be so busy enjoying yourself that you’ll forget that you’re having your photo taken. You can expect high energy and some funny noises as I get into position on my step stool or lying on the floor. But I will be focusing on you; I will pose you by telling you how to turn, how to lean, and what to do with your arms and hands. It might feel a little weird, but I promise you will look great. I will also take several photos to make sure I get your best smile, so you will hear my shutter snapping pretty fast. And most importantly, we will have fun. My goal is for you to feel as authentic and comfortable in front of my lens as you can. I will take care of you, and all you have to do is show up and watch the magic happen.
After-
Two days after your graduation portraits, I will send you a link to your online gallery that will have your sneak peek. In 4-5 days, I will let you know when the rest of your gallery is ready. You’ll be able to create favorites lists, share online, download, and order your images so your parents can put your beautiful face all over their walls!
What to Bring
All students have different things they bring along with them to their sessions. Students usually bring their caps and gowns, any and all sashes and stoles, diploma covers, and any awards or metals they might want to show off. Some students also bring items from any sports or clubs they were in. So be creative and bring anything that you would like to remember from this part of your life.
Remember, this is about you
Every senior that I work with brings their own special sparkle to the shoot, and I wouldn’t have it any other way. I want you to bring your whole shiny self to the session!
I’ll send you a questionnaire so that we can start this friendship for real. I’m interested in knowing who you are, what matters to you, what your plans are after high school, what keeps you up at night, and what kind of ice cream you choose every time. The more comfortable we are around each other, the better your photos will be, and what better place to start with than a real connection? Feel free to fire some questions of your own back at me too, it’s only fair you know who’s telling your story.
