The Dos and Don’ts of a Graduation Photo Shoot
Graduation is the big monumental milestone in every student's life. It marks the ending of years of hard work, dedication, and sacrifice and the beginning of the next chapter. Naturally, you'd want to commemorate this significant achievement with a graduation photo shoot. Whether you're the graduate or the photographer, there are certain dos and don'ts to keep in mind to ensure the photos capture the essence of the moment flawlessly.
Dos:
1. Plan Ahead:
Coordinate with your photographer well in advance to discuss locations, themes, and outfits. Are there any specific shots you want to get? Usually grads opt for the key points on campus and a building that is related to their major. The football field is another big draw for students and can be a beautiful backdrop. Planning ensures that you have ample time to scout for the perfect spots and gather any props or accessories you may want to include.
2. Choose the Right Time:
Opt for early morning or late afternoon for the shoot when the natural light is soft and flattering. Avoid midday when the sun is harsh and can cast unflattering shadows. Also something to note for South Florida graduates, Florida often has unpredicable rain storms. Be prepared to select a back up day if needed.
3. Showcase Personality:
Incorporate elements that reflect your personality, interests, and achievements into the shoot. A lot of students also like to bring their family, friends, and pets along to showcase the people who helped them get to the big day. This could be anything from your favorite hobby to props representing your field of study.
4. Experiment with Poses:
Don't shy away from trying out different poses. Experimenting with angles and poses can result in unique and dynamic shots that truly capture your essence. An experienced photgrapher should be able to give you posing suggestions. Checking out hashtags and social media can help you get posing and prop inspiration as well.
5. Relax and Have Fun:
Graduation is an emotional and often once in a lifetime occasion, so don't forget to relax and enjoy the moment. Genuine smiles and laughter make for the best photographs.
Don'ts:
1. Overcomplicate Outfits:
While it's essential to dress appropriately for the occasion, avoid overcomplicating your outfit with too many accessories or busy patterns. Opt for timeless, classic pieces that won't distract from the main focus—you!
2. Neglect Grooming:
Ensure you look your best by paying attention to grooming details like hair, makeup, and nails. A polished appearance will elevate the overall look of your photos. Photo day is not the day to try out new looks with your hair and makeup. You want your photos to look like you!
3. Forget About the Background:
Be mindful of the background when selecting shooting locations. Avoid cluttered or distracting backgrounds that could take away from the main subject—you.
4. Force Poses:
Natural, candid moments often make for the most memorable photographs. Instead of forcing stiff poses, focus on interacting with your surroundings and letting your photographer capture the genuine moments as they unfold. Posing with friends can also help take some of the stress off of things like “what do I do with my hands?!”
If you're a Florida Atlantic University grad student looking to capture the magic of your graduation with a professional photo shoot, look no further! As a local photographer specializing in capturing special moments, I am dedicated to providing you with stunning graduation photos that you'll cherish for a lifetime. Contact me today to schedule your personalized graduation photo shoot and let's create memories together that will last a lifetime.
Remember, graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime moment, and investing in professional photography ensures that you have beautiful memories to treasure for years to come. Don't miss out on the opportunity to capture this special milestone in style!
