Over the past three years, I have had the honor of photographing over 50 graduation shoots at Florida State University! These photoshoots are my favorite because it is such a bittersweet and celebratory time in everyone’s college experience. I recently got my graduation photos taken, so now that I have been both behind and in front of the camera, I have plenty of advice for anyone who may be nervous about a graduation shoot!
Choosing your photographer
It may take some searching, but finding the right photographer will guarantee that you feel confident and excited going into your shoot. To find photographers in your area, look at tagged locations on Instagram, search in your class’s Facebook page or ask a friend for a referral. Every photographer has a unique style when it comes to photo editing, so it is important to find one that has a style you like. Most photographers offer “packages” that include details about their rates and lengths of their graduation shoots. Some also set a limit on props, locations, friends and/or outfit changes. All of these things are very important to consider when thinking about what you want for your photoshoot!
Making your photoshoot personal
Little personalized touches will make your shoot more memorable and representative of your time at college. I love when my clients bring props or take me to their favorite location on campus. In the past, people have brought along nametags and stoles, but I have also seen Mickey Mouse ears, a Nintendo switch and even a broom and dustpan! Taking photos at the department building of your major is a great way to highlight your academic success and also pay tribute to the classrooms you spent countless hours in. If you have time, I recommend going to Legacy Walk for some dreamy golden hour action. I’ve also had fun shooting in unique locations such as libraries, residence halls, and even Taco Bell! With a campus as beautiful as Florida State, there are no shortage of great spots.
How to decide when to shoot
At Florida State, graduation caps and gowns are not passed out until 2 weeks before graduation. During the spring semester especially, this means that the Monday caps and gowns become available, all of the popular spots become packed. I have waited for 40 minutes in line for photos in front of the Wescott fountain – it’s no joke. I recommend forfeiting pictures in your graduation gown to shoot earlier in the semester. Many photographers have a graduation cap you can wear anyway, and if not you can order one from Amazon for less than $10. Shooting earlier means that most locations will be empty and the weather will be cooler. I have photographed clients as early as Jan. and Feb. for spring graduations! If having photos in your graduation gown is important to you, shooting in April is not impossible. Just know to expect longer lines everywhere you go!
Choosing what to wear
I get asked often for fashion advice. My biggest tip is simple: find something that makes you feel confident, but also comfortable! If you are going to spend the entire shoot adjusting your dress or hair, chances are you will look more stiff than relaxed in your photos. When choosing a color, you can never go wrong with garnet or gold/yellow, or neutral colors like tan, white or black. But a little pop of color never hurt anyone! Just consider where you are taking pictures. Will your brown romper clash against bricks? Is your green pantsuit going to blend in with the trees and grass? Will your blue and orange dress make you look like you’re graduating from UF? At the end of the day, you are the one who put in the hard work to make it this far! So wear what you want.
Be sure to respect your campus
Let’s face it, it’s hard to resist not including a cute glitter or champagne moment in your shoot. If you’re opting for glitter, try to purchase biodegradable glitter for an environmentally friendly alternative! For champagne, every year I see bottles littered around campus despite the plethora of trash bins. Instead of trashing the university we all love, clean up after yourself! The debris you leave behind doesn’t magically disappear. The already hard-working facilities members will be responsible for picking up your mess if you don’t. It only takes a few minutes out of your shoot, but will make a huge difference to them!
Remember: Your photographer is an artist!
When your photographer sends back your photos, don’t edit them. Out of respect, leave your VSCO filter or photoshop session behind because chances are, your photos don’t need it! Your photographer already spent a lot of time making them perfect. You wouldn’t add paint to artwork a painter gave you, right? If your photographer doesn’t offer to send the RAW photos, then do not ask for them. Sending the unedited files is like reading a book that’s half-finished. And finally, it’s not required, but tipping goes a long way! Your photographer is providing you with a service, just like a waiter or hairstylist.
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