Prepare · Graduation
Prepare for your graduation session
This guide is for the student, and for the parent who is booking. It covers the cap and gown, the outfits and the day.
Short answer
Book six to eight weeks before you need the images. Pick two looks, one with the cap and gown and one that feels like you. Press the gown the day before and bring the stole or cords. Classic takes about 30 minutes, and portraits arrive in 48 hours.
Weeks out: the plan
Send your school, your graduation date and two or three session dates. Pick the place with your outfits in mind. A campus carries the school colors, and a park at golden hour gives soft light. Signature and Elite include more than one location, so you can have both.
Campus rules vary by school, and some ask for permission before a paid session. I confirm the rule for your campus before you book.
The cap and gown
Pick up the gown early and check the fit. Steam it the day before, because a pressed gown photographs far better than a creased one. Bring the cap, the stole or cords and any pin or medal. Keep the gown for the last frames, so it stays clean.
Plan a second look that feels like you: a favorite dress, a jersey, a letterman jacket or anything that tells your story.
The day of the session
Eat a real meal and bring water. Do hair and makeup the way you usually do, a little more polished. Bring each outfit on a hanger and shoes for every look. Arrive ten minutes early, and bring a friend or parent to hold things between frames.
I direct each frame, so it feels natural even if you have never done a photo session. The timeline planner can work back from sunset to a leave-home time.
After the session
The gallery arrives in 48 hours in a private online page, with a print release included. Pick your favorites for announcements, a party and the wall. If you need images faster, rush 24-hour delivery adds $100.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How much do graduation photos cost?
Classic is $200: about 30 minutes, 1 location, 1 outfit and 15 edited images. Signature is $275 for 2 locations and 30 images. Elite is $375 for multiple locations and 50 images. Every package includes a print release.
Can we shoot on campus?
Often, but campus rules vary by school, and some ask for permission before a paid session. I confirm the rule for your campus before you book, and I tell you if a permit or a fee applies.
What should I wear under the gown?
Pick a solid color that looks good at the neckline and does not clash with the stole. Bring shoes, because full-length frames show them. Press the gown the day before. Plan a second, casual look as well.
Is there a referral credit?
Yes. Elite includes a $50 referral credit, as published on the graduation page. Refer a friend and you both get the credit. Ask me how it applies to your booking.
Keep planning
Next step
Book your senior session
Send your school, your date and your top two places.
Prefer to talk first? Call 919-917-3015 or see pricing.
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