How to take good college graduation photos?

Prepare by bringing a long telephoto lens. You'll want at least a zoom with a telephoto reach of 200mm or 300mm. Boost your ISO. Depending upon your camera, you may be able to significantly boost the ISO, allowing you to use a faster shutter speed, which will help ensure sharp photos.

Should you smile in graduation photo?

DO: Bring your best smile ! Some people are more comfortable in front of the camera than others, and that's ok! If you're nervous about taking photos, practice in front of the mirror or even take a few selfies. Put these tips into action and you'll be sure to take some great graduation photos!

How early should you take college graduation pictures?

You can schedule your graduation photo shoot a few weeks before your graduation day . It's less stressful than doing it right before or during finals week, but still gives plenty of time for editing before sending off those graduation announcements!

What is the best time of day to take graduation photos?

✨ Our Flytographers love what they call “the golden hour,” those moments right after sunrise or just before sunset when the sun sheds a beautiful glow on everything — simply the perfect time for graduation portraits.

What color dress should I wear for graduation pictures?

Wear White or Light colored outfits for a classic look One reason to go for light colors and tones is to contrast your graduation sash and apparel.

What camera setting is best for graduation photos?

And when the graduation is indoors, you will have to increase the ISO to be able to reach those shutter speeds. Go as high as your camera's sensor allows it . For graduation portraits and close-ups, a large aperture (e.g., f/1.8) will make the subject stand out by creating a smooth blurred background.

How much should I charge for college graduation photos?

Graduation picture prices can range from $100 per session to $400 per session , depending on the package the senior has selected. How much to charge for graduation photos depends on what packages you're able to offer and if you have the equipment to provide the value expected per tiered package.

How many photos for a graduation shoot?

The second question to ask is, how many photos will you receive? A 30-minute session I provide my clients yields anywhere from 20-30 photos . I give 3-4 spots at the location we are shooting at and 3-4 poses. I look for the most scenic views and position the graduate (you) away from the sun so you look your best.

How many pictures should be in a graduation slideshow?

Begin with photo selection. Go in chronological order, and try to keep your selection below 100 photos . Going beyond 100 photos will make your slideshow too long to view in a single sitting. Choose your graduation songs.

Are college graduation pictures a thing?

I actually got my senior photos done when I graduated college and I am so thankful I did. There are so many ways to use them that I don't think everyone thinks about! So today I'm going to break down my main reasons for getting senior photos done when you graduate college.

Can you take graduation photos with iPhone?

Your iPhone might do an excellent job, but when you hire a professional photographer for your senior picture session, you get much more than just their professional equipment. You get the benefit of their experience and trained eye!

11 Tips for Better College Graduation Photos (2024)

Graduating is one of life's major milestones. And you should capture it with a series of enduring images. To help you mark this special occasion, we've put together a few tips on how to capture beautiful college graduation photos.

1. Tell a Story with Your College Graduation Photos

A single image can capture a moment, but it can rarely tell a story. Capture the essence of the day by taking a series of college graduation photos.

For example, start the story on the morning of the big day. A chronological narrative can help you and your family relive this auspicious occasion for many years to come.

2. Get at Least One Close-Up of the Gown

A graduation gown is a powerful symbol of achievement. It's perfect for creating the cover for a special photo book. Get creative, and take some close-ups of the gown -- along with the college's colors. Make sure you get the graduation cap in the shot.

Have a small photoshoot, be sure to add any objects that represent a special memory while in school.

3. Capture the Joy of the Day

Most graduation events are fun and filled with joy. They're not just about formal group photos and presentation ceremonies. Take a few shots of family members and friends embracing the graduate. Try to capture the joy and love on people's faces. This moment is one that is best shared with loved ones, so let your photos reflect that.

5. Use Your Photos for a Graduation Invite

After you've taken your best photos with friends, family and posed in front of every memorable statue and building it's time to do something with those photos! What better way to start the next chapter than with a celebration.

Personalize your graduation invites with a favorite quote that sums up the time you spent on campus.

6. Get Some Landscape Shots

You should take a few unplanned, unstaged shots in order to capture the ambiance on the day. These shots are often best taken at the beginning or end of the event -- when people are milling about or leaving. Get creative with lighting and focus to create something interesting.

7. Use the College as a Backdrop

What better backdrop for both solo and group college graduation photos than the school? Look for distinctive architectural elements to place in the frame. Entryways and porticos are ideal. You won’t regret getting that one picture in front of your school's sign or mascot statue.

Try getting everyone in the center of the shot, to create symmetry for maximum effect.

8. Get a Few Formal Shots

Fun and emotional college graduation photos are perfect for photobooks, albums, and collages. But when it comes to photos you'd like to display, formal shots are usually more suitable.

Get the graduate to pose with and without their mortarboard. A formal smile in a quiet area of the college grounds is a fitting way to mark the gravity of the event.

9. Don't Be Afraid of Shade

Direct sunlight is great, but too much of it can cause serious problems for photographers. Lots of sunlight often means lots of shadows and shade. Getting large group shots in these conditions isn't easy.

Look for a large area of open shade -- outside a building is perfect. This should give you the stable lighting conditions you need.

10. Get a Great Shot of the Hat Toss

One of the most iconic images from any college graduation is the hat toss. The sight of dozens of mortarboards hovering in the air adds the element of fun to proceedings.

For the best results, shoot from a low angle -- using the sky as the backdrop. Make sure you leave a lot of space above the heads of the subjects. This will ensure you none of the hats fly out of shot.

If you are using a professional camera this would be the perfect time to break out that wide angle lens.

11. Display Your College Graduation Photos in Style

A college graduation photo album is always greater than the sum of its parts. Display these photos in a logical way using a photobook or collage. You can do this in a matter of minutes with the help of Mimeo Photos. Import the photos you want to include, and create something that captures the memories and emotions of this important day.

College graduation photos should capture the essence of the big day. With Mimeo Photos, you can tell a story that will live long in the memory.