🎓 Grad Season Tips for Photographers Who Want Great Photos and Good Vibes
Graduation season is here — and campuses are alive with celebration. Whether you’re a professional photographer, an aspiring creative, or just a friend with a good eye and a phone, you're part of something special: helping someone remember this moment.
Photos are a huge part of graduation — but so is the experience itself. A portrait session isn’t just about getting great images. It should feel fun and meaningful, like a celebration in its own right.
Here are a few simple ways to make sure everyone — grads, families, and fellow photographers — has a positive experience while we all try to get those once-in-a-lifetime shots.
1. Don’t Camp Out at the Hot Spots
We all know the go-to locations: the fountain, the arch, those iconic steps in front of the most photographed building on campus. They're popular for a reason — they look amazing. But keep in mind, you’re probably not the only one planning to shoot there.
Take your time, but don’t take too much time. Snap your shots, get the moments you need, and move on so others can have their turn. A little awareness helps keep things moving — and keeps the energy positive for everyone.
2. Clean Up After the Fun
Confetti, champagne sprays, props, balloons — they look festive in the moment, but they don’t look great when left behind. Confetti (even biodegradable) can harm wildlife and ruin the scene for the next person. Bottles, corks, and bags can clutter up backgrounds and make the space feel trashed.
Please take a minute to clean up:
Confetti (yes, every piece!)
Champagne bottles, corks, & caps
Balloons, gift bags, tissue paper, and any other props
If you bring it, take it with you. Leaving the space clean is part of honoring the campus and the community, including the local wildlife.
3. Keep Yourself (and Your Stuff) Out of the Background
We’ve all done it — you’re waiting for your turn or adjusting your gear, and suddenly you realize you’ve wandered into someone else’s shot. It happens! But with a little extra awareness, we can avoid it.
Make sure your backpack, tripod, or client’s things aren’t sitting in the background of someone else's photo. Try to give other photographers — or friends taking photos — a clear shot, just like you'd want for yourself.
4. Talk to People, Not Over Them
If a location is getting crowded, a simple “Hey, how long do you think you’ll be?” or “Want to trade off for a few minutes?” can go a long way. Whether you're a pro or just snapping for a friend, being kind and communicative sets a positive tone. We’re all out here for the same reason.
5. Plan Ahead — and Stay Flexible
Have a few backup locations in mind in case your favorite spot is packed. Sometimes the best photos happen in quieter, unexpected corners of campus. And if you’re working with a grad, prep them for what to expect. A little flexibility helps everyone stay calm and creative.
6. Set the Tone for a Great Experience
Whether you’re being paid for a session or just helping a friend celebrate, how you show up matters. Be positive, stay respectful, and remember: you're not just taking photos — you're helping make a memory. That energy will absolutely come through in the images.
📌 A Few Extra Tips (Because They Help!)
Bring a small bag or tote for trash and props
Early morning = fewer crowds + gorgeous light
Offer to help others if they look overwhelmed or unsure
Say thank you when someone steps aside or helps out
Remind your grads to steam their gowns ahead of time — even if it's just hanging them in the bathroom during a hot shower for a few minutes. Trust me, you’ll thank me later.
Final Thoughts
Yes, we’re here to take beautiful photos. But we’re also helping someone mark a major life moment — and that’s something worth doing with care.
If your session feels joyful, smooth, and intentional, it’ll show in the photos. Respect the space, respect each other, and let the whole experience be part of the memory. That’s what keeps people coming back — not just for your work, but for how you made them feel.
Work with care. Be kind. And share the space so everyone gets their moment.
Let’s make it joyful, memorable, and full of the kind of energy worth capturing.
