Your graduation is a mega milestone, and what better way to celebrate this moment than with a graduation photoshoot?
But I’m not just talking about getting any basic or blah graduation photos. You deserve more than that! Instead, what if you could have a creative senior photo session that allows you to express yourself, your aesthetic, and everything that makes you YOU?
As an LGBTQ+ Bay Area photographer, I’m all in on the idea of getting away from basic, generic grad photos and am here to encourage you to have a fun, creative, and personalized photo shoot.
Here are my best tips on how to have a graduation photo session that celebrates your identity, your graduation, and this new, exciting chapter of your life!
Why You Should Have A Graduation Photoshoot
You might wonder if you should have a graduation photoshoot, and that’s a totally valid question because not everyone does.
However, if you want to capture the end of an era and also celebrate the person you’ve become, a graduation session is a great way to forever preserve these memories.
Some other reasons to consider having a graduation photoshoot:
They are a gift to you from you
No matter what your school experience was like, you made it, and that deserves a reward! Treat yourself to grad photos to boost your self-confidence and show yourself a little self-love.
To give as a gift to your family and friends
Your family and friends will love having photos of you to celebrate the start of the next chapter in your life. And this is the perfect excuse to update old photos your family might still have on display.
Does your family home or your grandparent’s house have a photo of you from your 8th-grade graduation or even earlier? These new photos give you the chance to replace the old ones to reflect the incredible person you are today.
A chance to be creative and express yourself
Your photos get to be exactly how you want them! You can take them in your favorite outfit, have a themed photoshoot, take pictures with your beloved furry friend, or even take photos where you’re doing one of your favorite activities – you get to decide what these photos look like! Make sure you hire a photographer with a creative eye, who will be able to synthesize your vision into your real-life session.
For your social media
Who doesn’t want compliments and validation for your achievements on social media?
Bonus pro tip – this could also be a time for you to ask your photographer to take a couple of headshots for you to have for your resume, LinkedIn profile, etc. Grad photos and headshots all in one? Sounds too good to pass up!
How To Have A Unique and Authentic Graduation Photoshoot
Spending a little extra time considering how you want your photos to look will go a long way! You can do this by creating a board on Pinterest that matches your vision/aesthetic, saving your favorite photos for inspiration on Instagram, or even writing down some ideas.
Knowing all of this will also help you choose the perfect location and outfits and even help your photographer find the best poses that reflect your identity and fit within your vision.
Here are some of my additional tips on how you can have the most true-to-you graduation photos tailored to you and your aesthetic:
Find the Right Photographer
One of the first things to do as you prepare for your graduation photoshoot is to find the right photographer. And I know that you might be thinking, “Well, that’s obvious,” but this decision goes wayyy beyond choosing someone with a pretty portfolio.
So, how can you find the right photographer?
Representation
Take a look and see if the photographer you`re considering is an ally or identifies as LGBTQ+ and that they openly mention this on their website, social media, etc. Also, pay attention to the language they use and ensure their language is inclusive. You’ll want to find someone who celebrates who you are, shows you off in their own work, and is supportive.
Style
When it comes to style, think about what resonates most with you. Do you want vibrant, colorful photos or something moodier and darker? Does the photographer’s editing style reflect what you’re looking for? Remember, style is about more than just editing. You’ll also want to find a photographer who makes you feel seen and makes your photos feel like a true reflection of the person that you’ve become.
Reviews
Look at what previous clients have to say about working with the photographer you’re considering. Look for others who have said that they felt safe, supported, and celebrated during their session.
Open and Supportive of Your Ideas
Express your ideas, aesthetic, and vision to your photographer beforehand, and make sure that they not only welcome your input but are enthusiastic about your ideas. The right photographer will collaborate with you to bring your ideas to life.
Decide on Your Location, Aesthetic, and Outfits
To make the most of this session, make sure that it represents you as much as possible.
If your vibe is having your session at the beach, your favorite coffee shop, etc., rather than at your university, go for it! Your location is more than just a setting—it can be the space where you feel most comfortable and most like yourself. The easiest way to look photogenic is to feel comfortable – so don’t choose a location because you feel like you’re “supposed” to or it’s what you see “everyone else” doing.
Your aesthetic and outfits should also align with how you want to choose to celebrate yourself during this moment.
Want to wear your favorite cosplay? Awesome! How about bringing your favorite books along? Heck yes! You can be anything but traditional in these photos. Have fun and think outside the box on how you want to express yourself!
Consider What Additional Props You Want To Bring
If you want to bring any extra props, make sure you talk with your photographer beforehand to get the green light.
Props can be a creative and fun way to showcase your personality, vibe, and the things that make you the most… well…you!
The best props are the ones that are personal and meaningful, so let’s show them off in your photos!
Senior Spotlight: Sierra
I recently had the opportunity to take graduation photos for Sierra in the Bay Area.
Sierra graduated from the ecology program at San Jose State University, and they asked for witchy, earthy photos perfectly tailored to their vibe and aesthetic.
To capture this witchy, earthy aesthetic, we took their photos at Coyote Hills Regional Park in Fremont. The rolling hills, vibrant wildflowers, barren trees, and weathered rocks all provided us with a mystical backdrop that was 100% Sierra.
Final Thoughts: How To Have A Unique Graduation Photoshoot
Sierra’s senior photo session was the perfect example of taking graduation photos that celebrate exactly who you are, show what makes you unique, and fit within your own aesthetic. I hope that they inspired you for your own graduation photos!
Remember, your graduation photos should genuinely feel like you and be a celebration of all the amazing things you’ve achieved as well as the start of a new chapter in your life.
If you’re graduating in the Bay Area and want to work with a photographer who will fully support your nontraditional ideas and capture some amazing moments, feel free to reach out here. I can’t wait to learn more about your vision and all the unique ideas you have in mind.
