Getting Ready for Your Session

Plan Your Outfit Early

The most popular graduation looks — especially white dresses — tend to sell out fast every spring. I've seen too many clients start shopping the week of their session, only to find their size or favorite style already gone.

My advice: start pulling outfit options 2–3 months ahead. This gives you a full selection before things sell out, time to see how pieces actually photograph, and a cushion for shipping delays or a last-minute change of heart.

• Solid colors and clean lines tend to photograph better than busy patterns
• Double-check for stray tags, deodorant marks, or stains beforehand
• Bring a backup outfit or accessory option just in case

Prep Your Cap & Gown

Easy to overlook, but it makes a huge difference in your photos. Gowns arrive folded in plastic and are notorious for holding deep creases.

• Confirm your cap, gown, tassel, cords, and any honor stoles arrive with time to spare — don't book your date until you have them in hand
• Hang your gown up a few days before so gravity can help work out wrinkles
• The night before, steam it or iron it inside-out on low heat — a hot bathroom shower works in a pinch
• Decide what you'll wear underneath, since the gown goes on and off throughout the session

Bring Meaningful Props

Props add personality and help tell the story of your journey — they're also just fun! Popular options include:

• Two (2) bottles of champagne — a backup is smart if you've never popped one before
• Bubbles, balloons, or biodegradable confetti
• Diplomas or "in progress" signage
• Something tied to your major or career — a stethoscope, a paintbrush, a script
• Anything personally meaningful to your college experience

For a full breakdown, check out my Graduation Props Guide.

Gather Your Inspiration

If you have a specific look, pose, or vibe in mind, put together a Pinterest board or a folder of saved photos. Browse my Instagram and website gallery for poses and styles you'd like to recreate, and send them over — we'll use them as a reference during your session.

Hire a Professional for Hair & Makeup

Professional hair and makeup makes a noticeable difference in how relaxed and confident you feel in front of the camera — which translates directly into how the photos turn out. Since you're already investing time and energy into this session, it's worth going all in on glam day.

Not sure who to book? Just ask — I'm happy to share my list of trusted recommendations.

Take Care of Yourself Beforehand

• Stay hydrated and moisturize — well-hydrated skin photographs noticeably better
• Get a good night's sleep beforehand
• If you're getting your nails done, schedule it a day or two ahead
• Avoid new skincare products, sunburn, or self-tanner right before your session

Think About Timing & Light

Golden hour — the hour after sunrise or before sunset — gives portraits that soft, glowing look. Early sessions also mean better light, cooler temperatures in a heavy gown, and fewer crowds at popular campus spots during peak graduation season.

Arrive Early

Give yourself plenty of buffer time to relax before your session starts. Traffic, parking, and campus crowds during graduation season are unpredictable — arriving early means you get the full time you booked, and start the shoot calm instead of frazzled.

A good trick: when you check your GPS arrival time, also plug in the actual day and time you plan to leave, not just today's traffic conditions.

Bring a Few Extras

• Water and a light snack
• Blotting papers or powder for touch-ups between shots
• Comfortable shoes for walking between locations
• A phone charger, in case you need it for the schedule
• Any personal touches you want in a few frames — jewelry, a family heirloom, a pet

If friends or family are joining for a few shots, let me know ahead of time so we can build that into the schedule.