You did it! You’ve worked hard, studied for hours, and now… you’re graduating!
If you’re anything like me you’ve been thinking about your graduation announcement for months. You’ve been screenshotting your friends graduation pictures, making note of unique locations, pinning cute ideas on how to decorate your cap, and learning how to pose.
The time is finally here and you want your family and friends to see you as successful, confident and lets face it, attractive! So how do you prepare for your actual photo shoot?
How to CRUSH Your Graduation Session
If you haven’t already started a Pinterest board, now’s the time. Pinterest is amazing for finding inspiration on outfits, poses, props and location ideas. Here's my graduation inspiration board to get you started.
Jennifer's Graduation Pinterest Board GET INSPIRED!
Which came first, the outfit choice or the location?! Do you base your location off the perfect outfit you found? Or do you select your outfit after you select your location?! Either way, both are important decisions to make.
LOCATION
When you close your eyes and envision your graduation photo shoot, where are you?
Are you smiling in a beautiful desert scene at sunset? Are you spraying champagne in front of Old Main on campus? Are you at a special place where you spend of a lot of time with friends or classmates?
Your shoot location should make you eager to not only have your photos taken there, but to have them framed in your home as a small reminder of this amazing accomplishment and time of your life.
Are you still struggling to envision your perfect location? Or maybe you you need some guidance on how to narrow down a look for your shoot location, take a look at this article.
WARDROBE
But Jennifer, I don’t know what I’m going to wear! Help!
I totally get it, selecting a cute outfit to hit the coffee shop is difficult enough, let alone selecting one for your photo shoot. So I've put together a list of a few things I have learned over the years of photographing high school and college seniors:
The Fit. Make sure your outfits fit you and your body. There is nothing more annoying than having to keep pulling an oversized sleeve back onto your shoulder, or pulling down the dress that’s too short when moving for the camera. Test them out first, try them on, strike some posses and see what happens.
The Color. Solid colors and minimal patterns tend to photograph best. This allows YOU to be the focal point. Make sure your color choice also pairs well with your school colors and by this I mean your cap, sash and gown.
Consider working with a stylist. A stylist will work with you to develop a look by either pulling from your existing wardrobe or will take care of any necessary shopping. They will coordinate outfits and accessories, making sure you look your absolute best.
GROOMING
After you have scheduled your session, treat yo’self! Schedule a mani and pedi, get your brows cleaned up, hit the barber, have your hair did a few days before your shoot. This is a special time, enjoy the journey!
Being cleaned up, well groomed and manicured will not only make you feel your best, but will also photograph better. No one wants to see that 3 week old polish cracking and you sure don’t want to everyone to know your true root color.
If you decide to have a facial treatment before your session, be sure to let your esthetician know your photo shoot date to prevent any unwanted reactions.
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