ASU Senior Pictures Photographer

Dec 5

Hey Arizona State University seniors- congratulations on completing your degree! What better way to celebrate your academic, social, and personal achievements throughout your education than by booking a photo session? Use the following checklist and examples to help plan the perfect grad photo session that will check all the necessary boxes while also letting your personality shine through!

1. Choose a Location

On or off campus - that’s always the question! It all depends on the overall vibe you want for your photos. On-campus sessions are a great way to capture traditional, timeless photos that really pay homage to the school and degree you’ve worked through. We can shoot at Old Main, Palm Walk, or even the buildings that hold most of the classes for your major. On the other hand, off-campus sessions are a fun option that offer a break from the norm. Local locations offer a great variety of desert, urban, and water-front backdrops that can set a different tone for more unique photos.

2. Choose the Perfect Outfit

The most common question I get asked: Does my graduation regalia count as an additional outfit? Not at all! If you like, we’ll take some photos with just your regular clothes, just your stole or cords, and some with the full cap and gown setup - but I won’t count it as an additional outfit. That being said, when it comes to choosing your attire, my biggest pointer is to make sure that you’re comfortable. This is the most important rule, and it goes for being not just physically at ease, but internally too. If you’re confident in yourself and loving how you feel on the inside, you’ll be absolutely glowing in the pictures! Some other tips include wearing walking shoes (carry your dress shoes, especially if we’re off-campus), bringing a hairbrush and lint roller, and wearing layers if you are so inclined. My larger packages include time for a change of clothes if you just can’t decide!

3. Any Special Guests?

It can be super fun to bring a partner, family member, close friend, or fur-baby along to your grad session. They can offer moral support, an extra set of hands, and a great way to get comfortable in front of the camera. Anyone who has helped you through your journey is always welcome to come along and help or join you in the pictures themselves. If you’ll be bringing a furry friend, make sure to bring them plenty of water, treats, and toys to keep them interested (and give your photographer a heads up, too)!

4. Props & Accessories

Decorated caps, champagne, stethoscopes, confetti - you name it! All manner of props and accessories are great ways to add a flair of personality to graduation portraits. Whether your items are specific to your degree, your interests, or just for fun, props are the best way to make your photos, YOUR photos by truly telling your story.

5. Pinterest, Pinterest, Pinterest!

If there’s a very specific feel you’re looking for, or even a few particular poses, let’s work together and make it happen! I want to help you get the perfect senior portraits that you’ll love for years to come. Some people like to send their photographer an entire Pinterest board brainstorming ideas, while others prefer to have as little to do with it as possible and let the professional take the reins. Whether you align with either of those stances or are somewhere in the middle, let’s talk about how to make your session truly tailored to you!