[ Table of Contents: Ultimate Guide: Northern Indiana Graduation Photos ]
Solo vs Group Graduation Photos: What’s Right for You?
What to Wear For Your Northern Indiana Graduation Photos?
Must-Have Props for Your Graduation Photos
How to Prepare for Picture-Perfect Graduation Photos
What to Do with Your Graduation Photos After Your Session
Book Your Northern Indiana Graduation Photos!
Graduation is a major milestone, and what better way to celebrate your hard work and accomplishments than with a cap and gown photo session? Whether you’re graduating from high school or college, solo or with friends – these photos capture the excitement of closing one chapter and stepping into the next. Most grads choose to do these on their college or high school campuses, but if you attended a college or university online, we can still do these in an alternative location!
As a Northern Indiana graduation photographer, graduation cap and gown sessions have become some of my favorite shoots over the past few years! If you’re looking for the best way to plan your Northern Indiana graduation photos, I’ve got you covered!
Solo vs Group Graduation Photos: What’s Right for You?
One of the first decisions to make when planning your Northern Indiana graduation photos is whether you want to go solo or bring your besties along. There’s no right or wrong way to do it – let’s talk about each below!
Solo Sessions: Perfect if you want a session all about you! This allows for more personal, creative shots that truly reflect your personality and achievements.
Group Sessions: Want to celebrate with your closest friends? Group sessions are an amazing way to capture the friendships you’ve built throughout your school years. You can coordinate your outfits for a cohesive look or embrace mismatched styles for fun!
No matter which you choose, these sessions are all about celebrating your journey in a way that feels most like you!
What to Wear For Your Northern Indiana Graduation Photos?
Your outfit is just as important as your cap and gown! Here are some tips to help you decide what to wear for your graduation photos:
- Classic White Dress vs. Colorful Outfits: Many grads opt for the timeless white dress, but I also love when people mix it up with bold colors, florals, or patterns. Just make sure it compliments your gown color. When deciding on what to wear, stay true to yourself. That is the most important thing!
- School Pride & Future Plans: You can even bring a quick outfit change to add variety to your session. Think a school crewneck, letterman jacket, or a t-shirt that represents your next adventure (grad school, future career, etc.).
- Accessories & Details: Your look won’t be complete without the right accessories! Class rings, statement jewelry, your fav sneakers, and a bottle of champagne can make your session even more personal and fun! Accessories and details may seem small, but trust me, they make all the difference!
Must-Have Props for Your Graduation Photos
Props are such a fun way to personalize your session, and can make your Northern Indiana graduation photos even more special! Here are a few items you could consider bringing:
- ๐ Your cap and gown (obviously!)
- ๐งฃ Stole(s) and honor cords
- ๐ Class ring
- ๐ท Instruments, sports gear, or anything that represents your extracurriculars
- ๐ฉบ Stethoscope or white coat (for future medical pros!)
- ๐พ Champagne (for the iconic pop shot!)
- ๐ Biodegradable confetti
Popping champagne or confetti is always a fun way to wrap up your session! If you’ve never popped a bottle before, don’t worryโIโll give you step-by-step instructions to make it stress-free and mess-free!
How to Prepare for Picture-Perfect Graduation Photos
As a Northern Indiana graduation photographer, I’ve had the honor of capturing so many incredible grads over the years. My goal is to guide you every step of the way, ensuring your session feels like you and that you walk away with photos that make you smile. From picking the perfect location to helping you pose, I’ll make sure your session is fun, stress-free, and filled with great memories! To ensure your Northern Indiana graduation photos turn out great, here are some simple tips to keep in mind:
- โ Steam/Iron Your Gown: Those wrinkles from the packaging don’t photograph well. Take the time to prep your attire in advance! Please don’t wait until the last minute to do this to ensure your gown is looking the way you want it to.
- โ Go for the Cheap Champagne: If you’re planning a champagne pop, don’t waste money on the expensive bottles. It’s all about the spray, not the taste!
- โ Bring a Carrying Bag: A tote or a backpack will make it easy to carry your outfit change, props, and any other essentials without juggling them in your arms. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!
What to Do with Your Graduation Photos After Your Session
After your session, you’ll have a stunning gallery of images to celebrate your achievement! Here are a few ways to put them to good use:
- ๐ฑ Share on Social Media: Let your friends and family celebrate with you! Post your best shots on Instagram, Facebook, or LinkedIn.
- โ Create Grad Announcements: Even if you’re not having a graduation party, mailing out announcements is a thoughtful way to share your accomplishment with your friends and family!
- ๐ Use Them for Your Grad Party: From invitations to photo displays, your images will add a personal touch to your celebration! I’ve even had couples show off their graduation pictures at their wedding to show how far they’ve come!
Graduation Photo FAQs:
- Where should I take my Northern Indiana graduation photos? Most grads opt to take their photos at all of their favorite spots on their high school/college campus! If you attended a college/university online, we can choose an alternative location such as a park or a downtown area.
- When is the best time to schedule my session? I recommend scheduling your session at least 1-2 weeks before graduation, to ensure you get your photos back in time! As for the time of day, I always recommend scheduling your session in the evening for best light.
- What if it rains on my session day? In case of inclement weather, we can always reschedule! I schedule my bookings accordingly to allow for potential reschedules. If it’s not raining but the sky is overcast, don’t fret! Overcast skies still allow for beautiful light.
- Can I bring my pet to my graduation session? Always, yes! It might not be a bad idea to think about inviting a friend to come along to help out.
- How long does a graduation session typically last? I usually allot 60-90mins for each session depending on the size of your group. If you think you might need more time, let’s talk about it beforehand!
Testimonials From Some of my Past Grads:
“Riley was absolutely amazing! She was extremely accommodating when my friends and I were taking graduate pictures. The weather was not cooperating with us and Riley was extremely flexible to possibly moving them. During pictures Riley was extremely patient and willing to move around and work with us. She was amazing and I would suggest her to anybody that asks!” – Nikki, BU ’23
“Riley was amazing and very accommodating! She was honest about what looked good and what didn’t – which we greatly appreciated because we would have regretted it later. She got the pictures back to us really quickly and made the experience fun and exciting instead of stressful and rushed!!” – Grace, BU ’23
Ready to Capture Your Northern Indiana Graduation Photos?
Like I said before, I’ve had the honor of capturing so many graduation sessions, and I’d love to help you plan an epic grad shoot that feels uniquely you. My photography style is true-to-color and timeless, meaning your images will stand the test of timeโno matter when you look back at them, youโll love them over and over again. Want to learn more about me? Keep scrolling to see if we’d be a great fit!
Meet Riley, Your Soon-to-Be Northern Indiana Graduation Photographer
Hey there, I’m Riley, a wedding and lifestyle photographer based in Northern Indiana. Photography has been my passion since I was 12 years old, allowing me to document authentic stories and genuine connections. Growing up in a small town in Northern Indiana taught me to appreciate life’s simple moments, and I carry that sentiment into my work.
When I’m not behind the camera, you’ll find me kayaking, biking, reading more romance novels, or cheering on Notre Dame football! If you’re looking for timeless, true-to-color images that capture you, let’s plan an unforgettable graduation session together!
Ready to book your Northern Indiana graduation photos? Inquire with me, and let’s create something fun together!
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