You’ve worked hard to get to this point, which is why your graduation deserves to be professionally captured. These photos are unique moments that you will want to look back on time and time again, so plan photos that you know you will love.

To help you get the best possible images and have a memorable experience, here are some photo tips for your upcoming graduation.

1. Decide on the Best Time of Year

While it’s perfectly fine to arrange for a professional shoot on the day of your graduation, it might be difficult to find a photographer if you don’t plan in advance. You may also be really nervous on the day, which could affect your photos. With these factors in mind, decide what time of the year you want to schedule your shoot.

If it works for you, know that it’s perfectly fine to schedule your graduation photos months before the big day. You may also love the idea of shooting in a specific season due to the backdrops – choose a month that fits in with your photo ideas.

2. Consider the Energy of the Shoot

These are your graduation photos, so you get to decide how you want to look and feel in your photos. Perhaps you want an excited and playful shoot, or maybe a powerful and confident session is more in line with your personality. Give this some thought before you finalize your session with your photographer.

3. Think Carefully About the Location

If you love the idea of traditional graduation photos, your school is the ideal location for your session. However, if you would prefer a more personalized session, you can pick a location that fits in with the theme of your shoot. This could be around town, in nature, or even your own backyard.

4. Decide Who You Want to Bring Along

Some graduates prefer to have a solo photo session, while others want friends and loved ones to be a part of the process. In fact, many graduates choose to have a shoot in conjunction with their friends. Decide who you would like to share this moment with and let them know the date and time of your session. You may even want to include family in some of your graduation photos, which they will love. Yes, this includes your furry family members.

5. Finalize Your Look

Lastly, you need to decide on your outfit. Yes, you will want to include your cap and gown in some of your photos, but they don’t need to be in all your photos. When deciding on an outfit, pick one that showcases your unique style, but combines your clothes and school accessories. Know that you don’t need to take photos with your cap and gown at all if this doesn’t appeal to you.

Trusting Your Senior Photographer

Now that you know how to make the most of your upcoming graduation photoshoot, you can start searching for a photographer in your area. Look at experience with graduation shoots as well as whether their photography style appeals to you.

Don’t forget to meet with a potential photographer before you finalize your book to make sure you feel comfortable with them.