MNF

Graduation Photoshoot Guide

Introduction

Planning a photoshoot can feel a bit overwhelming for clients. With mountains of decisions to make, from wardrobe, to concepts, and locations. In this guide, we will share a few tips in helping to make things run as smooth as possible!

PREPARATION IS KEY

Planning your shoot day is very essential.

Here are few tips:

✦ Book with your preferred MUA, Hairstylist, Nail Tech,

or Barber.

✦ Check out their style and see if it fits well with the concept you’re

going for!

✦ Inquire about their rescheduling policy. Weather is unpredictable

and can make things quite inconvenient. Be sure to have a thorough

knowledge of their policies

✦ Plan to be timely!

✦ Try NOT to have everything done in the same day! Waking up super

early in the morning to get your hair, make-up, and nails done, then

going to your shoot can be EXHAUSTING!

✦ See if your hairstyle could be done and protected overnight. Plan to

get your nails done the day before. You want to have the best energy

possible for your shoot. When your energy is high the better the shots

come out!

Location Choices

Locations are vital to making your shoot really POP! If you’re out walking around campus, be sure to scope some spots that are appealing and would compliment you as a background for your shoot. I also suggest to search your schools hashtag (#) for some location ideas. You might see something you haven’t on campus before !

Choosing Your Outfits

Your outfit should be an expression of you!

✦Choose your main piece. Typically that could range from a very nice dress or suit to your classic “Rep Your School” outfit. That could include a T-Shirt, Sweater or Jacket highlighting your school. Check your schools bookstore or even for some custom vendors online!

✦Try to order your outfit early so you can try it on to see if you’re comfortable in it. Emphasis on the shoes! Try to break-in that particular shoe(s) so its not unbearable to walk, stand, or pose in. Comfortability is key!

Outfits Continued

Accessories Pull everything together!

A Few Things To accessorize with:

Earrings
Necklaces
Rings
Bracelets/Watches
Hats
Belts
Shades/Eyewear

Posing

Posing is always the most concerning subject for clients. It’s much easier than you think.

✦ Follow the camera! Use the camera as a point of reference unless the photographer has said something otherwise.

✦Your face is the focal point! Be mindful of your chin positions, so your face is the highlight, not your neck.
✦Emphasize the pose! Make it your own and show off!

Props give an extra boost!

Props such as champagne, smoke bombs, or confetti poppers can really make your shoot stand out!

Books, stolls, grad caps, and hoods are essentials in highlighting your milestone!
Get creative with your field of study! For example, if you’re an Aviation Major, ask your flight instructor if they will let you on the airstrip for photos with a plane you might’ve flown!
Custom Props such as chalk boards, crowns, animals, or signs can add a great effect too!