"Wow, there are...one, two, three, four, FIVE other people taking pictures right now," my son Tommy observed as we walked his college campus for graduation photos.
He was correct.
Others had the same idea we did: come on a Sunday. Earlier in the day. When it was overcast.
Tommy was the only boy. The rest were all girls, all in white dresses, some with professional photographers.
Tommy? Well, he had his Mama and her iPhone 12 ProMax.
Boys can be easier to photograph. They aren't as picky. Heck, when I asked what he wanted to wear under the gown, I was met with a blank stare.
(In the end I brought a Disney button down top since Tommy is a proud Disney Adult.)
Anyhow, one of Tommy's favorite things to do is eat, so he wanted a photo in front of the cafe. He has an unlimited meal plan, so he frequents the spot.
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We also snapped a pic in front of his dorm building. So he can look back and remember how it felt to lug his crap up two stories.
Oh, and, a poignant shot is them walking into to the student union. They might remember how frightened and nervous they were as a freshman, and now they walk in as a senior, confident, shoulders back, determined.
Most colleges have poles with their logo on them, so have the graduate step up and make the college sign. Tommy's college mascot is a Roadrunner, and this is their sign.
And don't be afraid to let them get silly! The photos don't all have to be serious---those are boring. I found these glasses at Walmart.
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Take a shot with the gown draped over the shoulder, with the college visible. And yes, that's the Disney top Tommy went with.
If the campus has a mascot statue, get some photos. Mind you, there might be a line, but be patient.
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Does the campus have a beautiful area? Grab some shots there. Tommy's college has this lovely waterfall spot.
Stair shots are always a fun idea!
And finally, try to incorporate items that have to do with their major. Tommy is hoping to work in film with his Film & Media degree (he has a Video Cinematography Associate's Degree), so I found this clapboard.
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I was happy with how the photos turned out. I am ordering graduation announcements, so these will be perfect for those. (Snapfish usually has 70% off photo card deals!) Did I tear up snapping these? Yes. But I am glad I have a bunch of pics I remember this time in Tommy's life.
Did you get graduation shots?
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I think you did amazing job with those photos! My boys aren’t usually fans of photos; their expressions clearly say, 'Let's just get this over with so we can go do something else.
ReplyDeleteI have a son graduating high school this year. I love your ideas for photos.
ReplyDeleteAs a mum who just went through a Bachelor graduation with my own son here in Germany (he's now doing his Masters!), this resonated so deeply. I love that you didn't hire a professional photographer – there's something so much more intimate about 'Mama and her iPhone' capturing real moments. The clapboard for his film degree is genius. And thank you for the Snapfish tip – I'm definitely using that for our graduation announcements. Congratulations to you both!
ReplyDeleteThis post feels like a burst of celebration frozen in time—each idea capturing that “I made it” moment from a slightly different, joyful angle. I love how it mixes classic shots like cap tosses and campus landmarks with more personal, creative touches, because the best graduation photos aren’t just posed—they tell your story and journey .
ReplyDeleteWhat really stands out is how it encourages personality to shine through—whether it’s candid laughter, walking shots, or meaningful locations—reminding us that the most memorable photos aren’t the perfect ones, but the ones that feel real, alive, and uniquely yours
Wow, Tommy is graduating, how amazing! You’ve done such a wonderful job, and I absolutely love all of these photos… truly priceless moments. You should definitely create a collage, every single one of these memories deserves to be cherished.
ReplyDeleteSuch an exciting time! I'll have to remember these college grad photo tips for when my daughter graduates in the next few years. Btw, I love Tommy's Disney top in that one photo!
ReplyDeleteAdding the Disney shirt and film clapboard was clever! I need to share this post with my cousin. She can use these ideas for her son's grad pics this year 😍.
ReplyDeleteEverything Enchanting Blog 🩷
What a momentous time! These are great photo tips - definitely a time you want to be able to look back on
ReplyDeleteThese are fun photos. I’m planning on taking my son’s high school graduation photos. But I think I’ll be met with some resistance. We shall see.
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