College Graduation Pics Ideas

 "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. 

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. 

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. 

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. 

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? 

Hey, It's Okay

 I got this idea from Glamour magazine. You can link up any day of the week. All you have to do is make a list of what you're okay about. Simple! Please do not link up a post that has nothing to do with Hey, It's Okay. It's rude and I'll delete the link.

HEY, IT'S OKAY....

 

.....to have had the best time taking graduation photos of Tommy at his college over the weekend. We got some good shots in. And yes, as I figured I would last week when I mentioned this, I did tear up. I'm so proud of him!

......to be hoping to see the Michael movie over the weekend. Natalie is aching to see it. 

......to be reading Count My Lies by Sophie Stava. It's about Sloane, who has always been a liar. She stretches the truth often to make her life seem more exciting. She goes a bit too far when she discovered Jay and his daughter at a park--she lies and says she's a nurse when she helps the little girl with a bee sting. Soon after, she's hired as their nanny, and Sloane begins to worry her lies will get out of control. The book is also about Violet, who is the mother of the little girl--and she has some lies of her own. I figured it would end in an explosive way, and I was correct. It did keep me guessing!

......to love this graduation cap topper. Tommy loves Bob Ross, so it's perfect. AdvbelleArtsShop makes a bunch of wonderful ones on Etsy. 

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Affordable Mother's Day Gift Ideas

 Mother's Day is May 10th. Sometimes figuring out what to give a Mom or mother figure can be difficult. I mean, they do so much. You want to give them the world. But in this economy, it isn't exactly possible. Still, I have many ideas that won't break the bank. 

To start with, if Mom loves Diet Coke as I do, this hat is a win. It's less than $20. Get it here.

Cozy slippers are always a fabulous choice. These are especially pretty. And fuzzy, and soft. Perfect for a relaxing morning. Pick them up here.

If the sweatshirt is out of the price range, these fuzzy socks are under $10. Most stores have various inexpensive socks with fun designs that always make an amusing gift. 

This Mom candle smells amazing and it's pretty! You can't see, but the top looks like a flower. 

I know mugs are overdone, but they can also be used to hold pens and such. So perhaps this would come in handy on Mom's workspace if she doesn't need another mug. Find it here. 

I happen to love reading and I know many others do as well. If the Mom in your life is also a bookish fan, this tote bag is a wonderful choice.

Your Mom can proclaim she's a Mama with this beautiful sweatshirt. It is available here. 

Have you finished Mother's Day shopping yet?