- Research and find the right photographer for you and BOOK EARLY! This tip is super important! The best photographers typically book up 4-6 months in advance so start researching photographers in the beginning of your senior year. Some of the most important questions to ask yourself are: Does the photographer provide ample pre-session preparation and guidance for each client (ie. styling advice)? What is the photographer’s edit style and do you like it (ie. true to life colors, vibrant, super dark or very bright)? When you call and chat with the photographer, are they easy to talk to? What is the photographer’s posing style and how do they help clients to feel and look natural in their photos? Lastly, do they offer professional printing of your beautiful images?
- Book Professional Hair & Makeup right after you book your session. Professional hair and makeup can make a HUGE difference in your final images! Especially here in Alabama, where our humidity is legendary, professionally applied makeup will stay put during your entire photoshoot. Hair pros use a great combination of texture spray, hair spray and other products. It’s amazing how they help prevent frizzy hair in humid climates and keep hair looking great even in breezy conditions.
- Plan for a variety of outfits that fit your personality and will photograph well. I love to see my clients’ outfit choices ahead of time so we can be sure they will photograph well. For example, some materials might show sweat stains more in hot weather. Other outfits might be difficult to do sitting poses with. For a college grad session, I advise my clients to look for a variety of outfits (ie. dress, skirt, jumpsuit for girls / suit and khaki outfit for guys). Although choosing outfits in your college colors is very popular, you can also think outside of the box. One of my recent Bama clients wore a gorgeous one shoulder white mid-length dress with black polka dots and looked amazing!
- Incorporate Fun Props at your shoot. The most popular props are champagne, bio-degradable confetti, fun handmade signs, balloons, diploma and anything related to your major. At The University of Alabama, clients can also book our mascot Big Al for their grad session! He’s so much fun and the images we capture are always favorites for clients and their families. Check your college website to see if your mascot is available for your grad session. ( Bama grads can click here to access the Big Al Appearance Request form)
- Bring your pet, friends, or family to jump in a few shots with you. Your family and friends are so proud of your accomplishment! If they are available and can come help during your photoshoot and jump in some shots too, you will be glad they did. Bringing your pet to your session can be SO much fun! Think of all the cute college “outfits” they can wear and for sure bring a helper to take care of them while they are not in front of the camera.
- Get enough rest before your session day and HAVE FUN! You would be surprised how many college seniors forget about this tip. They are often busy with classes and exams, job searches and spending those last few months on campus with their friends. Getting enough rest will give you the energy to last for a 2-3 hour session. Feeling well rested will help you to stay organized and remain stress free. Last and most important, have fun and relax at your session! The more relaxed you are, the better your images will be. Don’t worry if you have no clue what to do with your hands. When you hire a professional photographer, it’s their job to help with posing and to bring out the best in you! To learn more about me and the custom grad sessions I offer, click here.
