Graduate Session Prep Guide


Everything you need to know before your session

If you're graduating from any college across North Carolina, this guide will walk you through exactly how to prepare for your graduation photos. From what to wear to what to bring, this senior session prep guide is designed to help you feel confident, prepared, and excited for your college graduation photos. Whether you're planning UNC Chapel Hill graduation photos, NC State senior pictures, or graduation portraits anywhere in NC, this guide has everything you need for a smooth and stress-free session.

What to expect



Most of my clients feel camera shy at first, but I’ll guide you through everything with prompts and posing so you don’t have to worry about anything. My goal is to make your session feel natural and comfortable!


You can expect:

Guided posing (so you don’t feel awkward!)

Candid moments (walking, laughing, movement)

Detail shots (cap, tassel, outfit)


You don’t need to know how to pose, I'll be there to guide you!

Your session is about celebrating this milestone in a way that feels natural, confident, and true to you.

Young woman in white dress holding red graduation folder sits on stone steps outside a classic building.
Woman in white dress holding a red graduation cap, celebrating academic achievement outdoors.
A young woman in a white dress and red graduation gown stands in a stone doorway, smiling at the camera.

 

Preparing for your graduation session doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Whether you're taking college senior photos at UNC Chapel Hill, NC State, or another North Carolina university, a little preparation goes a long way. From planning your outfit to bringing the right details, these tips will help you feel confident and fully ready for your graduation photos.

 

WHat to Wear

Neutrals, soft tones, pastels, whites and blacks, and florals photograph beautifully.  I recommend avoiding busy patterns or large logos. Most importantly choose something you feel comfortable and confident in.


If your session allows for an outfit change you can bring something that is related to your career or degree, a sport, current or future college, or another outfit option. It's completely up to you but here are some ideas!

 

What to bring


Must-haves:

  • Cap + gown (steamed if possible!)
  • Tassel
  • Heels or shoes you’ll be photographed in

Optional (but fun!):

  • Stole, cords, or honor accessories
  • Champagne (for a celebratory pop)
  • Flowers or bouquet
  • College T-shirts or memorabilia
  • Acceptance letters


Young woman in light blue graduation gown and stole smiling outdoors near blooming trees on campus.
Black and white photo of a smiling woman in a white dress and graduation gown walking through an elegant brick archway.
Graduate holding red mortarboard cap with white tassel, wearing white dress and white heels in stadium seating.

day of reminders



  • Arrive 10 minutes early to account for any crowds
  • Steam/iron your outfit and gown ahead of time
  • Remove hair ties from wrists + empty pockets
  • Eat beforehand + hydrate
  • Don't forget your cap and gown!

FAQ

Can I bring a Pet?

Of course! Feel free to bring any pets, but I would recommend inviting a friend or family member to help throughout the session!

What if I feel awkward or nervous?

Most of my clients feel camera shy at first, but I’ll guide you through everything with prompts and posing so you don’t have to worry about anything. My goal is to make your session feel natural and comfortable!

 

How long until I get my photos back?

Your full gallery will be delivered within 1-2 weeks of your session.

You’ll receive an online gallery where you can download, share, and print your images.


 

What happens if the weather is bad?

I'll keep you updated about weather and if we need to reschedule we will move the session to a mutually agreed upon date.

 

 

 

When should I book my graduation photos in North Carolina?

It’s best to book your graduation photos at least 4–8 weeks in advance, especially during peak seasons for UNC Chapel Hill and NC State graduation sessions. Spring and fall fill up quickly for college senior photos across North Carolina, so securing your date early ensures you get the best timing and lighting for your session.

Can I include personal props?

Of course! Anything that is personal to you and your college experience is welcome. Some examples include sports gear, books, scrubs, anything related to your future career, grad school acceptance letters etc.. It's up to you!


Young woman in white dress holding red graduation gown on football field stadium.
Graduate in white dress holds red gown on football field at empty stadium during graduation photoshoot.
NC State graduate in red cap and gown poses with wolf statue at Carter-Finley Stadium football field.
Graduate in red cap and gown poses before a bronze wolf fountain at a university campus plaza.
Young woman in white dress holding red graduation cap sits among red stadium seats, celebrating her graduation.
Young woman in white dress poses in red stadium seats giving peace sign.
Black and white photo of a young woman in white dress holding graduation cap, seated in stadium bleachers.
Graduate in white dress and heels poses with red cap among stadium seats for senior photos.
Smiling graduate in white dress holding red cap seated in stadium bleachers.
Close-up of graduate holding red mortarboard cap wearing white heels at stadium graduation photos.
Woman in white mini dress holds red graduation cap on monument steps at night.
Graduate in red cap and gown standing in stone building alcove wearing white dress.
Smiling graduate in red cap and gown waving her cap in front of a stone building.
A graduate in red cap and gown tosses her mortarboard at a grand white stone monument.
Young woman in white dress and red graduation gown poses confidently against stone wall holding cap.
Smiling young woman in white dress holding red graduation cap posed in stone wall niche.
Graduate in red cap and gown walks across green campus lawn with tall bell tower in background.
Red graduation cap, gown, white heels, and Andre champagne bottle on green grass for a celebratory grad photoshoot.
Woman in white dress spraying champagne in front of a tall bell tower on a college campus.
Young Black woman in white strapless mini dress poses outdoors near a tall tower and colorful autumn trees at sunset.
A smiling graduate poses in a light blue graduation gown and white dress, holding her stole outdoors near blooming spring trees.
Black and white photo of a smiling graduate in cap and gown outdoors, holding her diploma, Class of 2023.
UNC Class of 2025 graduation stole with university seal on light blue commencement gown.
Young woman in light blue graduation gown poses at outdoor water fountain with brick building backdrop.
Young woman in light blue graduation gown and white dress walking through brick archway corridor.
A smiling graduate walks in a brick archway corridor wearing a light blue graduation gown over a white dress with white heels.
Young woman in light blue mini dress walks elegant brick archway with ornate teal ceiling and hanging lanterns.
A smiling graduate in a white dress holds a blue gown over her shoulder in a brick archway corridor.
Smiling graduate in blue cap and gown stands on brick path with historic bell tower behind her.
College graduate in white dress stands on UNC Chapel Hill seal outside historic South Building on campus.
Graduate in light blue gown twirls on campus walkway in front of classic brick university building.
Graduate poses in white dress and blue robe at UNC Chapel Hill seal with historic South Building behind her.
Black and white photo of graduate in cap and gown walking through elegant brick archway.
Graduate in cap and gown stands before University of North Carolina Chapel Hill building.
Smiling graduate in white dress holds UNC Chapel Hill graduation stole between white columns on campus.
Smiling graduate in baby blue commencement robe and white dress posing in brick colonnade.
A young woman in a light blue graduation gown and white dress poses on a brick path surrounded by spring trees.
UNC graduate in light blue gown poses between white columns at Chapel Hill campus rotunda.
A young woman in a white dress and light blue graduation stole smiles while walking under a brick archway.

Congrats!

Congratulations on your graduation! And I'm so glad I can capture this milestone for you!

So excited for our session!! Feel free to reach out if you have any questions:)