Graduation Photo Ideas To Celebrate Your Big Moment

Graduating from university is one of the proudest achievements of many people’s lives. After years of hard work, you want to capture this special moment with quality photos. It’s also a great opportunity to document this big life transition from university or high school into work.

As London-based portrait and lifestyle photographer Otalia Onta notes, it’s also an important moment for loved ones. “I graduated 10 years ago and, at the time, my parents couldn’t travel as I studied in a different country. Also, my father had just found out he was very ill.

“We lost him less than a year later and if I could turn back time, I would have done a graduation shoot with my family. I wish I had photos that would take me back to that special milestone.” To help others do exactly that, Otalia has shared her tips and ideas for stunning graduation photos.

2. Capture the families' reaction and pride

From helping with fees and living costs to supporting through difficult moments in student life, graduation is a special moment for loved ones too. As such, Otalia makes sure they feature in the photos and are captured candidly so their emotions are clear to see.

She explains, “I approach graduation photography the same way I approach every other session: with a focus on storytelling. There is no more powerful story than parental pride! Mum and Dad’s loving (and sometimes teary) gaze is what makes these memories so meaningful.”

3. Use movement to create beautiful portraits

Graduation is a formal occasion, which can tempt photographers to use traditional front-on poses. To capture the graduate’s personality, Otalia encourages using movement in the shoot to make the final images more captivating.

“Just because you are capturing portraits, doesn’t mean that you must be still and serious all the time,” Otalia insists. “Make your subjects walk, jump, dance around, laugh or ask them to throw their cap up in the air. Movement adds drama and makes a portrait much more dynamic.”

4. Wake up early and take advantage of the light

Known as the Golden Hour, the time around sunrises and sunsets are the best for portrait photography. The soft, warm light will make your final photos glow and lend them a professional quality. So although you might be tempted to stay in bed, making the extra effort to get up early will be more than worthwhile.

For city universities, the light isn’t the only advantage, says Otalia. “If you are shooting in a busy city like London, I would suggest shooting at sunrise. It’s the only time you can have the city all to yourself! At 6am, there is no one around campus or at a famous landmark, so make sure to use that to your advantage.”

5. Capture emotion with a close-up

Long-distance and mid-range shots are a default for portraits. However, getting up a bit closer will create a more striking result that you’ll treasure as a special moment in your life.

Otalia explains, “At the end of each graduation session, I will sometimes ask my graduates to take their robe off so that I can capture a timeless portrait. It is like taking a peek at their soul at this special time in their lives.”

2. Use the cap or stole

Caps and stoles are graduation-specific items, as such they should feature in some of your photos. Whether you hold them in front of you, toss them into the air, stretch them out behind you or drape them over your shoulders, they add points of interest to your shots. They also help place your image at a particular place and time without you having to wear the full graduation gown.

3. Side or over-the-shoulder profiles

Turning your body slightly when seated or standing will offer an elegant variation, depth and dimension to your photos. Whether your subject looks straight into their camera or slightly off it, this small change can help you show off your graduation outfit, personality and emotions dynamically, particularly if you do it in motion.

4. From-behind reflection shots

Graduation is a moment when you look forward towards the future. To reflect this in the photos, get your subject to turn away from the camera and look slightly towards their side or upwards. This will capture their profile while creating a contemplative, aspirational or thoughtful shot. It’s also a good opportunity to highlight different parts of your outfit!

5. Switch up your outfits

Your gown and graduation dress or suit are the go-to outfits for this shoot type. However, changing outfits allows you to showcase your other student interests. For example, if you’ve joined a university sports team, you could wear the kit for a few shots. The same goes for costumes you’ve worn for the dramatic society productions.

6. Show off with props

The graduation cap, stole, a bottle of champagne, gifts or mementoes are all relevant props your subject could use. This adds points of interest to the photos and allows you to try out alternative poses. It also might help them relax and express themselves freely in front of the camera.

7. Get classmates or couples involved

The people you’ve met at university are a key part of the experience, so they’re worth being featured in your graduation pictures. It’s also a great way to capture individuals in relaxed or playful interactions with others. Getting people together into a shot promises results that are full of fun.

Gift a canvas print

If your child or grandchild is moving into their own house or flat after graduating, give them a housewarming present that will always remind them of their university days. A Canvas Print is a quick and easy way to make a house feel more homely, especially if you’ve chosen a photo that includes loved ones.

Treasure a framed photo poster

A Premium Poster Print is ideal for parents and grandparents who want to hang a graduation photo in pride of place. They are printed on Premium photographic paper for a high-quality finish and are available in 10 different formats, making it easy to find one that perfectly suits your home. Our Premium Poster Prints are excellent picture quality and UV resistant, meaning they’ll look great for longer and hang proudly in your home for generations to come.