Updated: Nov 23, 2023
Not every graduate is crazy about wearing a cap and gown for photos, but there are ways you can capture better images you will be proud to show off.
As you begin your search for your senior photographer, here are a few tips to keep in mind.
Pick the Right Under-Gown Outfit
Instead of placing all your focus on how the cap and gown are going to look, think about what you want to wear under the gown. Your graduation gown merely drapes over your outfit, so choose a look that you love and feel confident in. Scheduling a professional hair and makeup session can also take your look to the next level.
Include Friends
Your friendships have been an integral part of your senior year, so include them in a few of your photos to make the cap and gown shots less traditional. Relax, laugh, and take in this special memory with some of the most important people in your life.
Make It Meaningful
Your parents have played an integral role throughout your school career, so pose for some meaningful photos with them. You might not be crazy about the cap and gown, but these are photos that your parents will treasure.
Pick the Right Location
Level up those cap and gown shots by choosing a location that means something to you. Perhaps it’s the sports field at your school, your community church, or a park that you spent time studying at. The location of your senior session is another part of the shoot that you have full control over.
Take an Iconic Photo
Lastly, plan a few iconic shots to make those cap and gown photos more impactful. Perhaps it’s you walking away from the camera, cap in hand, or throwing the cap into the air on the steps of your university. Not all graduation photos need to be posed.
Now that you know your cap and gown photos don’t need to be boring, you can start planning an epic senior graduation shoot.
You’ve shared your entire school career with your sibling and have a special bond, so it only makes sense to plan your senior portrait session together.
The good news is that even if you decide to shoot together, your photographer can still capture your unique personality traits and styles, so this doesn’t need to be a concern.
These tips will ensure you get the photos you are hoping for while having a positive and fun experience at the same time.
● Meet your photographer in person. You want to make sure that you feel comfortable around your senior photographer, which is why it helps to meet them in person before you agree to a shoot. If meeting them in person is not possible, at least arrange a call over the phone or Zoom.
● Decide on what you want. Sit down with your twin to discuss your session before you brief your photographer. What should the style of the shoot be and what sort of photos do each of you want to take? Do you want all photos to be taken together or do you also want individual images?
● Create your look. It’s important to plan your outfits, hair, and makeup several weeks before your twin senior photo session. Your outfits don’t need to match but your looks should still be coordinated.
● Consider your family. Do you want to include any family members or pets in your photo session? If so, how many photos do you want to take with them? Your photographer will need this information prior to your shoot.
● Pick a location. Next, you should decide where you want your shoot to take place. Pick a location that speaks to your personalities and where you feel most at ease. If you do opt for a public location, make sure you are fine with people walking by and staring during your shoot. You most probably won’t notice them anyway because you will be so involved in your session.
With these tips in mind, you can start planning the perfect twin senior photo session. However, if you think of any questions or concerns along the way, don’t hesitate to get in touch with your photographer.
Your senior year is filled with so many memories and milestones, which is why it deserves to be captured. However, if you are worried about whether your senior photo session will go according to plan, it helps to have a timeline in place.
Knowing when to take care of certain tasks will help you feel more relaxed in the months leading up to your session. Here is when to plan what.
Immediately
The one thing you want to do first is find a senior photographer and book your session. The best photographers are booked up quickly, so spend time doing your research and decide on a date as soon as you can. This is especially true if you have your heart set on a photo session during a certain time of the year.
1 – 3 Months Before
Several months before your session is when you should decide on an outfit. Your wardrobe choices will set the tone for your senior session and tell your unique story. Do you have certain hobbies that you want to incorporate into your session? Would you prefer a more glamorous look? Whatever you decide, plan and shop for your outfits ahead of time. It also helps to have a backup outfit just in case.
You can also use this time to make a list of any props you would like to use in your session. There is no rule that says you need to use props though.
1 – 2 Weeks Before
The weeks leading up to your senior photo session are when you want to take care of any grooming. If you need to cut your hair or have your nails done, now is the time to do it. This is not the time to try a dramatic new look though. If you do want to change your hairstyle or color, rather do that a month or two before your shoot to make sure you’re happy with it.
Day Before
The day before your shoot is when you should get everything ready. Put all your outfits, props, makeup, and accessories in one place. You can also use this time to cut your nails, shave, and do some general grooming. If you are planning to use self-tanning products, make sure you don’t overdo it and end up orange.
It’s also essential to get enough rest the night before your session and to stay hydrated, your skin and eyes will look that much better in your photos if you do.
By using these tips, you can get to your senior shoot feeling relaxed and excited, which is exactly how you should feel.
