Graduating from college is a big achievement, and a portrait session is a great way to celebrate. Besides choosing the right photographer, it’s important to think about how you want to show your personality in your photos. Using your favorite props is a fun way to tell your story and make your graduation pictures more personal. Props help highlight your accomplishments and show off what makes you unique. As a senior photographer, here are my top picks for the best props to bring to your college graduation session!
The Traditional Cap and Gown
No college graduation session is complete without photos in your cap and gown. These classic pieces are a must for celebrating your achievement. I also love when students bring their stoles, cords, sashes, or medals, since these show off the honors and awards they earned. I always suggest bringing these extras because you probably won’t get another chance to have a photo with all your regalia. Don’t forget to show off your decorated cap, too!
Show Your School Spirit
No matter which college or university you attended, you’re proud of where you spent the last four years. Maybe you chose your school for the scholarships or the great programs. Show off your school spirit by bringing props like a pennant, a school sweatshirt, or big numbers for your graduation year. When I photograph sessions at West Virginia University, I have large letters that seniors can use as a backdrop, and they always look fantastic!
A Future in the Medical Field
If you studied in the medical field, like nursing or dentistry, you’ve probably spent a lot of time in scrubs, a white coat, or using tools like a stethoscope. Bring these items to your graduation session! Even though you use them every day, they’re a big part of your journey and deserve to be in your photos. Many of my past seniors in the medical field have loved including these props in their sessions.
Add Some Personal Touches
Your graduation session is shaped by your outfit and your school, but adding personal touches makes it special. Some of my favorite ideas are props that show your hobbies or include your family and friends. If you played in the band, orchestra, or cheered for the football team, bring your instrument or pom-poms for your photos. These props highlight another part of your college life that’s worth remembering.
Your family and friends have supported you in many ways during college, from helping with tuition to sharing experiences in a fraternity or sorority. Be sure to include these special people in your session! You can even bring your puppy to join the fun in your photos.
Party Time and Celebration
Champagne is a classic way to celebrate graduation, and it’s one of the most popular props my seniors ask for. I even give my clients tips on how to pop a bottle in my College Graduation Prep Guide. These photos are always fun, especially in front of favorite campus spots. If champagne isn’t your thing, we can use confetti instead for some playful and memorable pictures!
There are so many props you can bring to your college graduation session! These are just a few of my favorites. If you have something special that’s not on this list, bring it along—we’ll make sure to include it in your photos!
Want to book a college graduation session with me? Send me your ideas, and we’ll set up a date!
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