No one graduates on their own. Every cap and gown has a family behind it, cheering you on. They made sacrifices, drove to Morgantown, and sent care packages during finals. Family graduation photos are some of the most meaningful pictures you’ll have. They show your achievements and the people who helped you get there. Here are my top tips for taking graduation photos with your family at West Virginia University.
Why include your family in graduation photos?
Graduation is your achievement, but it’s also a big moment for your whole family. Parents have looked forward to this day for years. Grandparents want a photo to display. Siblings are proud of you, even if they don’t say it. Including your family in your graduation photos gives everyone a keepsake. It captures one of your family’s proudest days. Years from now, these are often the pictures graduates value most.
Heartfelt Graduation Poses With Parents
Some of the most emotional moments at graduation are between graduates and their parents. The poses are simple, natural, and meaningful.
A big hug from your mom or dad, with eyes closed and a big smile, doesn’t need any special posing. This is often the photo that brings out the most emotion.
Walking arm in arm with your parents across Woodburn Circle, talking and laughing, creates natural photos that show your family’s real spirit.
Try putting your graduation cap on your mom or dad’s head. It’s a fun way to show that you accomplished this together.
You can hand your diploma cover to your parents as a thank you for their support, or hold it together for a special photo.
Fun Family Graduation Photo Ideas
Family graduation photos can be fun. Some of the best shots are the ones where everyone is laughing.
Try a family cap toss, with everyone throwing their arms up as you toss your cap. Popping champagne or sparkling cider while your family cheers makes for a great action photo. Gold and blue confetti adds excitement. You can also use a ‘thank you’ sign, a letter board, or write a message on your cap to show your appreciation. For more ideas, check out my list of the best props for a college graduation session.
Graduation Pictures With Siblings and Grandparents
Siblings add a different energy to your photos. Try a piggyback photo, a funny face-off, or have your younger brother or sister wear your cap. If you have a younger sibling heading to college soon, a ‘future Mountaineer’ photo is a great way to pass on the tradition.
Grandparents deserve their own portrait too. A simple, classic photo of you with your grandparents—sitting on a bench or standing together—is often the one they’ll display at home. Woodburn Circle has plenty of spots where grandparents can sit comfortably, so I always keep things relaxed and never rush anyone as we move around campus.
Ideas for WVU Legacy Families
If your mom, dad, or grandparents are WVU alumni, graduation photos are a great way to celebrate your Mountaineer roots. Have your parents wear their WVU gear, or bring an old graduation photo to recreate the same pose in the same spot on campus. A side-by-side of your parent’s graduation picture and yours, taken years apart at Woodburn Circle, is a special way to show that the Mountaineer tradition lives on in your family.
What clothes should families wear for their graduation photographs?
Coordinated outfits make family graduation photos look polished without feeling too formal. Pick a simple color scheme, like navy, white, and gold, or soft neutrals, and let everyone choose clothes in those colors rather than matching exactly. Avoid big logos or busy patterns so the focus stays on your faces. Since the graduate will be in a cap and gown, the rest of the family can dress casually or go for a classic look with button-down shirts, blouses, or simple dresses. Make sure everyone wears comfortable shoes because Morgantown’s hills are steep. For more tips, check out my guide on what to wear for graduation photos at WVU.
Tips for Great Family Graduation Pictures
Planning ahead makes family photos much easier. Start with group photos while everyone has energy, then let your family relax while you take individual shots. Smaller groups are easier to photograph and help the session go smoothly. If your family is traveling for graduation, schedule the session when everyone is in town and allow extra time for traffic and parking. Most of all, relax and have fun. The best photos happen when everyone is laughing and enjoying the moment.
If you’re traveling with your family, my suggestions for places to stay and the best restaurants in Morgantown for graduation dinner can help you plan the whole weekend.
When should you take photographs of your family at graduation?
Many families think graduation day is the best time for photos, but campus is crowded, schedules are tight, and everyone is tired after the ceremony. Taking photos before graduation, when your family can join, is usually more relaxed and leads to better pictures. I often hold sessions at Woodburn Circle, WVU’s most iconic spot, which makes a beautiful backdrop for family portraits.
Frequently Asked Questions About Graduation Pictures With Family
Can my family be included in the graduation photographs? Yes, and it’s a great idea to include parents, siblings, and grandparents to celebrate everyone who helped you reach graduation.
For the graduation photographs, what should my family wear? They should choose a coordinated color scheme, avoid complicated patterns and big logos, and make sure everyone wears comfortable shoes for walking around campus.
Should we take family graduation photographs on the day of graduation? A session dedicated to this is usually more relaxed, with fewer people around and a more up-to-date look than photos taken after the ceremony.
What can you do when taking graduation photos with your parents? Common poses include a big hug, walking arm in arm, putting your cap on your parent’s head, and holding your diploma together.
Celebrate With the People Who Got You Here
Graduation is a chance to thank everyone who supported you along the way. At Carrie White Photography, I absolutely love capturing the meaningful family moments right here on campus.
Are you ready to book your WVU graduation photos with your family? Contact me today to reserve your session. Let’s go, Mountaineers!
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