If you’re graduating from WVU in May 2027, spring is a great time for photos because the campus looks beautiful. Trees are blooming, the grass is green, and the evenings have a warm, golden light. Planning your WVU spring grad photos can be tricky, though. Morgantown’s weather changes a lot from March to May, campus gets busier as graduation gets closer, and the best photo dates go quickly. Here’s what you need to know to schedule your WVU spring graduation photos, so you get the look you want and your gallery is ready for announcements and graduation weekend.
Why Spring Grads Should Book Early
WVU’s Spring 2027 commencement is set for May 14 to 16 at the Hope Coliseum. Most spring grads want their photos taken during the same six to eight weeks, and the evenings with the best light get booked first. Every year, I hear from grads who waited too long and missed out on the dates they wanted.
Booking early also gives you more free time at the end of the semester. Finals, projects, and graduation plans can make those last weeks busy. If you get your photos done before finals, that’s one less thing to worry about, and your photos will be ready for announcements and party invitations.
The Best Time for WVU Spring Graduation Photos
For most WVU spring grads, the best time for photos is from mid-April to early May. By then, campus is green, flowering trees are blooming, the weather is warmer, and golden hour happens in the evening after classes and work. Here’s how the season usually goes.
March: Early spring can be pretty, but the weather is unpredictable. Trees are often still bare, the grass might not be green yet, and it can be cold and windy. The good news is there are fewer crowds on campus and more open dates. March is a good choice if you want your photos done early, especially if you need them for announcements.
April: This is when campus really comes alive. Most years, flowering trees and spring blooms show up around mid-April, though the timing can change with the weather. April showers are common, so it’s good to keep your plans a bit flexible.
Early May: Campus is lush and green, the evenings are warm, and golden hour lasts late into the evening. It’s a beautiful time for photos, but also the busiest. Finals are happening, campus gets crowded as commencement gets closer, and there’s less time to reschedule if the weather doesn’t cooperate.
Golden Hour Gets Later Every Week
Golden hour, the hour before sunset, is when outdoor light is at its softest and most flattering, and it’s when I schedule most graduation sessions. In the spring, golden hour works in your favor. Daylight saving time begins in mid-March, pushing sunset later, and the sun continues to set later each week through May. By late April, sunset in Morgantown is usually after 8 p.m.
This means WVU spring grad photos usually happen in the early evening, after classes are done for the day, which makes scheduling easier than in the fall. If you’re graduating in December, check out my guide to WVU December graduation photos for tips on earlier sunsets and fall timing.
Morgantown Spring Weather: Plan for Anything
Spring in Morgantown can bring a 75-degree afternoon one day and chilly rain the next. Sometimes, early spring even has a surprise snow flurry. Since sessions are only an hour, a little cold is easy to handle. Wear light layers under your gown and bring a jacket for between shots.
Rain is a bigger concern, so I always schedule sessions based on the weather forecast (more on that below). Booking earlier in the season gives you more good-weather days to choose from before commencement, while waiting until the last week or two leaves very little flexibility.
Weather-Based Booking: Why Flexibility is Essential
I work with a limited number of graduates each season, and every session is booked based on the weather. Morgantown’s spring forecast can change daily, so instead of picking a date weeks ahead and hoping for sunshine, I schedule WVU spring grad photos on days when the forecast looks best. This means grads need to be a bit flexible with their booking. In return, you get your session on a day with good light and nice weather, not a rushed hour in the rain.
Group sessions need a bit more planning. If you’re booking with friends, roommates, or a whole group, your session will be set for a good-weather day when everyone is free. The sooner your group compares schedules, the easier it is to find the right day.
The Graduate 4.0, my package that takes you all over campus for a whole evening, works the same way. It’s scheduled for the best days based on the weather, so we can make the most of each location.
Woodburn Circle Gets Busy Near Graduation
Woodburn Circle is the most iconic spot on campus, and it’s where I usually hold sessions. Almost every WVU grad wants photos there, so it gets crowded as graduation gets closer, especially on weekday evenings and weekends in late April and May. On commencement weekend, campus is packed, your gown is wrinkled after the ceremony, and everyone is tired.
Booking earlier in the season usually means fewer people in the background and a more relaxed session. If you book close to graduation, weekday sessions are often a little calmer than weekends.
Don’t Have Your Cap and Gown?
If you want to book early but don’t have your cap and gown yet, you can borrow one from a friend who’s already graduated. As long as it fits, no one will notice, and you can schedule your session when the light and flowers are at their best. If you’re an Honors student, remember that WVU Honors regalia is gold, so borrow from another Honors grad if you need to. For more on ordering, fit, and cords, see my WVU cap-and-gown guide.
Plan Around Your Announcement
If you’re sending graduation announcements or party invitations, make sure your photos are ready well before graduation. Printing and shipping can take a week or two, and invitations should go out three to four weeks before your party. If you count backward from your send date, you’ll see why March and early April sessions are popular for grads who want photos on their announcements. For ideas on wording and design, check out my graduation announcement ideas. (COMING SOON)
Your WVU Spring Grad Photos Timeline
Here’s a simple timeline for spring 2027 grads:
- Winter (December to February): Book your session to lock in your preferred date.
- March to early April: Take photos if you need them for announcements.
- Mid-April to early May: This is the peak season for blooms, a green campus, and warm evenings.
- May 14 to 16, 2027: Attend commencement with your photos already finished.
Frequently Asked Questions About WVU Spring Graduation Photos
When should I book my WVU spring graduation photos? As early as possible, ideally in the winter before graduation, since the best spring dates fill up quickly.
What’s the best month for spring graduation photos at WVU? Mid-April through early May is usually the best time for blooms, green campus, and warm evenings. March is a good option if you need photos early for announcements.
What time of day is best for spring graduation photos? The hour before sunset. In the spring, that usually falls in the early evening and gets later every week.
Should I take graduation photos on commencement day? It’s usually better to schedule a dedicated session beforehand. Campus is crowded on commencement weekend, and you’ll look and feel fresher before the ceremony.
Book Your WVU Spring Graduation Photos
Spring at WVU is a wonderful time to celebrate all your hard work. At Carrie White Photography, I love capturing WVU grads with spring colors, golden evening light, and the excitement of graduation.
Ready to book your WVU spring graduation photos? Contact me today to save your date before the season fills up. Let’s go, Mountaineers!
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