Calgary Graduation Photographer – Graduation Photography

Complete Graduation Photo Session Guide

Graduation photos are truly a rite of passage for many high school seniors, marking the end of one chapter and the beginning of another. Graduating from high school is a momentous occasion and signifies the completion of an important chapter in one's life. Graduation photos serve as a way to capture and preserve the memories of this very special milestone event. If you're getting ready to have your grad photos taken, it's natural to feel a little nervous and unsure of what to expect. The below guide will help you to prepare for your upcoming grad photo shoot and give you an idea as to what to expect when booking a graduation photo shoot.

Planning Outfits and Accessories.

One of the most important aspects of your graduation portrait session is what you plan to wear for your grad photo shoot. During your pre-session styling consultation we will discuss all of your preferences so that we can plan and prepare your outfits and accessories ahead of time. This will ensure that you feel confident and comfortable during the photography shoot. I usually recommend selecting clothing options that reflect your personal style so that you feel good and look your best at your photo session. I do recommend trying to avoid overly busy patterns or large logos as they can be distracting in your final grad photos. While one outfit is perfectly acceptable, I do recommended having a dressier option and a more casual one. Adding layers and accessories can elevate your look and give your overall images a polished finish. Don't be afraid to experiment with different styles and have fun with your wardrobe choices!

Professional Hair and Makeup.

While it's not necessary to have professional hair and makeup done for your grad photography portrait session, it can be a nice touch to help you feel confident in your images. If you do decide to have your hair and makeup done, do make sure to schedule appointments well in advance and communicate your vision to the stylist and make-up artist ahead of time. If you would like to have professional hair and make-up services done but aren’t quite sure who to contact, I would be happy to refer you to some of the stylists and professional make-up artists that I work with regularly. If you plan to do your own hair and makeup, do keep it simple and natural to avoid looking overdone in your photos. Remember, the focus should be on you and your personality, not your hair and makeup so stick to a look that reflects the real you! This is not the best time be trying out a new hairstyle or make-up look

Calgary high school graduation photography studio portraits

Selecting a Location and Props.

When it comes to graduation photos, choosing the right location is key to capturing your personality and style. Do you want classic portraits photographed in studio? A natural outdoor setting that we would get at a location like Baker Park, or a more urban setting like at the Calgary Central Library? Are there any meaningful locations, such as your high school or a place where you spend lots of your time that you might want to include? For this graduation session we started in studio as she wanted some traditional styled grad photos in her full-length grad dress and then we headed to Jimmie Condon Arena for some indoor skating photos. Because this teen is a competitive skater and spends lots of time on the ice, she had really wanted to have grad photos taken in her grad dress on the ice with her skates!

If we are heading outdoors, I will usually recommend scheduling your photo session in the evening, ideally within 90 minutes of sunset as this will provide us with the most beautiful light to document this important milestone. As for grad props, think about items that represent your interests and personality. Sports equipment, musical instruments, or school textbooks are great props in addition to your high school cap and gown which also make for the perfect addition to any grad photo session.

Female competitive skating photos taken for high school graduation by professional family photographer Jillian Faulkner

Relax and Have Fun!

It's important to remember that grad portraits are meant to capture your personality and style, so don't be afraid to let loose and have fun during your photo shoot. When you book a grad photo session with me, I will help in providing direction on posing and guide your expressions throughout the session to ensure you look your absolute best. Remember, the more relaxed and comfortable you feel, the better your photos will turn out so take a deep breath, smile, and enjoy the grad photography experience! My goal for every grad photography session is to capture your unique personality and style and provide you with high-quality grad photos that you'll cherish for years to come.

After Your Grad Photo Shoot

After your graduation photography session has taken place, we will select a time for you to come into my studio so that you can review the images from our time together and so you can select the images you would like to order. This viewing and ordering appointment usually takes place about two weeks after your session. At this in-person appointment, I will present to you the best images from your grad session on a large 65” high-definition screen. We will then go through the images individually so that you can select your absolute favourites.

All of my image collections are all inclusive which means that all images you decide to order will come in print and digital format. Image collections start at $600 and go up in price depending on how many images you decide to order and what printed products you select. I have various print options such as heirloom albums, matted prints, and wall portraits. A great way to ensure that your graduation year memories are captured and preserved for many years to come.

Professional graduation photos are the perfect way to capture your final year of high school. When booking your photo shoot, you can put your mind at ease knowing you have hired a professional photographer who will guide you through the entire process from beginning to end to ensure you not only feel comfortable in front of the camera but are also left with gorgeous professional graduation photos.

Are you graduating this year and want to book a session?

Get in touch below so we can discuss creating a personalized grad photo shoot just for you to document this incredibly special time!