choosing the perfect time, location, outfit & more!
GRADUATION
SESSION
PLANNING YOUR
I am so excited to be working with you and can't wait for our time together during your graduation session! It's normal to be a little nervous about your session. I always tell people that I still get nervous before having my photo taken - and I do this for a living!
I'm a big fan of graduation sessions because this is such an important chapter of your life coming a close. I believe photos are one of the best ways to capture timeless memories for you and your family to cherish for years to come. Graduating college is a HUGE accomplishment. Spending an hour or two taking photos around the place you called home for the last 4 years is a perfect way to commemorate the occasion.
That being said, there is a lot to think about when it comes to planning a session and since I get asked the same things over and over again, I thought it would be the most beneficial to put it all into a guide that walks you through everything you need to know.
I'll cover what to wear, whether to bring pets & how to manage them, location ideas, props & more!
xoxo, reagan
WElcome
"GOOD" TIME TO TAKE PHOTOS?
Graduation sessions can take place anytime during your senior year. I've found that there isn't a "good" or "bad" time to take your photos. I normally plan sessions during the spring senior semester, based on a particular vibe the grad has in mind, spring flowers for example, or based on schedules.
Depending on which package you select, sessions typically last about an hour to an hour and a half and when we can - I love to begin sessions about one to two hours before sunset. I prefer to shoot when the sun is lower in the sky to avoid harsh shadows and bright sun patches. The first two hours after sunrise is also an ideal time to shoot.
I schedule sessions during what I believe will be the best light of the day - which means that it's super important to be on time. If you're late to an evening session, we could run out of light before we've finished shooting and if your session takes place in the morning, the sun gets more harsh as it rises.
TIME & LIGHT: IS THERE A
SEASONS
While I shoot most graduation sessions between March and April for spring grads and September and October for fall grads, sessions can take place all year. Most of my grads choose a season based on their school schedules.
A few things to keep in mind during each season:
Fall is one of the prettiest times of the year and because of the much cooler weather and football season, my schedule fills up quickly! If you have your heart set on a fall grad session, I recommend scheduling it as soon as possible! Despite the hustle and bustle fall tends to bring, campus is a lot quieter for photo taking. Due to the smaller graduation in December, there are not as many grads out taking photos which means all the popular spots are empty!
fall
colorful leaves and quieter campus
Despite the intense Texas heat, I'm a big fan of summer sessions! Because of the later sunset, sessions sometimes begin as late as 6pm. If you're taking your grad photos during the summer, I recommend bringing extra makeup and a few towels to make sure you stay fresh throughout your session. Campus is virtually empty, which means we have minimal interruptions during our session.
summer
warm sunny skies and lush greenery
Spring marks the chilly weather going away and fresh flowers start blooming. Though beautiful, it rains a lot, unpredictably, in Texas. When I schedule spring dates, I might consider scheduling a primary date and a backup rain date. The later we get in the spring semester, the busier campus gets! Often times, there will be 5-15 minute waits to shoot at the popular spots on campus, so this is something to keep in mind!
spring
fresh flowers and a bustling campus
LOCATIONS
There are so many different spots on campus we can take your grad photos at! Iconic buildings, the football stadium, your major's building, you name it! Locations can vary for morning versus evening sessions simply due to the positioning of the sun.
For TCU specifically, here are some of the most popular locations and what time of day they are best at:
Morning Sessions: Stadium, Frog Fountain, Library, The Harrison, The New Rotunda, Neeley
Evening Sessions: Stadium, Frog Fountain, Sadler, The TCU Sign, Schollmaier
CAMPUS
PETS
I love when grads choose to incorporate pets into their session! I recommend planning for your pet to be at the first part of your session and then having a friend or family member hold onto them or take them home. We won't use the pet in every single photo so it's also nice to have a friend or family member available to hold him or her in between shots.
If you're going to bring a pet, I recommend exercising your pet before the session and bringing your pets favorite toy or treats! Depending on your pet's fur type, it might also be a good idea to groom them before the shoot or bring a lint roller to your session.
OUTFITS
When picking outfits I recommend choosing a variety! Depending on the package you selected, grads generally pick two-three outfits for their grad session: a more formal outfit, a casual outfit, and an outfit that either represents their career or is a little more fun! I recommend saving your favorite outfit for later in the session, when grads generally feel more comfortable in front of the camera. And don't forget to bring a few accessories! Statement necklaces, cute shoes and classic watches are great ways to add detail to outfits.
TIPS FOR LOOKING YOUR BEST
for everyone
for the ladies
for the gents
WARDROBE TIPS
ACCESSORIES
WHERE TO SHOP
HAIR & MAKEUP
OUTFITS
WHERE TO SHOP
CHOOSING OUTFITS
When picking outfits, a good rule of thumb is pick 3 or so colors and styles and spread them throughout your session. Don't be afraid to mix a few subtle patterns or textures (such as linen).
Always remember, choose an outfit you feel 100% YOU in. An outfit you aren't sure about or that doesn't fit you well, will be bothersome throughout your session.
for everyone
for the ladies
WARDROBE TIPS
Heels lengthen legs but if your heels aren't comfortable for walking, bring an extra pair of shoes to slip into between shots.
We love the way larger patterns and textures photograph - just be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Most grads choose a white, black or purple dress, jeans or denim shorts paired with a cute top, a jersey, or scrubs. There are so many different outfit combinations you can choose to create a well-rounded gallery.
for the ladies
accessories
ACCESSORIES
Statement jewelry is a great way to add color or pattern to a simple dress. Lace and tulle look amazing in photographs.
And dresses with sleeves are a great way to help slim arms. You might also want to consider a fit and flare or a flowy dress.
They look great in walking and photos with movement. Choose an outfit you feel 100% YOU and comfortable in, but don't be afraid to dress up!
for the ladies
where to shop
FAVORITE SHOPS
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Morning Lavender
J. Crew
Anthropologie
Free People
Jessakae
Petal and Pup
H&M
Vici Dolls
Baltic Born Clothing
Madewell
Revolve
for the ladies
hair & makeup
Able
Zara
Mango
Sezane
Hill House Home
Reformation
Rachel Pally
Nuuly
Christy Dawn
Rylee & Cru
Clad & Cloth
Ivy City
Everlane
HAIR & MAKEUP
It's important that you look and feel your best for your photos. Investing in professional hair and makeup can go a long way towards creating photos you love for years.
Professionally done hair & makeup last longer than typical hair & makeup. They also tend to hold up better in humidity and wind.
If you go this route, I recommend staying a bit "classic". Now probably isn't the best time to try out that new contouring technique you saw on TikTok.
If you're planning to do any spray tans or waxing, schedule those for a few days before the session to give your skin time to recover.
for the ladies
for the gents
WARDROBE
You can't go wrong with a crisp button up. Or consider layering a blazer or sweater with jeans with this look. Ties and bowties are always a good idea too.
Be careful not to choose a pattern that is too small - it may accidentally make your photo look a little too busy.
Softer, pastel colors tend to photograph better than bright colors - especially since bright colors could reflect on your skin. Cozy sweaters layered over button ups are a great way to stay warm and stylish during the cooler months.
for the gents
where to shop
WARDROBE
Rent the Runway
ASOS
Suit Supply
J. Crew
Zara
Leather & Cotton
Jack Threads
Frank & Oak
Nordstrom
Cuts
H&M
Urban Outfitters
Madewell
lululemon
for the gents
for everyone
Everlane
Banana Republic
Mango
Reiss
Alex Mill
Untuckit
Mizzen & Main
GoodThreads
Bonobos
Abercrombie
Rag & Bone
INCLEMENT WEATHER
WHAT TO DO IF IT RAINS
In some cases, we might schedule two grad session dates. A primary date and a rain date. Having two dates helps us make sure that your photos happen in a timely manner. Coordinating schedules can be tough and I've found that the best way to make sure grads get the look they have in mind for their photos is to schedule a backup date.
I'll check in the week of your grad session to confirm the time & location we're meeting at and the weather. I know it takes a lot of time to get ready for a grad session and it's the worst to get dressed up and drive out to your session only to have it rain. Let me know what works best for you - but if the weather looks like it's won't be great, I typically try to make the call at least 12-24 hours in advance. I've had some grads want to wait to make the call until a few hours before and some who are ready to call it based on the forecast because the pretty, sunny skies are really important to them.
PROPS?
SHOULD I BRING
My vote is always YES! I provide a purple cap & gown to use in your photos and we often use the cap as a "prop" in lots of shots, but there are lots of other ideas to incorporate as well.
Popping champagne at the fountain is a classic, while some grads choose confetti. Future nurses might bring their stethoscope. This is YOUR session and it's meant to represent YOU and everything you accomplished in college. Don't hesitate to include props or bring more than one idea!
A NOTE ON
posing
"what do I do with my hands?"
When it comes to posing for your grad session, you don't need to worry about a thing! I'll guide you through the entire process beginning with "poses" that are super easy and natural. If I tell you to do something that feels a little funny, it's probably because I know it's going to make you laugh - and that's the photo we're actually looking for.
Throughout your session, do what feels natural. If you find your hands lacking purpose, place them where they feel most comfortable. If I see something out of place, such as hair, makeup, outfits, or a stray finger, I'll make sure it gets put back in place! I want you to feel as relaxed as possible and enjoy your time!
IMAGES
A lot of time and care goes into perfecting each image that goes in your final gallery. Unless there is a holiday, you can expect to receive your grad photos about 2 weeks after your session.
