It’s graduation season, and if you are graduating, congratulations! There’s no better way to celebrate this significant milestone than with a graduation photoshoot. You get to give yourself a pat on the back for the hard work all these years and score a new portrait to display at home. Graduation pictures also serve as precious mementos of your university days that last a lifetime. Read on to find out some of my best tips for your graduation photoshoot:
General Tips
- Make sure your graduation gown and outfits are wrinkle-free. This is an extremely important step, and I cannot stress it enough. After all, you don’t want to look sloppy and unprepared for this important photoshoot that is likely only going t o happen once in your lifetime. So, make sure to plan your outfits early and get them steamed to get rid of any wrinkles!
- Get sufficient rest before the shoot. This is to make sure that you’re in tip-top condition for the photoshoot the next day, and you won’t have to worry about concealing those dark eye circles.
- Wear a buttoned blouse/shirt under your gown. This is so that the hood can be securely fastened around the shirt button, and you won’t have to worry about your gown shifting around during the photoshoot.
- Practise your smile. If you are not used to being in front of the camera, you may feel uncomfortable or self-conscious during the photoshoot. To tackle this, set aside some time to practise your smile in front of the mirror. It gets better with practice, I promise!
5. Figure out how to place your arms and legs such that you look relaxed and comfortable in front of the camera. Feeling good and comfortable in front of the camera can be tough work. Fortunately, that can be rectified with some preparation before the shoot. Decide on where you’ll place your arms and legs. There is no hard and fast rule – you can cross your arms, place your hands in your pockets, or place them on your waist/hip area like this for a sassy vibe:
You will also want to avoid standing completely straight because that’ll make you look stiff. Instead, shift your weight to one side by putting one leg forward or lifting the leg slightly. If standing doesn’t work for you, no worries – there are plenty of cosy spaces in Oh Dear Studio where you can sit and make yourself comfortable:
6. Experiment with the mortarboard. Go ahead, be creative and work with what you have! Try the iconic hat toss that adds an element of fun to your photoshoot:
Or, hold it in your hands if you prefer:
7. Bring along your furry friends. Do you have pets that you regard as family members? Bring them along and make them a part of your graduation pictures, just like this graduate who included her beloved tabby cat in the photoshoot:
8. Have fun and be yourself! You’ve worked hard and earned your degree, and now it’s time to celebrate your achievement. Don’t be too worried about wanting the pictures to be “perfect” and just focus on having as much fun as possible during the photoshoot.
For The Ladies
9. You can choose to let down your hair or bundle it up according to your preferences. If you want to have your hair up, tie it in a stylish low ponytail or bun with your bangs swept to your side. This is so that your mortarboard can rest securely on the top of your head.
10. Go for a simple, natural makeup look. I recommend a classic makeup look that focuses on creating a “healthy glow” – think rosy lips and cheeks. Generally, I’d say avoid dramatic makeup. However, if red lips and winged eyeliner are part of your everyday look, go ahead and wear them for your photoshoot.
11. Keep jewellery to a minimum. Stick to small earrings and a simple necklace that will work perfectly to complement your graduation gown.
For The Gentlemen
12. Comb your hair backwards before putting on the mortarboard. This is to ensure that your hair still has volume when you take off the mortarboard for pictures.
Speak to us now to plan your next graduation photoshoot with Oh Dear Studio!
