Congratulations!

Graduating college is a huge accomplishment. Whether you're finishing your undergraduate degree, master's program, or another educational milestone, you've worked hard to get here. Your graduation photos are a chance to celebrate everything you've achieved and document this exciting chapter before turning the page to the next one.
To help you get the most out of your session, here are a few things I recommend bringing along.
Bring Your Graduation Gear
This may sound obvious, but you'd be surprised how often something gets left behind!
Before heading to your session, double-check that you have:
- Your cap
- Your gown
- Your tassel
- Honor cords
- Stoles
- Medals or academic awards

These details represent all of the hard work you've put in over the years and deserve to be included in your photos.
Bring a Friend
One of my favorite graduation session tips is to bring an extra person along.
Having a friend, roommate, sibling, or parent there can make the experience so much more fun. They can help carry your belongings, hold props between shots, keep track of outfits, and cheer you on throughout the session.
Plus, they usually help bring out the best laughs and genuine smiles.
Bring Something Fun!
Graduation photos don't have to be serious the entire time!
Some fun props can add personality and help celebrate the moment.
A few popular options include:
- Confetti
- Glitter (biodegradable if possible!)
- Champagne or sparkling cider
- Graduation signs
- Balloons
- Flowers
- College merchandise

These can create some fun, celebratory images that feel uniquely yours.
Bring a Hairbrush & Touch-Up Items
Michigan weather likes to keep us guessing.
Wind, humidity, and walking across campus can all affect your hair and makeup throughout the session.
I recommend bringing:
- A hairbrush or comb
- Hair ties
- Makeup for touch-ups (if you wear it)
- Oil blotting sheets
- Water

A quick touch-up can make a big difference, especially if we're moving between multiple locations on & off campus.
Bring Anything Meaningful to Your College Experience
Think about what made your college journey special.
Were you involved in athletics? Student organizations? Music? Research? Greek life?
Did you read a book that was meaningful to your time in college?
Bringing items that reflect your experience can make your gallery more personal and tell a bigger story.
This session is about more than graduation—it's about celebrating the journey that got you here.
Most Importantly, Bring Your Excitement
The best graduation photos aren't created by the perfect outfit or the perfect prop.
They're created by the energy you bring.
You earned this moment.
Be proud of yourself. Celebrate your accomplishments. Laugh a little. Pop the champagne. Toss the cap. Embrace the excitement of what's next.
These photos are meant to capture one of the biggest milestones of your life, and I want them to feel just as memorable as the achievement itself.

So gather your graduation gear, bring a few fun extras, and let's celebrate everything you've accomplished.
