Graduate in white dress holding black diploma folder with gold tassel against waterfront backdrop.
Three friends in white dresses walking together on urban boardwalk during graduation celebration.
Graduates in white dresses toss caps in celebration in front of industrial grain silos.
Black and white photo of graduates posing in line formation in front of grain silos.
Three graduates in white dresses walking hand in hand on campus lawn at sunset.
Graduate wearing maroon stole and black gown poses in front of wooden door.
Three graduates in maroon stoles celebrate on large chair outside university building.
Graduate in white dress poses against city skyline at sunset.
Close-up of graduates holding caps showing Class of 2024 stoles and formal footwear.
Three graduates in white dresses celebrate with champagne against city skyline at sunset.
Three graduates celebrate by raising their arms against a city skyline in a black and white photo.

Seniors, YOU DID IT!!! CONGRATS!

I graduated last year, and I am so glad I took the time to plan a shoot with my roommates and best friends to remember this incredible and life-changing moment forever. These photos aren't just great memories but a reminder of how hard you worked to get here!! Also... it's great for the job search to have a fresh LinkedIn profile pic. We can also definitely get an updated headshot for your job search too!

Group of graduates in white dresses embrace during sunset celebration.

When should I take my cap + gown photos?


The first step is to choose when you want to take your cap and gown photos! If you're a college grad, the most popular time to take photos is the end of April to the beginning of May. If you're a high school grad, the most popular time to take photos is the end of May to the beginning of June. You will also want to make sure you have your cap and gown (and any other awards) before your scheduled date! Most schools give them out pretty far in advance.


Your graduation date will most likely be somewhere in this time frame. In my opinion, it's more fun to take them before you graduate as a way to build excitement for your big day! Then you can also have the photos to post on social media the day you graduate. I have a 1-2 week turnaround time for your final edited images, and I guarantee delivery by the time you graduate. If you are planning a graduation party, I would recommend taking your photos at least 3 weeks before your party, so you have enough time to print them!

Where should I take my photos?


This is completely up to you! Of course, I'm here to give you some tips as well as some of my FAV locations in MN.


The location should be memorable, these photos are marking a huge time in your life! Where did you like to hang out most during your time in high school or college? What's been your favorite spot to take photos with your friends? What's a classic landmark where you live? These are just a few ideas to get you thinking.


Another huge thing to consider is what you want the overall aesthetic/vibe of your photos to be. Are you looking for something more editorial and urban? More natural? If you're thinking about wearing heels the beach is always an adventure, but I will never say no to an adventure.


Location Ideas for High School Grads in Duluth, MN:

  • The Rose Garden
  • The Beach
  • Any sort of forest or field
  • The Court House
  • Bayfront / Pier B Resort
  • Your school!
  • Brighton Beach
  • Park Point


Location Ideas for College Grads in Minneapolis:

  • I think the most classic location is to take them at your school! I have all of the best spots at UMN, (which I won't give away) but if you book with me trust that you'll be getting the coolest photos. I want to venture out even more this year, think inside auditoriums, libraries, cool flash photos, seriously you name it and I'm there!
  • But again, this session is all about you. If you want to take your photos at your favorite coffee shop where you spent hours studying or even in the city, let's do it!!!
  • Forests and any sort of park are also great options.
  • St. Anthony Main could be so cool as well, I have so many ideas!
Graduate poses with university mascot statue wearing graduation stole.
Graduate in white dress celebrates outdoors by raising diploma.
Graduate wearing white dress and maroon sash poses in front of blooming magenta flowers.
Graduate in white dress and blue stole poses outdoors during golden hour.
Graduate in white dress twirls on campus plaza near brick building.
Graduate in a white dress and maroon graduation sash poses in front of ornate wooden doors.
Graduate in white dress poses against classic architectural doorway.
Graduate tosses cap in celebration next to university mascot statue.
Graduate in blue stole sits on wooden bench outdoors.
Graduate in academic regalia and white dress poses against stone wall with lanterns.
Close-up of graduation stole with university seal in evening light.
Graduate celebrates in a maroon UMN chair with cap raised in front of campus building.
Graduate adjusts graduation cap while wearing ceremonial stole in dramatic lighting.

What should I bring to my session?


This session will require props! Definitely bring your cap and gown and any other awards you've received such as cords, pins, and medals. In addition, if you have multiple tassels for your cap bring both! We can take some photos with each color.


I would HIGHLY recommend bringing a brush, makeup to touch up for girls, a tide to go stick for the white dresses and shirts, and a BIG bag to carry everything! Especially for college grads, your campus is big! We'll be going to multiple different locations across your campus during your session.


For college grads:

  • It's very popular to bring some champagne to pop at the end! This has become one of my favorite moments during sessions. It's a fun way to start off your graduation celebration and end off the session with a bang!

What time of day should I take my photos?


I mean golden hour is always best in my opinion. Around this time of year starting as early as 6:30 AM and around 6 PM provides AMAZING golden light. If you're looking for a brighter light, I would suggest starting around 9:30 AM and 4 PM.

What should I wear?


It's most popular to wear a white short dress and heels for girls and a nice pair of pants, a white button down, and dress shoes for guys. Again, it's your shoot! I wore a long white dress with blue flowers on it for my photos and I have no regrets.


Things to avoid:

  • I would stray away from colors that clash with your school colors.
  • Dresses that are too short! While they can look cute when you're standing still, you will be throwing your cap during the session so make sure that when you lift your arms up, your dress doesn't come with.

How far ahead should I book my session?


It's typical to book your cap+gown session in February or March to make sure that you lock in your desired date. If you're interested in booking a session with me (which would be SO much fun) click below! Want to see more of my cap and gown photos? Click here to see an example gallery!

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