How to Prepare for Your College Graduation Photoshoot in Orange County & Los Angeles
Graduating from college is a huge milestone—it’s the celebration of years of hard work, late nights, and unforgettable memories. What better way to honor this moment than with a professional graduation photoshoot? As an Orange County grad photographer (and serving Los Angeles grads too), I’ve put together some tips to help you prepare and get the most out of your session.
Whether you’re walking across the stage at Cal State Fullerton, UC Irvine, UCLA, USC, or any local university, these tips will help you feel confident, prepared, and ready to capture memories that last a lifetime.
Bring Your Graduation Regalia
Your cap, gown, tassel, and sashes are must-haves. Many grads also bring organization or cultural stoles that represent their unique journey. Some photos look great without the gown (to showcase your outfit), while others feel classic with the full regalia—so plan to capture both!
Pro tip: Decorate your grad cap to make it personal. Search Pinterest or Instagram hashtags like #graduationcap or #disneygraduationcap for inspiration.
Choose the Right Location
Most grads love taking photos on their college campus—it’s the perfect way to honor your alma mater. But don’t be afraid to think outside the quad!
On Campus: Scope out meaningful spots like libraries, fountains, gardens, or iconic buildings which you visited often as a student. For example, Cal State Fullerton grads often take photos in front of Titan Walk or the main fountain along with the college they are graduating from.
Off Campus: Beaches, lookout points, or local gardens make stunning backdrops. I’ve captured beautiful grad photos at Corona Del Mar Lookout Point and in Orange County’s coastal areas. Just make sure to check if photo permits are required.
Take Advantage of the Season
Spring is one of the best times for graduation pictures in Orange County and Los Angeles. Campuses bloom with flowers, trees are lush with greenery, and the weather is perfect for outdoor photos. If you want something extra fun, consider water fountain shots—just save them for the end so you don’t spend the whole shoot in wet clothes!
Props
Props can make your photoshoot even more fun, but try to avoid messy options like glitter or confetti that can harm the environment. Instead, use:
Fresh flowers
Flower petals
Hole-punched leaves for natural confetti
Outfits
When it comes to outfits, think about what makes you feel confident and authentic. Some grads choose cultural or traditional attire, while others go with polished professional looks.
Poses & Vision
One of the most common questions grads ask is: “What poses should I do?” The answer is—it’s completely up to you!
If you already have poses or photo ideas in mind, I encourage you to bring them to your session. This helps me capture photos that feel true to your personality.
If you’re not sure, don’t worry—I’ll guide you through natural, flattering poses that look effortless on camera.
Creating a Pinterest board with poses, outfits, or vibes you love is a great way to communicate your vision. This helps me understand your style and ensures we capture exactly the look you’re going for.
Whether you prefer candid laughs, power poses in front of your university building, or dreamy sunset portraits, we’ll make sure your grad session feels 100% you.
What to Expect When Booking
Every grad photographer offers something a little different. My graduation photography packages are designed to give you flexibility, whether you want one iconic look on campus or multiple outfit changes across Orange County or Los Angeles locations.
You’ll know exactly:
How long your shoot will be
How many locations we’ll cover
A ball park range of how many edited images you’ll receive
Let’s Celebrate YOU!
Your graduation day is all about celebrating your hard work, and your photos should capture your joy and personality. If you’re looking for an Orange County graduation photographer or Los Angeles graduation photographer, I’d love to help bring your vision to life.
Ready to book your graduation photoshoot? Contact me here to reserve your spot.