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How to Prepare for Your Cap + Gown Session

tips + tricks to help you get the most out of your graduation session

By K. Renee Photography

February 27^th, 2022

It's not every day you graduate college so there's a few little things you might not think of if you haven't gone through the whole process before, but that's why this little blog exists, to help you get the most out of this often once in a lifetime milestone you're about to celebrate! So let's get started...

1. TAKE YOUR GOWN AND SASH OUT THE BAG

Seriously, like right now if you can. The stoles (sashes) especially come folded with heavy creases that are noticeable in photos. Taking them out ahead of time gives time for those creases to relax. You can also hang everything in the bathroom while you take a hot shower to help steam out the wrinkles or use an iron on a low heat setting.

How to Prepare for Your Cap + Gown Session

2. Consider Bringing a Friend Along!

A lot of photographers offer discounts to do your session with a friend while still getting individual shots but even just bringing someone along for moral support can be really fun! Having someone there that you know can help relax you and get you to crack out of your shell a little faster.

3. POP THAT CHAMPAGNE

I include a bottle of champagne as an option with all of my cap and gown sessions because it is just SO MUCH FUN and a great way to end your session on a high note! This is also a much more eco friendly option than confetti or glitter.

Pro Tip: for the best results take the cork out BEFORE you shake it, then place your thumb over the opening like you used to do with the garden hose as a kid and then shake it. I've found the aiming it over the photographers left shoulder gives a good mix of spray and the little bubble balls for a great shot.

4. Be Prepared to Walk

Most college campuses are pretty big and all the typical photo spots are pretty spread out. Purdue for example takes 20 minutes just to walk from the Gateway Arch to Memorial Union. You can bring an extra pair of shoes to switch into before the longer walk parts but that often cuts into your time so a comfortable pair of shoes would be my first suggestion.

5. Bring Props!

Diplomas, stethoscopes, white coats, class rings, art supplies, sports equipment, anything that represents your time in college or even the career field you're headed into can be a great addition to your session.

6. Make a List of Must Hit Places, and Prioritize!

Each campus has it's own photo ops that are important to students. Your photographer may not be familiar with all of your favorite places so making a list of all of the places you want to hit can be helpful for both of you. This also allows them to plan out a route ahead of time to maximize your session time.

I also always tell my seniors to prioritize the 'hot spots' on their campus as well. For example during peak grad times the wait at Purdue the Gateway arch can be 30+ minutes, that's over half of your session spent just waiting in line, not to mention the line at the Bell Tower might be another 15+ minutes. Thinking about what shots are most important to you ahead of time can help you choose where to spend your time or what things to skip.

7. Bring a Hairbrush

If you have straight hair I highly recommend bringing a brush to touch up in between taking your cap on and off and walking across campus in the wind. (why is it always so windy in May?)

If you have curly hair, hair that's hard to brush, or just messes up easily, I suggest starting out with some shots without the cap and then minimizing the on and off of it throughout the rest of your session.

8. HAVE FUN WITH IT!

Like a lot of fun preferably. Cap and gown sessions are a chance to celebrate you and all you've accomplished as well as just enjoying the little bit of time you have left on a campus that has most likely been a big part of your life the past few years.