Here’s a cool thing about graduation & senior shoots – there can be as little or as much preparation as you want going into your session! After you book a date, you have the option to get hair and makeup done, shop for some new outfits, brainstorm 1-2 unique-to-you locations on campus, and pick out a few props! While none of these are required, they are fun ways to make your senior photos more of an experience, to really celebrate your time as a Sooner & your last few months on campus, and they will pretty much guarantee that you’ll be bringing your A-game! Today I’m sharing my top 5 graduation shoot prop ideas to help as you plan for your senior session!

Confetti or a Confetti Cannon (just make sure they are biodegradable, like this one!)

What better to way to share the news when you finish that last final, turn in your capstone project, or get the call with the big job offer? Everyone loves a good confetti photo, and of course a reason to celebrate!

OU Football Jersey or OU Spirit (and a horns down!)

Really any kind of OU spirit works – it’s the perfect photo to share when the excitement for football season hits, you’re celebrating a big Sooner win, or just reminiscing on your love for your alma mater in the months and years to come!

Balloons

Balloons are a fun touch to keep things graduation-themed, but the smaller the better! (You know how the Oklahoma wind and weather are!) These hand-held ones were definitely the way to go – we didn’t have to worry about them flying around or getting them to stay still while facing the right direction!

Your dog

I mean…do we really need an explanation for this? 🙂 Dogs are always welcome! Just be sure to give me a heads up beforehand if you’re planning to bring your little buddy – I have a few tips & tricks up my sleeve that I want to make sure you get to take advantage of!

Cap and Gown (and feel free to get your cap customized!)

Perhaps the easiest and most obvious of them all, but it wouldn’t be a graduation shoot without it! Don’t forget to pick up your cap & gown at Graduation Gearup in March!

A bonus – Welch’s Sparkling Grape Juice! (In place of champagne – trust me on this one!)

For more information on why I recommend sparkling grape juice, READ THIS! I cannot photograph you with alcohol on campus, so this is the way to go if you want those fun, celebratory, popping the bubbly shots.

What am I missing? Do you have any other prop ideas you’d like to try?