I’m gearing up for my favorite time of the year – graduation season! March through May is generally a marathon for me, full of shoots, blogs, and new celebrations. One of the best parts of it all is of course getting to meet so many new friends, but also getting to share a little bit of education on shoot preparation + things to think about and consider. Today I’m breaking down the 5 things you should have on your to-do list before your gradation shoot!

• 1. Book your photographer
  • If you’re here, you likely already have this one checked off the list! Woohoo! Booking your photographer is of course the first step, and different photographers have different processes in place. Get an insider’s look at mine!
  • For spring shoots, I begin booking the summer prior. Yes – a whole 6-7 months early! For fall shoots, booking usually takes place the spring prior (4-5 months ahead of time). Keep this in mind for planning! It’s always better to reach out early than to reach out too late.
• 2. Book hair and makeup appointments for the day of your shoot.
  • This one is one of the most important and perhaps overlooked steps in the process. Getting professional hair and makeup done for your session is a fun way to not only celebrate and pamper yourself, but it takes all the pressure and stress off of having to get ready! (I won’t even get my own headshots done without these appointments!) Not to mention, it’s an opportunity for all of your favorite features to be highlighted! Hair and makeup for photography is more specialized than an every day look, and places like Lollie’s, Flaunt, and the Dry Bar are trained to help you look your absolute best!
• 3. Review the style guide and pick your props!
  • These are must-haves for your session preparation! (Linked in the title!)
• 4. Pick up your cap & gown
  • Spring Graduation Gear Up is scheduled for March, so don’t miss it! We usually only take a handful of images in your cap and gown, but they are great to have for those graduation-themed instagram posts and announcements! Plus, Mom loves them! 😉
  • Don’t have your cap and gown yet? A lot of girls borrow from friends. I also have an extra set on hand if needed, but will need a heads up prior to our date!
• 5. Consider your favorite memories from college
  • I lived up my senior year. I was going through a lot emotionally, but I said “yes” and “why the heck not” and “yolo” just about every week and ended up having the time of my life with my best friends. Some of the memories that stand out to me are OU/Texas weekend, borrowing rollerblades from sorority sisters on finals week and galavanting down the South Oval, late nights in Gaylord Hall editing video projects, talking walks around campus with friends, baking with roommates…Reflecting on these memories helps you to appreciate what you’ve been through – the good and the bad – for being a part of your story. I would also say this might help spark some location ideas, too! If there’s anywhere in particular you’ve spent a lot of time or have a stand-out memory from, be sure to let me know so that we can incorporate some sentimental and personalized spots along the way!