First off, congrats!
If you’re graduating from UC Berkeley (or another Bay Area college), here are a few things you should figure out before you book your grad photos.
1. *THE MOST IMPORTANT* Don’t wait until graduation weekend
This is probably the biggest one.
If you want photos around UC Berkeley’s campus, you’ll have a lot more flexibility if you take them before graduation ceremonies. Spring gets especially busy, and popular spots can get crowded with other graduates, families, and photographers.
Additionally, Bay Area photographers get drastically more expensive the closer to graduation you get. Like upwards of $1,000 expensive. See my blog about Bay Area grad photo pricing :)
Don't fret if you don't have your cap and gown yet -- you also don’t necessarily need to take your photos in them. Some of my favorite grad photos are a mix of:
- A great outfit
- A college sweatshirt or T-shirt
- An outfit that matches your post-grad plans
- Props (sunglasses, a stethoscope, a book...)
Depending on your photography package, you can usually bring a couple of outfits and change during the session.
2. Pick a photographer whose vibe you like (not just style)
This is almost as important as booking early!! There are lots of photographers offering Bay Area graduation photography, and you can usually tell from their website (check their "About" sections) their personality. Every Berkeley graduation photographer should be able to capture what you want but at the end of the day, someone who you feel comfortable around is what will make or break how you actually look.
Some things to look out for when choosing your graduation photographer:
- Do they seem outgoing or introverted?
- Do you like the photos on their website?
- Usually a photographer will ask you for what vibe you want for your photos and professionals should be able to carry out your vision.
- Do they know how to pose people in the photos or do people look unnatural? (I promise, this is actually very important!)
You're hiring a photographer to deliver photos for YOU. Make sure you'll actually be comfortable around them!
3. Think about what pictures you actually want
“Grad pictures” can mean pretty different things to different people. Do you want beautiful portraits of yourself? Photos with your friends? Pictures with your parents? Photos that feel very Berkeley? Probably some combination of all four.
Before your session, think about the people and places you want included. For example, a UC Berkeley grad photo session might include:
- Portraits around campus
- Sather Gate
- Campanile
- A special building or department
- Photos with roommates or friends (at your house, even??)
- Family photos (if family is in town)
- More casual, candid photos
- Your cap, stole, cords, or other graduation details
You don't need to come in with a perfectly planned Pinterest board, but having a general idea of what matters to you makes it much easier for a photographer like me to build a session around your college experience.
4. Don't book a really long session
This isn't just a way to not spend upwards of $1,000 on grad pics. As a photographer, all the best photos are at the beginning of the shoot. It's exhausting to be in front of the camera and people's smiles and cute poses get weary as the shoot goes on. This is why I offer sessions from 20-75 mins max. I usually recommend staying in this range for a grad session, depending on how many locations and people you want to include.
Note: 20 mins can absolutely work for one outfit and locations very close to each other, but if you want multiple outfits, locations, friends, and family, you'll probably want more breathing room.
5. Bring the little things
The tiny details can end up being some of your favorite photos.
Consider bringing:
Your cap and gown
Graduation cords or stoles
Props that represent what you studied or what you're doing next
College sweatshirt or T-shirt
A bouquet
Your favorite book or campus-related item
Confetti (if allowed!) or champagne
And don't forget to iron or steam your gown before your session. Wrinkles show up surprisingly harshly in photos.
If you're looking for UC Berkeley graduation photography or grad photos in Berkeley or the Bay Area, I'd love to help you make something that feels personal, fun, and very you.
Visit my website here to book for Cal graduation photos:
