Graduation Photography Tutorial

Graduation photography celebrates a big milestone – capturing pride, joy and the gown-and-cap moment. The keys are flattering light, relaxed posing, and being ready for candid celebration. Here’s how to take great graduation photos.

In lieu of the COVID-19 pandemic, many college and university students have not been able to graduate with a full ceremony. And that means there were lots of students missing out on their iconic graduation portraits.

We were contacted by our local friend Nicola who runs the fantastic camera strap company Ohh Strap! (where you can pick up branded iPhotography camera straps if you’d like by the way).

Graduation Photography Tutorial by iPhotography.com

Nicola wasn’t able to attend her universities graduation ceremony due to COVID-19 so we wanted to help her out. She came to our iPhotography studio, and we took turns in taking formal and creative graduation portraits.

We split this tutorial into 2 parts to show the different approaches both me and my fellow photographer Rebecca Santo had for this shoot.

Join us as we look at cheap, easy and effective ways you can re-create your own graduation photography at home.

For more, read our guide to portrait photography tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I take good graduation photos?

Use flattering light (open shade or golden hour), pose the graduate relaxed and proud with the cap and gown, capture both posed portraits and candid celebration, and watch for clean backgrounds on a busy day.

What settings are best for graduation photography?

A wide-ish aperture (f/2.8-f/5.6) to blur busy backgrounds, a shutter fast enough for movement and cap-throws, and a low ISO in good light. Continuous autofocus helps for candid action.

How do I pose someone for graduation photos?

Keep it relaxed and proud, holding the scroll, adjusting the cap, a confident stance, and a genuine smile. Mix formal portraits with candid moments of celebration with friends and family.

How do I photograph a cap throw?

Use burst mode and a fast shutter (1/1000s+), focus on the graduates, and time it on a count. Shoot wide enough to catch the caps in the air, and take several attempts to get everyone’s expression.

What is the best background for graduation photos?

A clean, uncluttered background, the campus, attractive architecture, or greenery, that says graduation without distraction. Use a wide aperture to blur busy crowds behind the graduate.