Getting Organized for Your Session


I am just as excited about your session as you are! Something I recommend for my grads year after year is making sure they have a few things to make them feel good at the session. Now let's get into it!



The Must-Haves


  1. Cap & Gown: Ideally, I would make sure you have them on some sort of hanger. Some grad robes, especially lighter colors, can easily show wrinkles.
  2. Grad Tassel: For some reason, the tassel seems to be the thing that gets lost or broken the easiest. I would keep it somewhere safe, like a smaller compartment in your bag. They fall off caps ALL the time!
  3. Graduation Stole or Cords: If you have any cords, stoles, or hoods, it is often helpful to have them placed on top of the robe before you leave so nothing gets lost!
  4. Comfortable shoes for walking around: I probably will also think your heels are so freakin' cute, but they can get uncomfortable quickly if we are walking around. Flip-flops or sandals are a staple!
  5. Water Bottle: Stay hydrated!
  6. Makeup and Personal Care: For any necessary touch-ups throughout the session. Common items are things such as hair brushes, lip gloss, concealer, powder, hairspray, a small mirror, deodorant, etc.
  7. Bobbi-Pins: I promise you, your cap will look so much better pinned to your head than wearing it across your forehead! I did this for my own graduation. It's a super easy hack - just get the color closest to your hair!

The Extra Special

  1. Any awards or honors you received: If you have anything you would like to show off (job acceptance letters, certification forms, honors papers, trophies, rewards, superlatives), please let me know! For paper forms, I would suggest placing them in a folder.
  2. Props that represent your interests, major, or hobbies: Paint brushes, children's books, soccer balls, stethoscopes, books - really anything that makes you feel the most "you."
  3. Champagne: I always recommend buying two of the cheapest bottles you can find because no one really sees the bottle in the photos, and that way, we have two chances to get the perfect shot. Also, in group sessions, this allows us to do one solo photo, as well as a group moment too.
  4. Confetti Canon: I just ask you please look into environmental-safe options since 99.9% of the confetti is going to get blown away, and it is very hard to clean up. Not only is this bad for local animals, but Universities also tend to get upset about plastic pieces all over campus. Amazon has plenty of biodegradable options!
  5. Anything else you feel will best tell your story!


As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to reach out! I can't wait to see you - much love!


xxx,

Malisa