WEDDINGS
TRAVEL
TIPS & TRICKS
PROPOSALS
PRINTS
PERSONAL
NEWBORNS
MATERNITY
HEADSHOTS
GRADUATION
FAMILIES
ENGAGEMENTS
COUPLES
BROWSE ALL CATEGORIES
read the post
how to include dogs at photo shoots
read the post
how to prepare for engagement photos
read the post
why hire a wedding coordinator
read the post
A+B's gibson island club wedding
read the post
V+A's tranquility farm wedding
TOP POSTS
SEARCH THE BLOG
MORE ABOUT ME
Proud pup mom, type A creative, lover of the outdoors, Top Chef fan girl, and wedding and portrait photographer. Welcome to the blog!
HI, I'M RACHEL!
welcome!
micro WEDDINGS
elopements
I recently shared graduation photo tips, and today I’m rounding out those tips with group graduation photo tips.
Group graduation photos are a little different than graduation photo sessions for one or two people. So today I’m going to walk you through my group graduation photo tips.
I typically work with one point of contact (POC) when booking and preparing for group graduation photos. This makes it way easier for me to stay organize and prepare the group for their photo session. I will send that POC lots of prep info, including investment details, a Style Guide, relevant blog posts, what will happen leading up to the session, where to meet, etc.
That point person should send all of that information to the group of grads who will be participating in the session. If you’re one of the group members, make sure to read through all of this info thoroughly. That way everyone is one the same page and can be prepared for the session.
At your group graduation photo session, we’ll be taking individual photos of each participant, in addition to photos of the whole group and smaller groups. I do individual photos back to back. That means there will be a chunk of time where you will be waiting while your friends have their photo taken. For example, if you are in a group of ten people, you will be waiting while your nine friends have their individual photos taken.
Mentally prepare for that wait time. You can plan to hang out with your other friends and catch up, play a game, or take cell phone pics. Just make sure to be respectful of others using the space, especially if we’re in a public place like a memorial or monument.
You’ll also want to give your friends privacy as they have their individual photos taken. It can be a lot of pressure to have a group of friends watching you have your pic taken!
Part of the fun of doing group graduation photos is getting photos with your friend group! We’ll be taking a lot of group photos in addition to your individual portraits. I have some standard poses I like to do with groups. But if you have specific poses or ideas in mind, please let me know ahead of time via your questionnaire or through email. That way I’m prepared and can make time to work in those shots.
This is an important one! Especially for larger groups. With group graduation photos there is definitely an atmosphere of fun and playfulness. I’m totally on board with that! I also want to make sure we utilize your time in the most efficient way so we get all the photos you want. What really helps me do that is when all participants pay attention to instruction. Be willing to quiet down and pay attention when I’m addressing the group.
It’s also super helpful if everyone is ready when it’s their turn. For individual photos, it’s helpful if the people waiting create a lineup so they know who will be going next. (The person who arranged the shoot can take charge and make this happen.) And while you’re waiting, go ahead and put on the regalia you want to include in your first individual photo.
As I said in the post on graduation photo tips, props can be both fun and stressful. Decide as a group what, if any, props you want to include in your group graduation photos.
My suggestion for larger groups is to limit it to one prop – usually a champagne spray. Your caps act as a built-in prop that we’ll utilize for some fun photos, so you already have that as a secondary prop. And making time for a third item takes way time from the rest of the photos you’ll want.
If you’re going to do a champagne spray, I suggest everyone in the group get the exact same brand. That way it looks cohesive and uniform in your spray and cheers photos.
Did this post get you excited to book your own graduation photos, headshots, or branding session?! If yes, send me a note and we can chat about what you have in mind: contact me
Hi – I’m Rachel! A wedding, engagements, and headshots photographer in Washington, D.C., Maryland, and northern Virginia. I love helping individuals and couples feel comfortable and confident in front of the camera. If you’re a dog owner, that’s a plus! I’m currently booking 2023 portrait sessions, micro-weddings, and elopements, as well as 2023-2024 weddings.
HELLO@RACHELEHPHOTOGRAPHY.COM
Get updates, tips and tricks, and specials to your inbox!
Subscribe here
Back to Top
Rachel is a wedding and portrait photographer
Serving brilliant, elegant couples in Washington D.C. + Beyond
Copyright 2022 Rachel E.H. Photography | Website by Alex Collier Design
she / her