FSU Graduation Photography in the Summer
Preparing for graduation photos in the summer can be an exciting but nerve-wracking experience. Summertime in Tallahassee ain't no joke! It can easily push into the mid to upper 90s when the summer semesters end in July. Because of this, many graduates shy away from taking cap and gown photos at all! Despite the intense weather, there are several things you can do to make the experience much more enjoyable! Here are some tips to help you feel confident and ready for your big day
Choose the right outfit
Wear something comfortable and appropriate for the weather, but also something that makes you feel confident and represents your style. No matter where you choose to take your graduation photos, make sure to bring comfortable shoes for walking. Besides the general recommendations of safety and comfort, this is all down to personal preference. Whatever you decide to wear when we meet for your photoshoot can only be decided by the one person who truly matters, YOU. These are YOUR graduation photos so you should dress in a way that feels most natural to you.
Professional Hair & Makeup
This may not apply to all my graduates, but it's worth considering getting your hair and makeup professionally done to ensure that you look your best. If you choose to do it yourself, be sure to practice ahead of time and account for the heat! The last thing anyone wants is to spend hours on their makeup only to sweat it off moments after we step onto our location. This is, once again, all up to personal preference and down to the individual client. Whether you hire a professional or handle it yourself, I’ll make sure you look absolutely stunning when we capture your cap and gown images. I guarantee it!
Practice posing
Practice posing in front of a mirror to find your best angles and expressions. This will help you feel more comfortable and confident in front of the camera. As a photographer I will, of course, be helping you pose during the shoot. However, doing this before we meet can help you get more comfortable with the motions. Even for the most confident graduate, getting in front of the camera can be a little jarring. But it's my job to make sure you’re comfortable and look your best. Practicing poses will help you feel more natural in front of the camera. This allows us to get the most out of our shoot together.
Choose the right location
When choosing your location(s), it may be wise to look for areas with ample shade and seating areas for breaks between photos. The weather in Florida can be hot and humid during the summer, so taking a breather when necessary can relieve a lot of stress. There are several beautiful locations to choose from on the campuses of Florida State University. For a few ideas, try looking at one of my blogs where I go over a few of my favorite FSU locations for grad photos.
Remember, these locations are just a starting point, and there are many other beautiful spots on FSU and FAMU campuses to take photos. Getting creative with your locations will make sure these places are authentic and personal to you!
Stay hydrated and bring water
Graduation photos can be exhausting, and this is only exacerbated in the summer heat of Florida. Be sure to stay hydrated and bring a bottle of water with you to your photo shoot. I usually bring a smaller backpack cooler on all my grad shoots in the spring and summer, but it never hurts to have your own as well! This will help you feel refreshed and energized throughout the shoot. Additionally, drinking plenty of water will help keep your skin looking healthy and glowing in your photos.
Bring friends!
If you have friends graduating with you, consider taking photos together. This can be a fun way to celebrate your accomplishments and create lasting memories! Shameless plug here, but I do offer group discounts for friends or family that are graduating together! You can contact me to discuss group pricing here. This is a great way you can save some money, get memorable photos with friends, and still get your own personalized cap and gown photography!
Remember to relax and have fun during your photo shoot. Graduating is a big accomplishment, and your photos are a great way to commemorate this special time in your life. If you or a family member are graduating soon, check out my graduation pricing page then contact me to book your cap and gown pictures. I’d love to work with you!
