When to schedule college graduation photos

Schedule your college graduation photos after graduation.

If you’re planning to stick around Columbus after graduation — even if only for a few days — schedule your college graduation photos after Commencement weekend. You’ll have campus virtually all to yourself, which makes for a very private-feeling and effortless session. If that’s still not enough reason to book in May, consider the huge positive impact this will have on your mental health. The month leading up to commencement will be packed with endless commitments, papers, presentations, finals, farewells, and having your family in town. Adding photos into the mix will add more stress to your plate. You deserve to be 100% present during your session, with all the chaos of grad season behind you!

Images above were taken at sessions scheduled after commencement weekend in May. Convinced yet?

If you really can’t wait, consider scheduling in March (or early April).

You can have your photoshoot as soon as you have your cap & gown – there’s no reason to wait until the last minute before graduation. In fact, I strongly suggest you don’t. The magnolias & other flowering trees on campus usually bloom in late March until early April, giving a nice pop of color you can’t get any other time of year.

You can usually avoid most of the crowds early in the Spring, especially on weekdays or in the mornings (if the temperature is tolerable). March weather is unpredictable, but a couple balmy days always peek their way in! Chat with your photographer about flexible scheduling and what happens if it rains. For my March grads, I pencil them in for a few consecutive days on the calendar, and once we can scan the weather forecast, we pick the best weather day to meet up. I’m so thankful for this flexibility in my schedule because it allows us to capture moments like these!

Now, the burning question: can you still schedule your college graduation photos close to graduation? Absolutely! This is the standard M.O., so you’ll be in good company. Now, keep in mind that many photographers (including me!) will keep Commencement week blocked off intentionally for rain reschedules and will not take new bookings during that time, so plan ahead.

For best availability, reach out to photographers 6+ months in advance. I commonly get inquiries a year in advance. Clients who pre-book get first access to the calendar in January of graduation year, so it definitely pays off to reach out as early as possible and secure your spot.

Scheduling your session on a weekday is good, scheduling early in the morning is best. No matter what though, you should skip the professional photos on commencement day itself. Save that day for being with your family and friends, and enjoy the moment you worked so hard for!

If you’re graduating in December, September is a great time for fall graduation photos. The weather is mild and sunny and you’ll get your photos back before Commencement Day. Alternatively, you can wait until winter break when campus is quiet. December still has pockets of good weather, and you can always use indoors locations if that’s more your style. Remember these are your photos, so the sky’s the limit for creativity!