Everything You Need to Know Before Your Grad Session


Grad season is right around the corner and I’m excited to announce my 2026 grad guide is officially here! If you are graduating this guide will help you through the process of booking your grad session. It is also full of grad outfit inspiration, prop recommendations, and all of my tips and tricks that will help you have the grad session of your dreams!

How To Book Your Grad Session


1. Fill out the contact form on my website

Go to my website and fill out the contact form HERE to get started! Please specify that you are looking to book a grad session and you can expect an email response within 2-5 business days. If you do not hear from me you can always email me at isabel@isabelmariephotography.com to make sure I received your contact form.


2. Email Correspondence

I will email you the 2026 grad interest form to fill out so I can get more details about you and your ideal grad session. Once I receive your form I’ll email you my availability and we will finalize a date and time that works best for you!


3. Confirming Your Booking

Once we select a date I’ll send you a session invite via email for you to confirm your booking. This is a very important step to make sure the session is confirmed on my calendar!


4. Payment Schedule

Along with the session confirmation I’ll email you an invoice that is separated into three payments. You’ll receive automated email payment reminders. Below is the payment schedule:

  • 30% non-refundable retainer: due at booking to secure your date.
  • 20% secondary payment: due two weeks prior to your session (non-refundable once paid). 
  • Remaining 50% balance: due on the day of your session.


5. Sign The Grad Contract

The final step is signing the grad contract. It is a standard agreement that outlines the terms of the grad session including session date, payment obligations, cancellation policy, and more. I will email this contract to you along with the booking confirmation and invoice. If you ever have any specific questions about the contract feel free to contact me!


6. Finalize Your Booking

Your grad session will be finalized once you confirm your booking, pay the 30% non-refundable retainer, and sign the contract. 

Book Your Grad Session

Fill out the contact form below to get started

BOOK HERE

What To Wear To Your Grad Session

Picking an outfit

The most important thing is picking something you feel confident and comfortable in! Pick a color that matches or compliments your school colors. Express yourself! Pick your favorite color or a fun outfit if it feels authentic to you. If you need inspiration you can check out my ShopMy list of grad dresses and accessories.


It’s also important to consider where you are taking your pictures and the colors that will be in the background. If your campus or location has a colorful background it might be best to choose a neutral color or one that will compliment those colors. 


Another factor to consider is functionality and comfort. Sometimes it can be windy which causes dresses to fly up or move around. Make sure to wear nude colored spandex or shorts underneath so you feel comfortable during your session. Also consider the type of undergarments your dress requires and make sure they aren’t visible in your pictures. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable and confident during your session!

Second Outfits

Your second outfit is meant to be fun! Find something that shows your personality or is related to your major. Not sure what to bring as your second outfit? Here are some ideas:

  • School gear
  • Business Outfit
  • A different colored dress
  • Club, organization, or sports team outfit
Graduate wearing a black dress and blue graduation stole with red embroidery poses outside Pepperdine Graziadio Business School.
A graduate in a black graduation stole and white dress poses outdoors against a backdrop of green trees.
A person wearing a gray sweater and sneakers browses books in a library aisle between tall shelving units.
A person wearing a Cal State Long Beach sweatshirt poses playfully between library bookshelves.
A group in summer dresses stands together on a grassy lawn with palm trees and blue pyramids in the background.
Graduate wearing yellow dress and black sash poses with decorative silver umbrellas by fountain during graduation photoshoot.

Prop & Accessory Ideas


Props are a fun way to spice up your grad pictures and make them more personal to you! Here are some ideas so you can get some inspiration:


Popular Grad Props:

  • Champagne
  • Confetti (biodegradable)
  • Flowers
  • Pool floaties for the fountain
  • Sunglasses
  • Second stoles and tassels
  • Different color cap & gown
  • “2025” handheld balloons
  • Diploma holder
  • Flags
  • School gear
  • Foam fingers
  • Pom poms
  • Pendant
  • T-shirt or sweatshirt


Major Related Grad Props:

  • Lab coat
  • Gavel
  • Stethoscope
  • Books / Textbooks
  • Artwork/ newspaper/ magazine
  • Blazer (to take a LinkedIn headshot)
  • Anything specific to your major!
Students walking past red brick building entrance with yellow flowers blooming in landscaping.
Person in black sleeveless top drinks from water bottle in sunny outdoor garden setting.
Graduate in bright red academic regalia poses for photos during commencement ceremony under brick colonnade.
A graduate in a yellow dress and graduation stole celebrates with diploma and raised bottle outside the Hall of Science building.
A graduate in a white dress and blue sash poses with a pink and white floral bouquet against a palm tree backdrop.
A sequence of four photos shows a person in a white dress striking graceful dance poses on a sunny beach with ocean waves.
Graduate in blue cap and gown with decorative sash poses outdoors on sunny day with graduation tassel.
A series of graduation photos showing a person in a black top and yellow stole posing joyfully in a sunny park setting.
Graduation photos at California State University Fullerton campus showing graduate in blue cap and gown with orange sash.
Graduate in black cap and gown poses with books and diploma against backdrop of red flowers and green foliage.
Navy blue graduation cap and gown with champagne bottle arranged on concrete surface for celebratory photo.
Graduate in black cap and gown with yellow stole poses for graduation photos in outdoor campus setting.
A cheerleader poses in front of large yellow 'GO BEACH' letters with palm trees in the background.

Family, Pets, and Significant Others


Help & Support During Your Grad Session

A common question I get from grads is “Can I bring someone with me to my grad session?” and the answer is always yes. No matter what type of session you book you can bring someone with you to help you carry your stuff and offer moral support. This could be a family member, friends, or significant other. Please let me know who you’re planning on bringing ahead of time!


Loved Ones Participating in Your Grad Session

If you would like to include family members, pets, or significant others into your grad session, the Deluxe Grad Package is your best option. This package includes an hour and 30 minute session which accommodates the extra time it takes for family pictures, pet pictures, or couple pictures. If you are planning on bringing a pet, please make sure there is someone who can watch them during the session.


Please note this is NOT a group grad session. It allows your loved ones to jump in a few shots and be a part of your final gallery. If your significant other or sibling is also graduating it is best to select a group grad package that includes individuals and group pictures. If you’re unsure if your package includes loved ones, please reach out and I’ll let you know!

Graduate in black cap and gown holds and kisses small white dog during outdoor graduation photo session.
A group of friends pose together on a sunny beach with a diploma, celebrating graduation.
A couple poses together on a beachside walkway with palm trees and ocean views at sunset.

Before Your Grad Session

Grad Session Packing List

  • Cap and gown (bring to use as a prop even if you don’t want to wear them!)
  • Stole(s)
  • Cords
  • Hoods and other grad regalia (if masters or doctorate)
  • Extra pair of shoes to walk in
  • Towel (to sit on or to use after champagne spray/ fountain)
  • Any props you'd like:
  • Champagne (bring an extra to be safe)
  • Confetti (get biodegradable paper confetti)
  • Flowers
  • Anything related to your major
  • Extra outfit (if included in your package)
  • Blazer (to take a LinkedIn headshot)
  • Bobbi pins, hair brush, makeup, personal care items etc.
  • Water and snacks
  • Tote bag to carry everything
  • Bonus: bring a friend or family member to help you carry everything!

Prep For Your Grad Session

Here are some of my tips and tricks to help prepare for your upcoming grad session!

  • Order your grad gear as soon as possible especially if you want a custom stole!
  • Figure out what you want to wear and make sure it will arrive in time if you are shopping online. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable!
  • Book any necessary appointments (hair, makeup, nails etc.)
  • Coordinate with family members or significant others who are attending your session. Make sure they know where and when to meet you the day of your session.
  • Gather inspiration for your session! This is not required, but it’s fun to create a Pinterest board to get an idea of what you’d like. Feel free to share it with me so I can help you execute your vision!
  • Pack all your stuff and lay out your outfit the night before your session!

The Day of Your Grad Session:

What to expect:

  • I’ll text you the week of your session to coordinate a place to meet.
  • Please plan to arrive at least 15 minutes early and text me when you get there!
  • Feel free to create a playlist if you want to play music during your session.
  • I’ll help you with poses and I am always open to your ideas.
  • This is your grad session so the most important thing is to have fun!


Tips & Tricks:

  • Have a friend, family member, or significant other come with you to help carry your stuff and make you feel more comfortable.
  • Bring an extra bottle of champagne or confetti so you have more than one chance to get the perfect shot!
  • Make sure your second pair of shoes are easy to slip on and off!
  • If you’d like a professional headshot for LinkedIn bring a blazer or jacket to put over your outfit.
  • Bring a comfortable jacket that is easy to take on an off just in case you get cold
  • As cheesy as it sounds, be yourself!
A person in a black swimsuit and colorful red cape walks through an elegant columned hallway with sunlit arches.

After Your Grad Session

Final Gallery Delivery

Standard turnaround time: 3-5 weeks (expedited editing packages are available if needed)

  1. I’ll go through all the pictures and select the very best images to include in your final gallery. I keep location and poses in mind to make sure you get a variety of pictures. If you prefer to select the images that will be included in your final gallery you can add a “proof gallery” to your package for an additional fee.
  2. I’ll text you a few previews 1-2 weeks after your session. This is to give you a sneak peek and to make sure you have a few pictures for grad announcements or posting purposes.
  3. I will deliver your final grad gallery via Pixieset 3-5 weeks after your session. You’ll receive an email with a link to the gallery, a password, and download pin. Please download all your pictures to your phone and computer before the gallery expires (expiry date will be listed in the email).

Posting Etiquette

  • Please tag @isabelmariephotography on all posts! I love seeing your posts and hyping you up in the comments.
  • Please DO NOT alter the edited images (adding filters, modifying, etc.).


Client Testimonials

After your session I’ll email you asking you to fill out a client testimonial about your experience. I really appreciate the feedback and it helps grow my business!

Palm trees and tropical plants line a sunny walkway outside a white building with colorful accents.

Congrats Class of 2026! I can’t wait to meet you at your upcoming grad session! If you have any questions don’t hesitate to reach out: isabel@isabelmariephotography.com

Grad FAQ

How do I book a grad session?

Fill out the contact form and select "grad" as the type of shoot. I will get back to you with more info and help you schedule your session!

When is the best time to take grad pictures?

I recommend scheduling your grad pictures for March or April to make sure you get your pictures before graduation. If you do not need your pictures by a certain date anytime during spring or summer works just fine. Keep in mind the closer to graduation the busier your campus will be.

What do I need for a champagne spray?

I always recommend getting a cheap bottle of champagne like "Cook's" or "Andre" for your champagne spray. If you are worried about getting the perfect shot I recommend bring 2 bottles so you have two tries to get it right.

Where do grad sessions take place?

Most grads prefer to take their grad pictures on their college campus. Alternative options are the beach, a scenic outdoor location, or at a spot that feels meaningful to you. I’m happy to help recommend locations based on your style and vision.

Can I bring other people with me to my grad photoshoot?

Yes, you can! If you want someone to help you carry your stuff and be there for moral support etc. that is totally fine. If you want family members, significant others, pets etc. to participate in the photoshoot make sure your package includes that. If you bring a pet you need someone to watch them during the session.

What should I bring with me?

I alway recommend bringing a comfortable slip-on pair of shoes, towel, bobbi pins, safety pins, hair brush, and makeup for touch up.

What happens if it's forecasted to rain on my scheduled date?

If weather conditions are unfavorable, we will work together to reschedule or adjust plans as needed. Your experience and image quality are always the priority.

How will I receive my images?

Final images are delivered through an online gallery where you can download high-resolution files, and share with family and friends.

When should I expect to receive my final gallery?

You should expect to get your final edited gallery 3-5 weeks after your session date. If you have added a "Full Proof Gallery" to your grad package this timeline may vary based on how quickly you select your images. I have expedited editing options available if you need your final gallery sooner!

Do I get to choose my photos?

For most grad sessions, I carefully curate and edit the final images you receive. This allows me to deliver a cohesive, polished gallery that reflects my style and ensures the highest quality images from your session.

If you prefer to select your images yourself, I do offer a Client Image Selection / Full Proof Gallery upgrade. This add-on provides access to an unedited preview gallery so you can choose your favorite images for final editing.

This option is completely optional and can be added at booking or after your session.

What is a proof gallery?

A proof gallery is a collection of unedited images from your session. These images are lightly culled to remove duplicates, blinks, and test shots, but they are not fully edited and do not reflect the final polished look of delivered images.

If you purchase the proof gallery upgrade, you’ll be able to select your favorite images from this gallery, and only your chosen images will be fully edited and delivered.