Are you looking for a way to spice up your grad pictures? Props are a great way to make your grad session more personalized and unique to you! Here are some of my favorite grad props that I’ve had clients bring to their grad session. HERE is a list of some of my favorite grad props to get you started!

Champagne


The iconic champagne spray is a MUST for every grad session! You can hold up the champagne and use it as a prop until you are ready to pop it at the end of your session. I recommend buying inexpensive champagne and bringing 2 bottles so you have two chances to get the perfect spray!

Graduate celebrating in a fountain wearing gold academic stoles at a university campus.

Confetti


Confetti is a very popular grad prop and it makes for a great celebratory photo! Please be conscious of the type of confetti you buy and try to make sure it is biodegradable. Paper confetti tends to be better for the environment compared to the glitter confetti. Let’s keep campus as clean and green as possible during our grad sessions!

Graduate tossing confetti on campus steps while holding diploma and wearing graduation regalia.

Flowers


A bouquet of flowers is a great addition to any photoshoot! Pick your favorite flowers or something that pops against your outfit or school colors.

Graduate in cap and gown holding pink flower bouquet in garden with Summa Cum Laude sash.

Pool Floaties


If your campus has a fountain, pool floaties can be a very fun prop! This definitely has to be the last picture because you should be prepared to get wet. I recommend bringing a towel for after to dry off a bit before heading home.

Graduate lounging in campus fountain with decorative metal sculptures while wearing academic regalia.

Sunglasses


A fun pair of sunglasses can add a little personality to some of your pictures. They can be great for champagne pictures or to compliment another fun prop!

Person in black dress holding heart-shaped sign in garden setting.

Colorful Cap and Gown


This is a very creative prop I absolutely loved! You can get a cap and gown in one of your favorite colors to wear in some of your grad pictures. It’s a great way to add some more personality into your grad pictures.

Graduate posing under Cal State Fullerton entrance sign wearing pink floral dress and robe.

Handheld Balloons


Gold or silver foiled balloons are another popular prop for grad sessions. These small balloons could be the graduation year or something related to the grad’s major. Just make sure you keep them secure if it is a windy day!

Graduate with gold number balloons celebrating by campus fountain with metal sculptures.

Degree or Diploma Holder


If you take your grad pictures after you graduate you can bring your degree with you. Even if you haven’t received your actual degree yet, you can incorporate a diploma holder into your grad pictures. It’s a fun way to celebrate and commemorate your achievement!

Graduate displaying Cal State Long Beach diploma with Class of 2022 graduation stoles.

Flags


Flags are a great way to express your interests, background, or culture! It also makes for a great action shot by adding movement into the pictures.

Graduate holding Italian flag at USC campus with Tommy Trojan statue in background.

School Gear


School gear is always great for a grad session! Foam fingers, pom-poms, pendants, clothing, or anything else from your university bookstore are good options.

Student wearing Cal State Long Beach sweatshirt poses playfully in library book stacks.
Graduate wearing CSULB sweatshirt and cap posing in campus garden.
Group poses with yellow graduation stoles in front of campus fountain.

Major Related Items


Adding something special that represents your major or minor is a great way to personalize your pictures! If you are on a sports team you could also bring your jersey/ uniform or something that symbolizes your time on the team. Here are some major related grad prop examples:

  • Lab coat
  • Gavel
  • Stethoscope
  • Books / Textbooks
  • Artwork/ newspaper/ magazine
Graduate in cap and gown displays decorated graduation stoles outdoors.
Student in pink lab coat works with plant specimens in research laboratory.
Graduate wearing decorated sash poses in front of green campus landscaping.
Graduate in black gown and yellow stole poses near pink flowers.
Graduate takes photos in front of brick campus sign surrounded by landscaping.
Graduate in white dress and black stoles poses for graduation photos in park setting.

I hope this list can provide you with some inspiration for your upcoming grad session! HERE is my curated list of props if you need a place to start.