Graduation Pictures: A List of Must-Have Photos

Graduation is here! You have worked hard. But, the COVID-19 Pandemic has changed the landscape of traditional celebrations. There is hope. We can still capture the moment and make some memories with some snappy graduation pictures. Keep this checklist to capture your must-have poses …

*** I love this picture! Use signs and props to make your photos fun. Pictured here is

Dr. Brenda Seegmiller and her husband, December 2019.

The List:

The Professional Portrait

Create one, old-school, yearbook style shot. Simple, but this is the one you can show Grandma.

Looking Back Over the Shoulder

With your body facing forward, look back and give your best smile. Had to include this -- its my mom’s favorite.

Holding the Diploma

Smile and show off that diploma.

Hugs with the Family

Make sure to get pics with family and friends being mindful of COVID requirements. Here’s an idea -- If you can’t actually be next to them, hold a picture of them to get them in a shot.

Dominate the Books

I love the pictures I am seeing of students who stack their books and lean or sit on them. Be sure to show the spines so the titles of the books will make the shot.

Screenshot with School Logo

Online learning has been a mainstay. Pull up a picture of your school on the screen and get a shot sitting at your desk with the screen visible.

Pose with Signs & Logo-Props

Get a sign and make some props. Banners are super cute. Last year one of my doctoral students posed with her husband who was holding a sign, “I survived her DNP” and it was such a favorite others joined in.

Throw Confetti, Pop the Bubbly, Toss the Cap

Get some confetti and get a picture as you throw it up to celebrate. You can do the same with a bottle of bubbly. You may be the only graduate, but let that cap fly and get a good picture.

Graduation Objects

Still photos of your graduation cap, books, notebook, a school coffee mug, admission letter, or other memorabilia can make for great shots.

Free-Style

It’s your graduation! Be creative and celebrate your accomplishment …

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See for YOURSELF

Links to some incredible photoshoots:

Alexsandra Galbreath Photography. (2016). Morgan, OSU, https://www.alexandragalbreathphoto.com/blog/2016/3/morgan

My Click Journal. (2020). 15 Unique Indoor Graduation Pictures,

https://myclickjournal.com/15-indoor-graduation-picture-ideas/

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To learn more about me and my projects, please visit my website dnpmollyb.org.

Molly J. Bradshaw DNP, APRN, FNP-BC, WHNP-BC

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Dr. Bradshaw is an Associate Professor and DNP Program Coordinator at Eastern Kentucky University. She is a practicing nurse practitioner at First Choice Immediate Care, in Columbia, KY. DNPmollyB, LLC is dedicated to helping others be successful by sharing knowledge and experience.