The three most important Ps of Graduation Photos: Props, Poses, and Personality.

Let me guess: you're graduating soon and you're either really excited for your photos or the thought of taking photos makes you want to hide under your cap and gown? You're not alone. Wherever you fall, almost every client walks up to me and says something like, "I'm going to need some serious help here. I have no clue how to pose."

Here's the thing though: you know way more than you think you do. My job isn't to turn you into a professional model. It's to help you feel comfortable, relaxed, and confident so your photos actually look like you at your absolute best.

Prop it up

The first P. . . Props. Sure, your cap and gown are the obvious starting point, but props are where we get to tell your real story. They're not just random accessories thrown in for Instagram. They're little pieces of who you are, what you've accomplished, and where you're headed next.

I love props because they give your hands something to do (goodbye awkward arm syndrome) and they add personality to your photos. Over the years, I've seen some pretty amazing choices:

The classics: Cap, gown, and stole. Timeless and elegant. You can't go wrong here. A lot of people don't like wearing the cap but it still makes a great prop to hold or throw.

The casual cool: Sunglasses bring out personality and add a little style to the day

The celebration: Champagne or beer because you earned it. I've had some people color coordinate the bottle to their outfit or bring their favorite liquor. For my Georgia Tech grads the beer to bring is Budweiser.

The elegant: Flowers or a bouquet add color and softness to any shot.

Show off your major: One client posed with a bench built by the company they were joining. Another brought her childhood stuffed animal who got her through all her years of school. A mechanical engineer even broke out their welding helmet for some workshop shots. Locations can add a lot to these props as well.

The best props feel authentic to you.

Don't stress about bringing everything yourself. I'm always happy to brainstorm ideas or even pick up supplies beforehand. And I bring an extra bag so we can move between locations without you feeling like a pack mule.

At the end of the day, props aren't about checking boxes off some Pinterest board. They're about telling your story in a way that feels real.

Posing Without the Panic

Let's get real for a second. Standing in front of a camera feels weird for most people. I hear "I'm just not photogenic" or "I don't like the way X looks in pictures" at least once during every session. If that sounds like you, welcome to the club. You're in excellent company.

Here's what I need you to know: you don't have to show up knowing how to pose. That's literally what you're paying me for. Your only job is to show up and be yourself. I'll handle the rest.

Most of us are our own worst critics. We zoom in on things about ourselves that other people never even notice. For me, it's that one of my eyes squints more than the other. I see it in every photo, but honestly? No one else has ever mentioned it.

That's totally normal, and it's why I start every session by setting a baseline with you. I'll show you photos as we go so you can see yourself through my lens. If you'd like, you can share a few favorite photos of yourself, just to understand what makes you feel confident. I might ask things like:

"Do you have a favorite side?"

"What's your favorite feature?"

"Is there anything you'd like me to keep in mind?"

By talking it through, we create our own language. Instead of trying to "fix" things you don't love, we focus on highlighting what makes you feel amazing.

When Real Moments Happen and Personality Shines

One of my favorite parts of any shoot is watching the exact moment when forced smiles disappear and real laughter takes over. At first, feeling a little awkward is completely normal. But here's the secret: the best photos almost always come from the in-between moments, when you're relaxed and enjoying yourself.

That's why I use conversation and movement to help you loosen up. Sometimes I'll throw out something completely random, other times I'll just go with whatever we're already talking about. The goal isn't to force anything. It's just creating space for your real personality to show up.

Movement is huge too. Something as simple as walking can bring out natural energy and confidence without you even realizing it. For groups, I have this pose I call the "drunk stumble" where everyone holds hands and pretends they're walking home after a great night out. It gets people laughing, bumping into each other, and looking at their friends instead of staring at my camera. That shift from performing to just being with your people? That's where the magic happens.

My Go-To Moves (That Actually Work)

I don't believe in cookie-cutter posing. What works perfectly for one person might feel completely unnatural for another. My approach is always flexible: we try things, see how they feel, and adjust until it looks and feels right for you.

That said, there are a few posing categories I come back to because they create space for natural movement:

Standing shots: They're relaxed, flattering, and perfect for easing into the whole experience.

The cap toss: Classic, celebratory, and always full of energy. Plus, it gives you something to do with your hands.

Sitting poses: Versatile and grounded. Great for switching up angles and trying different backdrops.

Here's the most important part: if something doesn't work, we laugh it off and move on. No pressure, no judgment. Photography should feel collaborative, not like you're being put through some weird performance test.

It's About More Than Just Looking Good

At the end of the day, graduation photos aren't about nailing some "perfect" pose you saw on Instagram. They're about celebrating who you are at this incredible milestone moment. My goal is to make our session feel fun, relaxed, and completely authentic to you, so your photos don't just show a smile. They tell your story.