As a recent graduate, finding the perfect graduation dress was one of the most difficult and annoying parts of my college experience. I was obsessed with finding the dress of my dreams and one that stood out among all the others. I had a vision and I was determined to make it happen. I searched and searched for dresses at malls, online, and even at thrift stores. After purchasing close to 20 dresses and truly hating all of them, I was defeated. I went back to my inspo for graduation photos I had to put together on Pinterest and really looked at the dresses worn in them. I realized while some of the dresses had unique features, many of them were just a simple, solid colored dress. That’s when I realized I didn’t need a crazy, fantastical dress, I just needed the right photographer who could capture my vision. 

Your gown covers most of the dress

First of all, what really makes a graduation photo a graduation photo is the cap and gown in your school’s colors. Worrying too much about the dress you’ll be wearing under your gown is just unnecessary stress since it’s mostly covered. The right photographer will understand this fact and still be able to give you that uniqueness in your pictures. 

Finding your style

I’d say the first step in finding the right photographer is knowing what style you want your pictures to be in. Creating a mood board/Pinterest board is a great way to go about finding your style. Searching key words like “unique graduation pictures” or “ethereal graduation pictures” will give you so many different ideas. Then whenever you see something you like, just add it to your inspiration board. 

Finding your photographer 

I got lucky with finding my photographer since I have a friend who is a professional photographer. She also happens to take photos in the style I was wanting to go for. But not everyone will have the good fortune I had. There are a few ways to find photographers for graduation pictures. Checking social media will give you tons of options. You can search on platforms like Instagram using hashtags like #gradphotographer. You can also add in your school’s name to find more local photographers. Websites like ThumbTack (https://www.thumbtack.com/k/graduation-photographers/near-me) will give you rated photographers in your specific area. Students studying photography are also a great option as they are usually eager to jump at any opportunity to use their skills and you will most likely get a cheaper price. 

Matching photographer to style

It’s important to communicate exactly how you want your pictures to look to the photographer you choose. If it isn’t something the photographer has experience with or doesn’t think they’ll be able to give you what you want, it’s best to listen to them. Always try to look at their previous work and see if their style matches what you are going for. 

At the end of the day, no one is going to remember the dress you wore under your gown, including yourself. They will remember the photos that capture your style while showing off your new accomplishment and milestone of graduating. Finding that “perfect” dress doesn’t need to be a stressful event during a time that should be all about joy and new beginnings. The right photographer will transform a look with a simple dress into a memorable moment and create the graduation photo of your dreams.

Is the dress or graduation photographer more important? Tell us what you think in the comments!