A young woman in a white lace dress holding a blue graduation cap with a navy blue tassel standing at the El Paso Municipal Garden with colorful blooming flowers and green trees.

The Session Guide

Graduation

JasminCPhoto

Black and white stencil drawing of champagne popping.
A woman in a red dress and black graduation gown stands at White Sands National Park, tossing her graduation cap into the air during sunset.

Let’s create the photos of your dreams.

Welcome, friend! If you made it here, that means you must be trusting me with your photos. I can’t wait! This guide is your one-stop shop to prepare for your photoshoot...

Showing up to a location is just not enough to create photos that you’re going to loveee! So, get comfy, and take a few minutes to walk through this guide! I promise you, it will be worth it!

Young man with a beard and brown hair wearing a black graduation cap with blue tassel, black polo shirt, and blue jeans, standing at El Paso Community College with trees and benches in the background, crossing his arms and smiling.

What To Wear & Picking Your Outfits

What you wear can make or break your photos!

Take into account the location you are shooting at and the season you are shooting in. The location has its own vibe, colors, textures, and theme.

What are we going to have you wearing? What will look best against the backdrop? What makes most sense in that scene?

You want to stand out from your surroundings, but still look like you belong and fit there.

Graduation graduate walking through a decorative stone archway holding a blue gown, smiling with trees and a building in the background.

Choosing Your Colors

I always recommend neutrals, whites, creams, and earthy-toned colors that visually fit into the natural/earthy surroundings we are shooting in!

You want to avoid the bright and aggressive colors and tones that just don’t look like they belong in a natural setting, because they will stand out and will end up looking out of place in your photos!

Avoid busy patterns and logos. Simple patterns or solid colors work best for timeless photos.

A stencil drawing of a flower vine.
2 circle color swatches.
2 circle color swatches.
A young woman in a purple graduation gown and sash smiling, standing outdoors on a sidewalk with greenery and buildings in the background. She is holding a purple graduation cap in the air and kneeling on one knee with one hand on her hip.

Check out these Pinterest Boards…

A black and white illustration of balloons.
Inspo for Girls
Inspo for Guys

Make sure your outfits…

…have movement.

A young woman in a white dress standing barefoot at White Sands National Park, holding a graduation cap in the air. The background shows a scenic view of distant sand dunes and a pastel-colored sky.

Make sure you can move in your outfit very easily, and it's a huge added bonus if the piece itself moves as well!

TRY: Flowy, airy, fun, textured, soft, etc.

AVOID: Stiff, crisp, business, constricted, etc.

…are timeless.

Look for something you won't regret wearing in 5 years. Maybe something that has already stood the test of time. Use what I call: "The 5 and 5 rule." 5 years ago you could have probably worn it, and in 5 years you could still wear it!

Make sure it screams you!

Whether it's something old or new! At the end of the day, these photos should showcase you.

A stencil drawing of a bouquet of flowers.

…feel like you!

What To Bring to your session

To make the most of your session, here are a few things you can bring:

  • Water: It’s nice to stay hydrated during our time together.

  • Touch-up items: Hairbrush, makeup, or a small mirror for quick fixes.

  • Extra Shoes: If the location you choose requires a lot of walking, bring an extra pair of comfy shoes!

  • Outfit options: If you want to change looks during the session, feel free to bring a second outfit.

  • Props or meaningful items: Flowers, champagne, instrument, signs, balloons, jackets, or anything that adds personal touches to your photos.

Don’t overthink it—focus on what makes you and your partner feel comfortable and connected. My goal is to capture your authentic moments, so anything that helps you feel like you is perfect!

Black and white line drawing of a flower bouquet with lilies and other blossoms, wrapped in paper with a ribbon, on a black background.
Outline drawing of a pair of high-heeled shoes.
A black and white cartoon illustration of two champagne glasses clinking.

FAQs

  • If the weather is looking bad, I always keep in touch with clients a few days before. Anything from cloudy to sunny is not something I reschedule for, but intense rain, dust storms, or unsafe weather is something I am happy to reschedule with no extra fees.

  • Let me know ! I have so many ideas, don’t worry. Try to follow the guidelines in this guide, as well as the Pinterest boards with inspo. Message me photos, and bring options to your shoot! We’ll make sure you look amazing. :)

  • Your final gallery will be delivered within two weeks after your session.

    A rush turnaround gallery option is available for an extra $200 add-on fee.

  • Through your client portal! Just email me back from any of the emails I’ve sent to you. And a week out from your photoshoot, I’ll send you a confirmation email!

  • Yes! Family members and friends are always welcome to join us during your session. However, if you do plan to include them in your photos, please let me know so I can plan ahead.

  • I do not. I believe that natural and real is the most beautiful and authentic way to be photographed, and it’s for that reason that I don’t offer heavy retouching and editing. I edit lighting, colors, spot edit temporary blemishes and smooth out skin texture.

See you soon…

I can’t wait!