By Isabela Rosa – Graduation Photographer in Massachusetts

Graduating is a big deal—whether it’s high school, college, or a master’s degree, this moment deserves to be celebrated and remembered with beautiful, meaningful photos.

Whether you're planning your graduation photo session solo or with friends, siblings, or your partner, these tips will help you make the most of it.

As a Boston-based graduation photographer, I’ve had the joy of capturing emotional and joyful graduation sessions all across Massachusetts—from the charming streets of Andover (home to Phillips Academy) and the University of Massachusetts in Lowell, to the scenic parks of Cambridge with iconic schools like MIT and Harvard, and the vibrant campuses of Boston itself, including Boston College, Boston University (BU), Suffolk University, Tufts, Northeastern, and many more. I also work with graduates from Brandeis University and Bentley University in Waltham, both known for their beautiful campuses and academic excellence.

🎓 What to Wear for Your Graduation Session


What you wear has a huge impact on how you’ll feel (and look!) during your session. Here are my go-to tips:

  • Bring your cap and gown – These are classic symbols of this milestone and always make for timeless shots. We’ll take some with and without the gown for variety.
  • Dress confidently underneath – Think: a dress, jumpsuit, nice blouse, or a polished button-down and pants. Stick to solids or simple patterns and avoid logos.
  • Coordinate if you're with others – Matching isn’t necessary, but outfits should look balanced and complementary in tones.
  • Consider footwear – Bring comfy shoes, or switch them out for walking between spots. Heels look great in photos, but flats might save your feet!


A graduate in red academic regalia sits on a bench beneath a Boston University sign during commencement.
Graduate wearing orange and black commencement regalia with mortarboard cap poses outdoors with blossoming trees in background.
Graduate in black cap and gown with orange sash and blonde wavy hair stands in academic regalia for portrait.
A graduate in traditional black cap and gown with white collar smiles outdoors in a graduation portrait.
Five people wear matching white summer dresses as they walk together across a sunlit lawn.
Graduate student poses with diploma on waterfront with Boston city skyline and harbor in background.

✨ Graduation Props to Bring (Optional, but Fun!)

Props can add personality and flair to your photos, especially if you want a mix of formal and celebratory shots. Here are a few ideas:

  • Diploma or cover – Adds a classic touch.
  • Champagne bottle – Perfect for a joyful “pop” at the end!
  • Confetti or bubbles – Make sure confetti is biodegradable if we’re shooting outdoors.
  • Tassel, cords, or stole – Don’t forget these special details.
  • Letterboard or sign – Add your name, school, year, or even a funny quote.
  • Something personal – Bring an item that represents your field of study, culture, or story.
A group in white dresses poses together holding champagne bottles at a celebratory outdoor event.
A graduation photo at the University of Massachusetts Lowell South Campus entrance sign with spring flowers blooming.
A group wearing white dresses celebrating and posing joyfully in front of a stone building with manicured shrubs.
Five people in matching white outfits pose together on steps with drinks in front of a stone building with windows.
People in matching white outfits celebrate together on stone steps of an elegant building with champagne bottles.
Three graduates celebrating with champagne bottles on stone steps while wearing black graduation gowns.
Three graduates in black graduation gowns stand on stone steps celebrating together with enthusiastic gestures.
Graduates walk together in front of a grand stone academic building with tall windows on a sunny day.
Three graduates in caps and gowns celebrate joyfully with raised arms on a college campus lawn.
Three graduates in caps and gowns celebrate with a champagne toast on stone steps of a building.
A group of friends wearing light summer dresses stand laughing together outside a Gothic stone university building.
A group wears matching black jackets and white tennis skirts while standing together in front of stone building and garden.
A group in matching black sweatshirts and white skirts pose together in front of a stone building with manicured gardens.
A group in white dresses celebrates with champagne bottles under a stone archway on a sunny day.
A group in white dresses stands together laughing under a stone archway on a bright sunny day.

🎉 Bring Family, Friends, or Even Your Pet!


Graduation is a milestone worth sharing! If you’d like, feel free to bring your parents, siblings, best friends—or even your pet—to your graduation photo session. Including loved ones adds genuine emotion to your portraits and makes the experience even more special. As a graduation photographer in Boston and surrounding areas, I love capturing the connection between graduates and the people (or pets!) who supported them along the way. From proud parents to dogs in graduation caps, I’m here for the moments that matter. Family graduation photos and fun pet portraits are always welcome!

Brown mixed breed dog sitting with owner on outdoor stone steps in front of brick building entrance.
Brown and white dog wearing a collar lovingly interacts with person in a white t-shirt on a porch step.
A dog on a leash stands next to two people embracing on a sunny sidewalk beside a grassy lawn.
A person sits with two dogs outside a building with orange banners at the Bowling Green State University campus entrance.
A graduate in blue cap and gown holds a diploma while posing with two supporters on a tree-lined pathway.
Graduate celebrates by tossing cap in air while standing with family on brick pathway near brick building and trees.
A group stands together smiling by a waterfront with city buildings and boats in the harbor behind them.
A graduate in academic regalia holds their graduation diploma folder while sharing a joyful moment outdoors.
A group of friends strike a playful pose on a city bridge with urban skyscrapers in the background.
A graduate poses with family members under a circular metal arch structure in a green outdoor setting.
Three people stand on the stone steps of a grand neoclassical building with tall white columns and ornate wooden doors.
A graduate in white regalia poses with others in front of MIT's iconic domed building on graduation day.
A graduation celebration at MIT campus with graduates watching a mortarboard toss against the iconic dome building.

📸 Before Your Graduation Photoshoot


A few small steps can help you feel confident and relaxed during your graduation session:

  • Rest the night before – You’ll feel fresher and more energized.
  • Hydrate and eat beforehand – Especially if you’re popping champagne!
  • Think about the vibe you want – Casual and candid? More posed and elegant? We’ll mix both, but knowing your preference helps me guide you.
  • Don’t worry about posing – I’ll help you every step of the way with natural directions and gentle posing suggestions.


Graduation photos are more than just pictures—they’re a way to celebrate your hard work, mark a new beginning, and create something you (and your family!) will always treasure.

Whether you’re planning a session in Boston, Andover, or anywhere in Massachusetts, I’d love to help make it special.

📍 Looking for a graduation photographer in Massachusetts?

Let’s plan a session that reflects your style and story. Contact me or browse my website https://www.photosbyisabelarosa.com/graduation/ to get inspired!

Graduate in cap and gown poses on green railing by waterfront with city skyline in background.
A group of four people smiling outdoors with a city skyline and waterfront in the background.
A person in a white summer dress poses outdoors in a sunny park setting with lush green grass and trees.
A person in a white sundress and glasses stands smiling in a sunny park with green trees and benches in the background.
A person wearing a blue and white floral dress smiles while standing outdoors with a blurred natural background.
A person wearing a white dress stands smiling in front of a Gothic cathedral tower with trees in the background.
Person in a white eyelet lace summer dress smiles while standing in a sunny green park.
Young woman in white lace dress poses outdoors in a sunny garden setting with green grass and trees.
Group of students jumping joyfully in front of a Gothic university building with stone towers on a sunny day.
A grand Gothic-style collegiate building with twin towers and stone facade stands on a manicured lawn at Boston College.
Two friends laughing and peeking through ornate white stone archways with decorative architecture.
A person in a white sleeveless dress smiles while standing outdoors in a park-like setting on a sunny day.
A violinist in a white dress poses outdoors during golden hour surrounded by soft sunlit trees.
Person with long platinum blonde hair smiling while looking to the side in a sunny outdoor garden setting.
Beautiful outdoor bridal portrait with white off-shoulder gown against blurred natural greenery background.