Graduation day is one of those days that goes by faster than you expect. You've spent years working toward it, and suddenly it's here - the gown, the hat, the photos with everyone, the ceremony, the celebrations. It's a lot.

The official university photos are great, but they're not the whole story. A dedicated graduation photography session gives you something more personal - images that actually look like you, taken at a pace that lets you relax and enjoy it.

Here's everything you need to know to make the most of yours.
 

WHEN SHOULD YOU BOOK?

As early as possible - and ideally before your ceremony date.

Graduation season runs from June through to November for most Yorkshire universities, and the most popular dates fill up quickly. Booking in advance means you get the date and time that works best for you, rather than whatever's left.

If you've left it late, don't panic. I keep a small number of slots available for last-minute bookings - get in touch and I'll do my best to make it work.

BEFORE OR AFTER THE CEREMONY?

This is probably the most common question I get, and the honest answer is: it depends.

Before the ceremony - You're fresh, your gown is pristine, and you haven't been hugging everyone for three hours. The downside is you might be nervous, and time is tight.

After the ceremony - You're elated, relaxed, and the day has already started well. The gown might have a few creases, but the energy in your photos will be worth it.

Many graduates choose to do a short session after the ceremony. If you're unsure, we can chat through what works best for your schedule.
 

WHAT TO WEAR (UNDER THE GOWN) 

You'll be wearing your gown and mortarboard for most of your graduation photos - but what you wear underneath matters more than you might think, especially if you want some shots without the gown too.

Keep it simple. Dark colours work best under a graduation gown - navy, black, and deep jewel tones photograph beautifully.

Think about formality. Dress to the level you want to remember yourself at. This is one of the biggest days of your academic life - it's worth putting a little thought into.

Comfortable shoes matter. You'll be on your feet all day. Wear something you can actually walk in.

Hair and make-up. Do whatever makes you feel like yourself. The goal is for you to look back at these photos in ten years and recognise the person in them.

CHOOSING YOUR LOCATION

The best graduation photos happen in locations that feel relevant - your university campus, the surrounding streets, or a location that means something to you.

For Leeds graduates: I regularly photograph around the University of Leeds campus, Leeds Beckett, and the surrounding Headingley and city centre areas. The First Direct Arena is also a popular location for pre and post-ceremony shots for Leeds Beckett graduands.

For Sheffield graduates: Sheffield Hallam and the University of Sheffield both have beautiful campus areas and surrounding streets. The Botanical Gardens and Kelham Island are also popular choices for something a bit different.

I know these locations well and can suggest the best spots based on the time of day and what you're looking for.

HOW LONG DOES A GRADUATION SESSION TAKE?

Most sessions run between 30 minutes and one hour - which is plenty of time to get a wide variety of images without it feeling like a long, exhausting shoot.

I work quickly and keep things relaxed. You'll never be standing around wondering what to do - I'll direct you throughout so you can just enjoy the experience.

WHAT ABOUT GROUP SHOTS?

Absolutely - family and group shots are a big part of graduation day. Let me know in advance if you want to include parents, siblings, or friends, and I'll plan the session to include everyone.

A few things to think about for group shots:

• Let your family know roughly when and where the session is happening so everyone's ready
• Have a plan for who you want in which shots before we start - it keeps things moving
• Keep groups to a manageable size - smaller groups photograph more naturally than large crowds

GETTING YOUR IMAGES BACK

Your edited graduation photos will be delivered via an online gallery within 7 days of your session, ready to download in high resolution. You'll be able to share, print, and post them straight away.

Sessions start from £90, and I cover Leeds, Sheffield, Rotherham, and the wider Yorkshire area.

ONE LAST THING

Graduation is one of those days that can feel overwhelming. There's a lot happening, a lot of people to see, and a lot to hold onto.

A dedicated photography session - even a short one - gives you something to come back to when the day is over. Not a memory of standing in a queue for the official photo, but a real, relaxed portrait of you at one of the best moments of your life.

Book yours before the season fills up.