Outdoor Grad Session Prep Guide

A woman in a pink lace dress stands in a sunlit field, surrounded by tall grass and wildflowers.
Person in a lavender suit walking through a lush green meadow under a cloudy sky, surrounded by trees.
Woman in blue dress stands in forest clearing, with sunburst through trees.

Winnipeg Graduation Photography

Outdoor sessions offer beautiful, natural light and relaxed movement , and a little prep goes a long way in creating polished, natural images.

- If you opt to do a few family poses, please have immediate family attend at the beginning of the session.  I limit these to parent(s), sibling(s) and pet only as the majority of the allotted time is for the grad. Once these shots are done, I ask that only one parent stay with the grad.  Too many eyes can become overwhelming.

Grad Session Photo Gallery

Session Timing & Light

Outdoor sessions are scheduled around the best light of the day, typically closer to sunset for soft light and reduced heat.

- Plan to arrive 10 minutes early so we can start relaxed and on time

- Sessions typically last around 60 minutes at one location

- If weather is uncertain, I will communicate rescheduling options 

What to Wear

You will have the opportunity to change outfits if you wish. I have a pop up change tent if needed (please advise before the session if you would like me to bring it).

Graduation Gown

- Bring your cap and gown steamed and wrinkle free

- Bring your school tassel 

- Keep the gown in a garment bag until we shoot to avoid wrinkles

What you wear under the gown matters and may show in photos.  Try it on before the session WITH what you plan to wear underneath.

Formal Wear

- Of course you can wear your preferred formal wear.  If the session is before your grad event, we will be careful to keep it clean and undamaged.

- Wear shoes you can move in. We may be in grass or gravel. 

Casual Wear

- Time permitting, a more relaxed outfit can be used.  Think classic styling, or be yourself.  There are no rules.

Hair & Makeup

- Be comfortable!  Love makeup?  Do it up.  Hate makeup?  Keep it minimal.  I want you to feel like yourself

- If the session is before your grad event, use this as an opportunity to do a trial

- Bring anything you may need for touch-ups

What to Bring

- Cap/gown 

- lint roller

- makeup/hair touch-up items

- water

- shoes you can move in and formal shoes if you want to change them out

- anything meaningful to you

 

 

Location

Make the location somewhere YOU want to be.  I can suggest local parks or landmarks that I know will have the light and background to make you shine, but I am open to something different if that is where you will most comfortable.