What to Know Before Booking Graduation Photos in Lancaster County
Why Graduation Photos Matter
We dedicate so much of our lives to education. Whether it's 12 years of school or four years of college, it all adds up to the same thing: years of showing up, putting in the work, and choosing long-term growth. From the very beginning, school teaches us to put in the work in order to gift ourselves something beautiful in the future. A well-trained brain.
And then, when it's finally over, most graduates immediately start thinking about the next step. Going off to college. Getting a job. Starting a professional life. It's really easy to run right past the moment and forget to actually stop, reflect, and celebrate what you've accomplished.
That's what graduation photos are for. They give you a reason to slow down and take it in. To mark the end of one chapter before jumping into the next. Because years from now, you're going to want to look back on where you were. You're going to want to remember what it felt like.
I graduated in December 2023 and walked in Spring 2024. I was so busy shooting everyone else's portraits that I never did my own. At the time, it didn't feel like a priority. Now? I genuinely regret it. University was four years of my life, like no other, and I don't have the photos to remember it by. That's a big part of why I love doing these sessions. In the moment, it might feel casual and fun. But over time, those photos start to mean something real.
Start With Your School
Here's my #1 recommendation for every graduate: start your session at your school.
It might sound obvious, but a lot of people overlook it. They want a scenic park or a cool downtown backdrop, and those can absolutely work as a second location. But your campus is where you put in the work. It's where you walked to class, studied late, pulled all-nighters, made friends, and earned that degree. There's no backdrop more fitting for a graduation photo than the place where graduation actually happened.
Even if you don't love your campus, there's usually a building, a courtyard, a bench, or a walkway that holds some kind of meaning. We'll find it. And the photos from that spot will hit differently than anything else because of what it represents.
Pick a Second Spot That Tells Your Story
After campus, I always recommend picking a second location that means something to you. Think of it as a menu, not a mandate. You have options, and the right choice depends on who you are and what feels personal.
Maybe it's the park where your family always had picnics growing up. Maybe it's downtown Lititz because that's your hometown and it's part of your story. Maybe you want a dramatic overlook along the Susquehanna or a quiet trail through the woods. Lancaster County has an incredible range of spots, from historic estates and formal gardens to covered bridges and small-town charm.
The point isn't to pick the most scenic and dramatic location. It's to pick a place that adds something personal to the photos. Something that, when you look back at them in five or ten years, you'll remember exactly why you chose it.
If you're not sure where to go, don't worry. That's part of what I'm here for. I've been researching and scouting locations across Lancaster County specifically for sessions like this, and I can help you find the right fit based on what you're looking for.
What to Bring
Graduation sessions work best when you bring some personality to the table. Here's what I'd recommend:
Your cap and gown. Decorate your cap if you want. Fair warning though: we might be tossing it at some point, so make sure it can handle some air time.
One or two outfits that make you feel confident. Something that shows off who you are. One classic look and one that's more you is a solid combo.
Personal props. Sports gear, an instrument, your favorite coffee, a book that meant something to you during school. I've even done a session with someone's dog. Bring whatever feels like you and we'll make it work.
Champagne. Specifically, a bottle of dry champagne for the celebratory shake at the end. Make sure it doesn't have sugar in it. Trust me, you'll thank me later. The champagne shake is one of the highlights of the whole session. It's fun, it's messy, and it's become this kind of ceremonial moment that just feels like celebration. (Here's the full story on the champagne shake and what to expect during a session.)
Comfy shoes. Heels and dress shoes are great for certain shots, but also bring a pair that won't sink into spring grass like a tent stake. You'll be walking around, and comfort matters.
Friends and family. This is a big one. Bring the people who hype you up. Having your crew there makes the energy better, and it turns the session into a real celebration instead of just a photo shoot. It's actually a more personal way to celebrate together than the actual graduation ceremony, which can feel chaotic and crowded. These sessions are where the real moments happen.
Timing Your Session
Spring is the most popular time for graduation photos, and for good reason. There's something poetic about it. Everything is blooming, growing, turning into a new season. It's a period of transition, and that mirrors exactly what graduation represents. The metaphor practically writes itself.
That said, fall graduates shouldn't sleep on their season either. Autumn in Lancaster County brings incredible color, warm light, and a completely different mood that can make your photos stand out.
Regardless of the season, golden hour is your best friend. That's the hour or so before sunset when the light is soft, warm, and makes everything look amazing. I always try to schedule sessions around this window.
As for when to book: the earlier the better. Spring graduation season fills up fast, especially April and May. If you know you're graduating, don't wait until the last minute. Reach out early so we can lock in a date and start planning.
What to Actually Expect
If you've never done a photo session before, here's the honest truth: it's not scary. I keep things relaxed, fun, and moving. No stiff poses. No awkward silence while I fiddle with settings.
I use a technique called mirroring, where I'll do the pose first while you watch. It might look a little goofy when I'm the one doing it, but it works. You jump into a version of it that feels natural and comfortable to you, and we go from there. I also use prompts and movement to keep things feeling fresh and genuine.
The goal is for you to walk away feeling like you actually had fun, not like you survived something. And the photos should reflect that. Real smiles, real energy, real you.
Let's Celebrate It
You've earned this. Whether it's been four years, twelve years, or somewhere in between, you put in the work and you made it. That deserves to be captured.
If you're graduating soon and you're in or around Lancaster County, I'd love to make it happen. We'll keep it personal, keep it fun, and give you photos that actually feel like you.
