After years of countless long days at the Quad and sleepless nights at the University, your much-anticipated day has finally arrived! It's time to don the graduation gown and cap, walk across the stage, and celebrate your hard-earned achievements. You've dedicated hundreds of hours to your dissertation, meticulously studied thousands of pages, and now the moment has come to bask in the glory of your accomplishments.
Among the essential components of this momentous day, the graduation photoshoot stands out as a cherished tradition. Many graduates eagerly seize the opportunity to capture stunning photographs that will serve as timeless mementoes, forever preserving the joy and pride of this significant milestone in their lives.
The graduation photoshoot is a chance to showcase not only your academic achievements but also your individuality, style, and personality. It provides an occasion to express yourself, celebrate your growth, and mark the beginning of an exciting new chapter. As you prepare for this special session, here are some tips to make your graduation photoshoot a truly memorable experience:
Time & Day
If you have enough time on the day with the gown, we would recommend conducting the photoshoot in the morning while the ceremony is in the evening. This is so you have ample time to relax and freshen up before the ceremony. However, if you are a bit restricted on time due to gown availability and other commitments it is perfectly fine to have the photoshoot 2 hours before the ceremony. The most important rule is to allow enough time to go to the graduation hall without hassle.
Pay attention to the lighting conditions during different times of the day. Golden hour, which occurs during the first and last hours of sunlight, offers a warm and flattering glow that can enhance the overall aesthetic of your photos. Plan your photoshoot accordingly to take advantage of the magical lighting that will make you shine. Get in touch with your photographer as they know best. We usually guide our clients on which time is the best - as each specific location varies depending on the height of buildings and the surrounding geography. Furthermore, the sun changes position in the sky throughout the year so some locations need an extra set of plans.
Make sure that you know the exact day of your graduation, as they can change without notice, especially when the day is still months away. You can check out your school's website. Here are the links:
- University of Malta Graduation Dates: Undergraduate Courses - usually the last week of November.
- Malta College of Arts, Science and Technology (MCAST): MQF Level 4-7, Intro A/B - usually between thelast week of November and first week December
- University of Malta: Master Graduands 2024 - Graduations are between 4th March and 14th March 2024.
Choose the Perfect Location
Select a location that holds significance to your journey as a student. Consider the backdrop that will reflect your unique story. Whether it's the picturesque campus where you spent countless hours studying or an iconic landmark that represents the spirit of your academic institution, opt for a setting that will add depth and meaning to your photographs. If you studied at the University of Malta, incorporating Richard England's modern designs and lecture halls in the background will give the photos a special meaning to them.
Here are 5 locations in Malta that are amazing for photos:
- The University of Malta Campus
- Valletta - the entirety of it is a beautiful backdrop
- Medieval Mdina
- The 3 Cities - Vittoriosa, Senglea and Cospicua
- Blue Grotto
- Golden Bay
- Dingli Cliffs
- Marsaxlokk
Outfit Selection
Wear an outfit that makes you feel confident and represents your personal style.
Avoid busy patterns or logos that may distract from the focus on you.
Consider bringing different outfits to change into for a variety of looks and styles. It is always great to KISS - Keep It Simple Sweet.
Moreover, make sure that the outfit respects the occasion. So in this case more formal attire makes more sense.
[.rte-tip]Tip: If you have a gown, you can take some photos with it and without it. At first, it is better if you take without it and then put it on. So you can keep it on for the ceremony.[.rte-tip]
Props and Accessories
Incorporate props that are meaningful to your graduation journey, such as a cap and gown, diploma, or university memorabilia. You can also incorporate some props related to your course such as a stethoscope or a calculator.
Use accessories like balloons, confetti, or flowers to add a festive touch to your photos.
[.rte-tip]Pro-tip: Always take bobby pins with you for your shoot. Your gown may need to be attached with bobby pins. Some gowns have built-in velcros, while others do not. [.rte-tip]
[.rte-warn]Warning: If you will be using confetti and other single-use items - be sure to respect the laws of the country & region you are in. You do not want to end up being arrested on your graduation day over some confetti. [.rte-warn]
Involve Family and Friends
Invite loved ones to join in some of the photos to celebrate the achievement together. Include group shots or candid moments with friends to capture the joy and camaraderie of graduation.
Hire a Professional Photographer
Consider hiring a professional photographer who specialise in graduation or portrait photography. They can provide expertise in capturing the best shots and creating a polished look. Anaca Photography is a team of top-rated photographers specialise in Family & Portraits. We can help guide you through locations, timings and poses for graduation. Feel free to get in touch with our team and we will set up a quick chat to discuss your special day. We will be more than happy to guide you :)
[.rte-focus][.rte-invert]Book your photographer today![.rte-invert] Make use of early bird offers and special packages. Get in touch now → [.rte-focus]