Everything Louisville and Southern Indiana grads need to know about cap and gown pictures
Graduation is quickly approaching, which means it’s time to think about cap and gown pictures for spring! This blog post is your guide to answer all the big questions you may have about grad portraits, like what you need to know BEFORE scheduling your session, best month to schedule cap and gown photos, the most popular locations for pictures, and more.
How early should I book cap and gown pictures?
Before you book cap and gown photos, you need to find out one important detail: the date cap and gown orders arrive at your school.
Once you know this date, you can officially schedule your session! If your school does not use the traditional cap and gown for graduation, or if you don’t really want to have them in your spring photos, then you can really schedule them any time you want.
High school grads – your cap and gowns tend to arrive around the middle or end of April, but check with your school counselors to find out an exact date!
College grads – your semester ends earlier, so you can usually schedule in early April!
What is the BEST month for cap and gown pictures?
It depends! If you live in Louisville or Southern Indiana, and the warm weather, vibrant natural colors, and golden sunsets are important to you, schedule your session sometime between mid-March and May around your cap and gown order delivery. I even have grads who book sessions in early June after graduation!
Ultimately, it depends how early your cap and gown arrives, if you’re planning an outdoor session, and when you’d like to have your photos back.
The best time to book cap and gown pictures
As the weather gets prettier, all the best spots get crowded again! To avoid peak crowds, book earlier rather than later. May is the busiest month of the year with Derby events, graduations and peak wedding season.
Weekdays are typically less crowded in most locations than weekends. Depending on the location you choose, I’ll give you my recommendation on the best day and time for our session to avoid crowds and get the best lighting for golden hour!
When will I get my photos back?
After taking your cap and gown pictures, your photographer needs a few weeks to work some editing magic! If you’d like to have your photos back in time to order prints or announcements, book your session between February and the first week of April.
If you plan to use fall photos for your announcements, then schedule anytime in the spring!
What are the best locations for cap and gown pictures?
Most grads love to take their cap and gown pictures in their favorite spots on campus or at their school. I’ve got a location list especially for grads with the best locations in springtime. You can see a few of those location ideas here. Reach out to me with your vision and I’ll be happy to help you plan the perfect location(s) for your cap and gown pictures!
Ready to schedule your cap and gown photo session?
Spring availability is limited! I love photographing high school and college grads in Louisville and Southern Indiana and have been to lots of schools including IUS, Bellarmine University, UofL, Floyd Central High School, New Albany High School, and celebrated grads from other schools like DuPont Manual, Male High School, Atherton High School, and so many more!
Visit the grads page of my website and reach out to book your cap and gown session with me.
See even more senior sessions, get location ideas and more planning tips below:
Graduation Outfit Ideas for Cap and Gown Pictures
What to include in your grad announcements, where to order them and more!
Best Outdoor Locations for Louisville Senior Pictures
Johanna Hribal is a color obsessed senior photographer for fun loving grads in Louisville, Southern Indiana or wherever you want to go!
Want to book a senior portrait session with Frames and Letters Photography? Find out more about your personalized senior portrait experience here, then fill out a contact form to get in touch.
