On most mornings in the last few weeks of classes, a senior, decorated in elaborate graduation regalia, will stand between a photographer’s camera and a momentous backdrop. Graduation photoshoots, a hallmark of graduation season, are an annual driver of the Howard economy.
With the rise of social media and an obsession over viral content, some students can feel pressured to bring their A-game when it comes to concept, looks and overall execution of their graduation photos.
Graduating senior Sydney Bell, a marketing major from Philadelphia, said the competitive nature of graduation shoots can create pressure to have a standout one.
“When people are putting out these crazy grad shoots that are getting reposted everywhere, it makes you feel like you need to step up your game a little bit,” Bell said.
Many students use the traditional cap-and-gown photos taken by photographers hired through Howard. Some also book graduation photo shoots and use them as a way to express creativity, showcasing the visions students have held for a long time.
Like other students, Malikea Williams, a graduating senior majoring in criminology from Prince George’s County, Maryland, has purchased three different outfits for her shoot, including a ball gown, a preppy schoolgirl look and an outfit inspired by the movie Clueless.
She’s paying for hair and makeup services, as well as the photographer. As the expenses add up, she wants the investment to result in high-quality photos.
Latrell Caton, a senior political science major from Brooklyn and a student photographer (@TCShotIt), offers graduation packages ranging from $250 to $450.
His prices are based on what he would be willing to pay and a comparison to other campus photographers. Most packages include a cap-and-gown shoot as well as a champagne bottle for the photo.
Caton said he’s noticed trends in this year’s shoots, including preppy schoolgirl aesthetics and male students opting for patterned suits instead of the traditional black suit and tie.
“I think that’s more like a societal thing or cultural thing, that we’re actually more accepting. Like, ‘You can have floral patterns on your suit guys, and you can wear sneakers as a girl,’” Caton said.
He said many students come to shoots with concepts already in mind, and he helps finalize the details to align with his brand. This level of preparation, he said, shows how students have been planning these shoots for months or even years.
Another emerging trend is the use of film photography. Blake Spencer (@flintstonespencer), a senior nursing major from Flint, Michigan, shoots on film and appreciates its resurgence. He said the growth of social media is expanding students’ exposure and inspiration.
“People are seeing the evolution of photography in a way that’s incorporating a lot more of graphic design and also the resurgence of film,” Spencer said. “I came in at a time [when] film was coming back in a way. And I picked up film first. That’s what I did until I got to digital.”
Although he also shoots digital, Spencer said his clients trust his film work because he started his photography career using film cameras. One of his favorite graduation photos was taken entirely on film.
What he believes draws people to film is the intentionality and timeless quality of each shot.
“Sometimes you have 36 shots, sometimes you have 10 shots. But all I do know is, it doesn’t matter what camera you have, you have to be very intentional with what you shoot.”
With intentionality, Spencer also recognizes the challenge of not being able to see the photos immediately after they are taken, but he knows when a shot is good.
“Sometimes you just know that you got the shot. Like, I loved how it looked when I was looking through the viewfinder. I knew this was going to be the shot,” Spencer said.
While students want their photos to be celebrated, Williams said that for her, this moment is about making and preserving memories.
“It’s going to be like my last memory. So it’s important that it looks good, and I would hope other people would think it looks good too,” Williams said.
Copy edited by Anijah Franklin
