How to take Pinterest Graduation Photos
My mission as a photographer is to tell your story. What kind of photos do you prefer? A traditional academic style, something more whimsical and natural, or a fun editorial vibe?
If you’re not sure yet, don’t worry. In this post, I’ll explain how to build the perfect storytelling for your graduation session and choose locations that match your vision.
When it comes to creating a photo session, everything starts with an idea (or a Pinterest board) that eventually becomes a story.
With this blog post, I hope to help you refine and narrow down all those ideas and inspirations you’ve saved on your Pinterest board. The goal is to give a name to the style and vibe you love so you can clearly communicate your vision to your photographer.
Personally, I like to divide graduation photo styles into a few categories:
Academic Style
Formal / Classic
Whimsical
Sport Related
Old Film Vibe
Fun Glam
Note: I will be using other Pinterest photo reference and mine to better explain and exemplify my ideas.
Academic Style
This style reminds me of old Americana yearbook photos from the 1950s, where university elements are very present—stadiums, vintage classrooms, or historic libraries. It creates a fun storytelling moment that clearly says: Of course I’m graduating!
For this style, locations like Memorial Stadium, historic classrooms in architecture or music buildings, and traditional library spaces work beautifully. Maybe one bar or restaurant at Green street?
Formal / Classic
This style can be similar to the academic look, but the focus here is less on university symbolism and more on elegance and simplicity.
We look for clean backgrounds, modern architecture, and timeless poses. Locations like the Main Library,Krannert Art Museum, Memorial Stadium and the garden at the Design building are some of my top recommendations for this style.
Whimsical
This might be my personal favorite. It’s the most magical storytelling style and perfect for clients who love Pinterest inspiration.
Think golden light, open fields, flowing dresses, and dreamy outdoor settings. If you love this aesthetic, outdoor locations and gardens will give you exactly the look you’re imagining. The Arboretum or Allerton Park are incredible options for this vibe.
Sport / Atletic
For students who want to highlight their athletic journey, incorporating sports locations or equipment can make your photos very personal. Stadiums, courts, or training fields can add meaning to your story and celebrate the role sports played during your college years.
Are you into skating? I think some photo sin the ice ring would look Amazing and very unique.
Old Film Vibe
Another very Pinterest-inspired look. Locations with beautiful natural light, like the Main Quad, work perfectly. Flash photography can also look amazing with this style.
Indoor locations such as the Illini Union or the Main Library can add to that nostalgic film aesthetic. The key difference for this style often comes during editing, so if you love this look, let me know in advance so I can edit your photos accordingly.
Fun Glam
For a more editorial and fashion-inspired vibe, Krannert Art Center, the tennis courts, or some of the older campus buildings can work beautifully. The Music Building, for example, has incredible hallways that create dramatic and stylish backgrounds.
What do you think about this list of styles? Do you feel like you now have a better idea of which locations might be perfect for your graduation photos around the UIUC campus?
