There is something really special about taking your graduation photos at Michigan State University.
The campus, the memories, the feeling of finally being here. It all deserves to be documented in a way that actually reflects what this season means.
And if you’re planning your Michigan State graduation photos, a little preparation makes all the difference between feeling rushed… and feeling fully present in it.
I’ve got you through all of it. If you’re still in the planning phase and want someone to guide you through all of this, you can start planning your session here.
1. Bring Every Piece of Your Graduation Look
When it comes to your Michigan State graduation photos, the details matter more than you think.
Cap. Gown. Tassel. Stole. Cords. Honor sashes.
Put everything together the night before your session so you’re not scrambling at the last minute. I promise, nothing pulls you out of the moment faster than realizing something is missing.
2. Please Steam Your Gown (I’m Begging You)
If you take nothing else from this guide, let it be this.
Fresh-out-of-the-package gowns are very wrinkled. And while some wrinkles can be edited, not all of them should be. Steaming your gown ahead of time makes a huge difference in how polished your final images look, and saves time during your session that we’d much rather spend actually photographing you.
3. Bring Walking Shoes (Trust Me on This)
MSU grad photo sessions involve a lot of walking between locations. Your heels or dress shoes are perfect for photos, but not for getting from place to place. Bring something comfortable to wear in between so you’re not exhausted halfway through your session.
4. Check the Forecast… Then Prepare Anyway
Michigan weather is unpredictable, especially in the spring.
Even if your Michigan State grad photo session looks like it’ll have perfect weather, bring a neutral layer just in case. A simple coat or wrap can keep you comfortable without taking away from your outfit. If it’s warm, bring water. If it’s windy, plan your hair accordingly. We’ll work with whatever the day gives us, but being prepared keeps you relaxed, and that’s what shows up in your photos. If a storm is rolling in, then we’ll look at a back-up date.
This is something I’ll always help guide you through so you don’t have to think about it alone. Inquire now about your Michigan State graduation photos.
5. Bring Something to Carry Everything
A wagon is honestly the MVP of any grad session. If not that, bring a tote or weekender bag that can hold:
- Extra shoes
- Outfit changes
- Champagne
- Touch-up items
I can hold your keys and phone, but having a place for everything else makes your session run so much smoother.
6. Skip Any Last-Minute Skin Treatments
Right before your session is not the time to try something new. Spray tans, waxing, facials, or new skincare can all cause unexpected reactions. If it’s not already part of your routine, skip it. If it is, give your skin enough time to settle before your session. Your natural skin, photographed well, will always look better than something rushed.
7. Bring Champagne (Yes, Really)
If you’re planning to pop champagne for your MSU graduation photos, bring at least two bottles per person. Between popping, celebrating, and getting a few different shots, it goes quickly.
Bonus tip: bring a towel and make sure someone knows how to open it. It keeps things fun instead of frustrating.
8. Choose Outfits You Can Actually Move In
The best Michigan State graduation photos don’t just look good, they feel natural. Make sure you can walk, sit, and move comfortably in whatever you choose to wear. If you’re constantly adjusting or fixing something, it will show in your photos. Comfort and confidence go hand in hand.
Your outfit plays a big role in how your photos feel. If you’re still choosing, you can read my full guide on what to wear for your Michigan State graduation photos here.
9. Keep Hair and Makeup True to You
A polished version of your everyday look will always photograph best. If you’re working with a professional, communicate that you still want to look like yourself. You want to feel confident and recognizable, not like you’re wearing a completely different version of you.
10. Give Yourself Extra Time to Park and Get to Campus Spots
If you’re taking your graduation photos at Michigan State, plan to arrive early. Parking can take time, and some of the most popular locations can get busy, especially during peak season. Giving yourself that buffer lets you settle in and start your session feeling calm instead of rushed.
11. Not Sure Where to Take Your Photos? Start Here
If you’re still deciding on locations for your Michigan State graduation photos, I’ve put together a full guide to my favorite spots on campus, including iconic locations and a few hidden gems.
Read: Top 10 Locations for Michigan State Graduation Photos
12. You Don’t Have to Know What You’re Doing
This is the part I want every grad to hear.
You don’t need to know how to pose.
You don’t need to know what to do with your hands.
You don’t need to feel 100% confident before you show up.
That’s my job.
Your job is to show up, take a breath, and let yourself actually experience this moment.
Bonus tip: What to Do With Your Photos After Your Session
Your graduation photos aren’t meant to live on your phone.
They’re meant to be seen and experienced.
After your session, you’ll receive your final gallery with everything ready to download, share, and print. Take a little time to go through your images slowly and notice the ones you keep coming back to.
Those are the ones worth printing.
Whether it’s a few prints, an album, or something framed in your space, having your photos in a physical form changes the way you experience them. It becomes something you live with, not just scroll past.
If you’re not sure where to start, I’ve shared more about why printing your photos matters here: The Importance of Ordering Prints
And if you’re still in the planning stage, I’d love to help you create photos you’ll actually want to live with long after your session. Book your MSU grad session here!
A final note on how to prepare for your Michigan State Graduation Photos
Your Michigan State graduation photos are about so much more than just marking the end of college. They hold everything it took to get here. The late nights, the growth, the people, the version of you that made it through. When you come prepared, you give yourself the space to actually feel that. That’s what turns photos into something you’ll come back to for years.
If you’re starting to think about your own Michigan State graduation photos and want a session that feels easy, supported, and true to you, I’d love to photograph this season for you. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own. I’ll guide you through the entire process, from planning your locations to feeling confident in front of the camera.
You don’t have to figure this out on your own. Inquire here to start planning your session 🎓
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