Your grad session checklist.

01

A week ahead

Choose your outfits.

Two looks is the sweet spot: one for the formal half of the session and one for the rest of it. What actually carries a frame is your neckline, your shoes and the colours you picked.

• One outfit for the formal photosLight, simple colours photograph best, and an uncluttered neckline keeps the attention on your face.
• One outfit for the rest of the sessionThis is the half of the gallery that does not look like everybody else’s.
• Bring any cords, stoles or pinsClub honours, Latin honours, athletics. Bring them all and we will decide on the day what goes in.
• Two pairs of shoesThe ones you want photographed, and the ones you can walk across campus in.
• Try everything on nowNot on the morning. A hem you meant to fix is a whole different problem at 8am.

02

A week ahead

Decide what you want in the frame.

The photos people keep longest usually have something in them that is specific to that person. Have a think now, so it is in the bag rather than remembered on the walk back.

• Something from your programA stethoscope, a lab coat, a well-beaten textbook, a jersey.
• The people who are comingFamily, partner, friends. Tell us in advance so we plan the time for it.
• Any spot on campus that means somethingThe building you lived in, the bench you revised on. Have a look at the locations guide and pick a couple.

03

Two days ahead

Check the practical things.

• Confirm the time and the meeting spotBoth are in your confirmation email. Reply to it if anything has changed.
• Look at the forecastRain is not a cancellation, it is a reschedule at no charge. Just tell us early.
• Sort parking or transitCampus parking fills up on convocation days. Leave more time than you think.
• Book your hair or makeup, if you are having it doneFinish at least an hour before your session starts.

04

The night before

Lay it all out.

Ten minutes tonight saves a scramble in the morning. Anything that has been folded in a bag shows every crease, and creases are the one thing we cannot fix afterwards.

• Steam or press whatever needs itSteam beats a hot iron, and hanging something in the bathroom while you shower does most of the work.
• Lay everything outOutfits, shoes, props, the lot.
• Charge your phoneYou will be sending these to people before you get home.
• Drink some water and get to bedGenuinely shows up in the photos.

05

On the day

Bring the kit.

• Your outfit change and both pairs of shoes
• Touch-up kitLip colour, blotting sheets, hair ties, bobby pins, a small mirror.
• Your props
• Water and something to eatA session is more walking than people expect.