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Writer's pictureVictoria Shamrock

A Comprehensive Guide to Formal & Graduation Event Photography: Tips for Students, Parents, Teachers

Updated: Oct 31


An elderly woman in a blue dress joyfully embraces a young man in a graduation cap and gown, with an older man in a suit smiling at them, all standing outside a brick building with arched windows.Graduation ceremony.

Hello everyone! A school formal or graduation event is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so let's make it an unforgettable occasion. This is a day to express deep gratitude from students to their teachers and parents. You know your own emotions and feelings, and you can amplify them by sharing them with others. This school formal event is a day when you can cry and smile for the same reason, marking one of the very first milestones of your life. Don't allow it to be just an ordinary day or a boring routine. As someone once said, "The last words and actions are the most memorable for everyone." So, this is your guide on how to make your school formal or graduation event stylish and precious for everyone involved.


Tips and Hints for Styles, Dressing, Music, and Themes


When it comes to making your school formal or graduation event stand out, consider different styles, dressing codes, music genres, and themes. For a vintage vibe, think "Roaring '20s" with jazz music and flapper dresses. If you're going for a more modern feel, a Hollywood Glam theme with a pop music playlist could be perfect. The key is to align your style and theme with the overall mood you want to set for the event. This will not only make your school formal event more enjoyable but also more memorable.



For Students


- Before the Big Day of the School Formal Event


Mental and Physical Preparation: Prepare yourself mentally and physically for the school formal. This isn't about your grades or your future; it's a day to say thank you and receive respect from people who have been with you for many years.


Dress Code for School Formal: Agree on and set up the dress code for the school formal event. Whether it's formal wear or casual attire, dress to impress!


Props and Accessories: A small item can make a big difference at your school formal. Bring props or accessories that represent you—be it a musical instrument, sports gear, or even your favourite book.


Learn How to Pose and Stand in Front of the Camera: Stand in front of a mirror and practice your poses for the school formal photography. Relaxed confidence is key! Learn more here.


- When the Graduation Event Day Comes


Arrive Early: Get to the venue of the graduation event ahead of time to avoid last-minute stress.


Ask & Listen to Instructions: The photographer is the right person to ask for advice regarding poses for your school formal photos. Pay attention to their instructions for the best shots.


Be Yourself: Authenticity shines through in photos taken during your graduation event. Just be yourself and let your personality sparkle.

For Parents


-Getting Ready for the Big School Formal


Know the Schedule: Keep tabs on all the details of the upcoming school formal. Look out for any emails or bulletins from the school that outline the day's agenda.


Chat About Wardrobe: Sit down with your kiddo and discuss what they're thinking of wearing to the formal. Just make sure it aligns with what the school says is okay to wear.


Heart-to-Heart: Give your child a little pep talk. Remind them to just be themselves and to savor every moment of their big graduation day.


- The Day of the Formal Event


Be On Time: Aim to get your child to the venue on schedule. It helps everything go off without a hitch.


Last-Minute Checks: Before you head out the door, make sure your child has everything they'll need—outfit, props, you name it.


Snap Away: If the moment feels right, go ahead and take some candid pics of your child during the formal. Just be mindful not to get in the way of the pro photographer doing their thing. For Teachers


Before the School Formal Session


Coordinate with Colleagues: Discuss the school formal event with other teachers and staff to ensure everyone is on the same page.


Inform Students: Make sure all students are aware of the date, time, and venue of the school formal well in advance.


Create a Roster: Prepare a list of students in the order they will be photographed during the graduation event to manage time efficiently. During the Big Graduation Day Keep an Eye on the Queue: Make sure the students are lined up and ready for their close-ups. Help them get in place when it's their turn to shine in front of the camera.


Lend a Hand to the Shutterbug: If the photographer needs a little help, like moving the backdrop or tweaking the lights, don't hesitate to jump in.


Keep the Vibes Positive: Graduation days can be marathons, not sprints. So, keep the energy buzzing and the mood upbeat to make sure everyone stays chipper throughout the day. In Conclusion


Pulling off a picture-perfect school formal or graduation day is a team sport. It takes a bit of prep, some teamwork, and let's not forget—a dash of fun! We've put together this event photography guide to help students, parents, and teachers make the most of these milestone events. Got more questions or thinking about booking a session? Just give us a shout.


Cheers to capturing awesome memories at your next school formal or graduation bash! 📸

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