A woman in a white wedding dress stands next to a large, weathered tree in a field during autumn.

Preparing for Your

Graduation Session


Relaxed, lightly guided portraits that celebrate everything you've worked for — on campus, in the city, or wherever feels like you.

Caps, gowns & the people who got you here


Your graduation is a milestone worth celebrating properly. I'll help you find the perfect location — from iconic campus landmarks and cobblestone streets to gardens and city backdrops — and guide you into natural, confident poses that feel nothing like stiff studio portraits.

Sessions are relaxed and fun. You'll leave feeling proud of yourself and excited to share the photos.

A woman wearing a floral dress stands in a field of yellow flowers, with a wooded area in the background.

Every session includes

What you can expect

Prep email a week out

About a week before your session I'll send you everything you need — outfit tips, location details, and what to expect on the day.

Pinterest inspo welcome

Have a vibe in mind? Share a Pinterest board when I email you. Poses, colors, moods — it all helps me tailor the session to your style.

Confirmation text 2 days prior

Two days before your session I'll text you to lock in the exact meeting spot and parking details so we find each other without any stress.

Gentle posing direction

No stiff or awkward posing — I guide you naturally so you feel relaxed and look effortlessly confident in every frame.

Family & friends welcome

Bring the people who helped get you here. Up to 2 family members are included — additional guests can be added for $30 per person.

Fully edited online gallery

All images are professionally retouched and delivered in a private online gallery with high-resolution downloads, ready to share.

Before your session

How to prep

A little planning goes a long way. Here's how to set yourself up for a smooth, fun session.

Outfits

Plan 1–2 looks depending on your package. A few things that photograph well:

  • Solid colors and simple patterns over busy prints
  • Clothes that fit well and feel like you
  • Avoid neon or overly bright colors — they can cast color onto your skin
  • Bring your cap & gown — it's always worth including
  • Comfortable shoes matter, especially if we're walking between spots

Location & timing

We'll nail down the exact spot 2 days before via text, but it helps to think ahead:

  • Early morning or late afternoon light is the most flattering
  • Avoid scheduling right after a busy or stressful event
  • Give yourself buffer time to park, change, and arrive relaxed
  • Let your family members know the meeting spot in advance

Inspiration

Not sure what you want? That's completely fine — I'll guide you. But if you have ideas, save them:

  • Pin poses, vibes, or color palettes you love on Pinterest
  • Screenshot looks from Instagram that feel like you
  • Share the board or screenshots in reply to my prep email
  • No board needed — even a word or two like "natural" or "editorial" helps

Day-of tips

The smallest things make the biggest difference on session day:

  • Eat something beforehand — don't show up hungry
  • Do your hair and makeup how you normally would for a special occasion
  • Bring a small bag: mirror, touch-up products, water, and a snack
  • Arrive a few minutes early so we can start relaxed, not rushed
  • Most importantly — trust the process and have fun with it
A woman in a long, flowing dress stands in a field with a wooden fence in the background.
A young woman wearing a long, lace dress stands in a golden field, with a forest in the background.
A young woman with long curly hair smiling and leaning on a wooden fence in a rural setting.
A young woman stands on a wooden fence in a rural field on an autumn day.
A young woman with long curly hair stands next to a large tree trunk in a grassy field on an autumn day.
A smiling young woman stands in a field of golden wheat, surrounded by nature and sunlight.
A young woman sits in a field of tall grass, smiling and petting a small dog beside her.
A smiling woman posing next to an old cannon in a grassy field.
A woman in a green outfit stands in front of a white column, smiling and holding a tablet.
A woman in casual clothing walks near a large, white marble building with columns.
A smiling woman wearing a blue shirt and jeans stands in front of stone columns.
A woman sits on the steps of a grand, columned building, enjoying a moment of relaxation.
A smiling woman wearing a white shirt and jeans sits on the steps of a building with columns.

How it works

From booking to gallery

1
Booking

You reach out & we lock in your date

Fill out the contact form with your graduation date and preferred location area. I'll confirm availability and send over a simple booking agreement to hold your spot.

2
Email · ~1 week before

I'll email you everything you need to know

About a week out, I'll send a prep email covering outfit suggestions, what to bring, timing, and location ideas. This is also your chance to share any inspiration you've been saving.

3
Pinterest · optional

Share your inspo board if you have one

Got a Pinterest board with poses, vibes, or looks you love? Drop the link in reply to my email. It helps me understand your style so the session feels tailored to you — not generic.

4
Text · 2 days before

We confirm the exact meeting spot

Two days before your session, I'll text you with the precise location pin, where to park, and how to find me. No day-of confusion — just show up and enjoy it.

5
Session day

Show up, relax, and have fun

Arrive, take a breath, and let me handle the rest. I'll guide you through everything — you don't need to know what to do with your hands.

6
Gallery · 2–3 weeks later

Your edited photos land in your inbox

A private online gallery with all your fully retouched images — ready to download, print, and share with everyone who helped get you here.

Investment

Session pricing

One location

Graduation Portrait Session

Starting at

$450

Up to 1 hour  ·  Campus + nearby spot within a 15-min walk

  • Your campus location plus a nearby outdoor spot within a 15-minute walk
  • Cap & gown and casual photos
  • Up to 2 family members included
  • Additional family members +$30 per person
  • Professionally edited high-resolution images
  • Private online gallery with download access
Two locations

Dual Location Session

Starting at

$560

Approx. 1.5–2 hours  ·  2 distinct locations

  • Two separate locations of your choice
  • Cap & gown plus optional outfit change
  • Up to 2 family members included
  • Additional family members +$30 per person
  • Larger edited gallery with high-resolution downloads
  • Private online gallery with download access
Travel fee: Sessions in Prince Williams County, City of Fairfax, City of Alexandria, Arlington County, DC are included in the pricing above. A travel fee may apply for sessions outside of the area listed — exact fee will be confirmed at booking based on location.
“

Alina made me feel so comfortable the whole time. I'm usually awkward in photos but she had me laughing and moving naturally — and the photos turned out absolutely stunning.

— Maya T., George Mason University 2024

Common questions

FAQs

I recommend booking 4–6 weeks before your graduation date. Spring and December slots fill up fast, so the sooner the better.
You'll hear from me about a week before your session with a prep email — outfit tips, what to bring, and timing. Two days before, I'll text you the exact meeting spot and parking info so the day is completely stress-free.
Not at all — it's totally optional. But if you have one, sharing it is a great way to help me understand your style. You can send the link in reply to my prep email.
Yes! Up to 2 family members are included in both packages at no extra charge. Additional family members can be added for $30 per person — just let me know when you book so we can plan the time accordingly.
Sessions in Northern Virginia and DC are included in the package price. A travel fee may apply for locations outside of the NoVA and DC area — I'll confirm the exact fee with you at booking based on where you'd like to shoot.
We'll reschedule at no extra charge. I keep an eye on the forecast and will reach out in advance if we need to move things around.
Your edited gallery will be delivered within 2–3 weeks of your session date.