25 Graduation Photoshoot No-No’s (And What to Do Instead!)
Graduation day is a big deal. After all those years of studying, exams, and late-night cramming sessions, you finally made it — and now it’s time to capture the moment.
But before standing in front of the camera and striking the same poses you have seen a hundred times, let’s chat for a second.
Some of those photo trends are tired, awkward, or just plain overdone. So here’s a personal little guide — 25 things I have seen people do (and maybe done myself, oops) that don’t work out so well… and what works way better instead.
1. Textbooks aren’t the moment.
Do you want to carry heavy books around just to prove you studied? Everyone already knows you worked hard. Those textbook-toting shots feel kind of forced. When I swapped them out for a confetti toss and a little jump of joy, the photos suddenly had so much more life. That sparkle said “I made it!” way better than a biology textbook ever could.
Source: KW Photography
2. Indoor studio setups often feel too stiff
One shoot I did inside a photo studio felt super staged. The lighting was okay, but the vibe? Totally flat. You can step into a campus garden or near the quad to make everything feel more relaxed and personal.
Source: Let Me Capture You
3. Don’t Pose Simple on Your Momentous Day
Graduation isn’t just another photo day — it’s the moment you’ve been working toward for years. Basic poses that could pass for passport photos? They don’t do it justice. This is your time to shine, laugh, jump, hug, and let loose.
Source: Kenzie Carley
4. Don’t Ditch The Gown
Graduation day is finally here! You survived the all-nighters, group projects, and way too many coffee runs. Now it’s time for photos. But wait — where’s your cap and gown? If you’re skipping the gown because you think it’s boring, think again. Leaving it out is like baking cookies with no chocolate chips.
Source: Selina Pan
5. Don’t Overcrowd Your Grad Photoshoot
Let’s be honest — graduation day is exciting, but also super crowded. Everyone’s running around in gowns, snapping pics, and trying to get that one shot in front of the school sign. But do you really want to wait forever just to get a photo with a bunch of strangers in the background? Yeah, didn’t think so.
Source: Joya Dean
6. Skip the Sunglasses (Unless You’re Making a Statement)
I love sunglasses too, but for graduation photos, they’re usually not the best choice. I once wore big sunglasses, thinking I looked cool, but I just looked like I was hiding. Oops! Unless your sunglasses are really bold and stylish, it’s better to leave them out. Your eyes show your happiness and excitement better than any glasses can.
Source: Parthoroy
7. No Stilettos On Grass – Risky and Uncomfortable
Heels sinking in the grass is the worst. I’ve tried it, and it’s no fun. Your heel gets stuck, and you end up wobbling or walking funny. Instead, wear wedges or block heels. They are comfy and won’t sink.
Source: Mags Oertli
8. Beware of Distracting Backgrounds
Distracting backgrounds can really mess up a good photo. You know when you take a picture and later see someone or a messy pile in the background? I’ve done that too, and it’s annoying. Instead, try to find simple places like a plain wall or a park where you stand out. Bright signs or colorful ads might look cool, but they take attention away from you.
Source: sam2late
9. Avoid All-Black Outfits That Blend into Your Gown
Let’s talk about wearing all black under your graduation gown. Graduation is your special day, so don’t disappear! Wear something colorful or with a fun pattern under your gown. Even a bright shirt or soft pastel will make your pictures look better and show your style. Believe me, you’ll be happy you did when you see your photos later!
Source: Joya3302
10. That Balloon Arch Everyone Uses? Let It Go
That balloon arch everyone uses at parties? It’s kind of old news now. When I skipped the balloon arch at my last party, everything felt fresh and fun — and the photos looked great too! Sometimes, dropping the usual stuff is the best way to make your party stand out.
Source: Forte films and stills
11. Fake Laughs Are Easy to Spot — Go Natural
Fake laughs are really easy to notice—and honestly, they can be pretty awkward. I’ve done it too, oops! Instead of pretending, try to laugh only when something actually makes you smile. Even a small smile or quiet chuckle is better than a fake laugh. Trying too hard just feels strange. So next time, skip the fake laugh and just be yourself. It’s much nicer and a lot easier!
Source: Stanley Wu
12. Avoid Busy Patterns That Distract From You
Busy patterns can ruin a great photo. I once wore a crazy animal print to a shoot, thinking it looked fun. Big mistake. The pattern was so loud, you could barely see my face! In photos, busy prints can steal the spotlight and make things look messy. The camera picks up every little detail, and it’s just too much. Instead, go for solid colors or simple designs.
Source: Stephanie tran
13. Say No to Copy-Paste Pinterest Poses
We’ve all done it — searched Pinterest for cute graduation photo ideas, saved a bunch, and tried to copy them. But honestly, those poses often feel stiff or awkward. I once tried that “look away and laugh” pose and ended up looking like I sneezed. It didn’t feel like me.
Source: Ruqoyah
14. Ditch the “Lean on Tree” Basicness
Lean on a tree and smile like you’re in a toothpaste ad. Instead, skip the tree and try something with more movement. A little twirl, a quick walk, or even laughing with your friends makes the shot feel way more natural. When I stopped leaning on trees and started moving, my photos looked way more fun and real.
Source: Samantha
15. Don’t Pose Empty-Handed — Props Tell a Story
Posing with empty hands can make your photo feel kind of plain. I did it once, and honestly, it looked like I was just standing around doing nothing. Props help show your journey. So, grab something that tells your story. It makes the photo way more special.
Source: Claire Photo Diary
16. Forget Uninspired School Mascot Shots
Forget those boring school mascot photos — do we really need one more awkward pic with a statue that hasn’t moved in decades? I’ve taken one too, standing stiff with a fake smile. It felt weird. A better idea? Pick a spot on campus that means something to you.
Source: Michael Berlfein
17. Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute to Book Your Photographer
Good photographers get booked early, sometimes months ahead. If you wait too long, your top choice might be gone. So, start early! Look through different photographers’ work, read reviews, and book the one you love as soon as possible.
Source: Stanley Wu Photography
18. Filtered to Death? Keep It Natural
Filtered to death? We’ve all done it. That selfie with so many filters, you hardly look like yourself anymore. Oops! Filters can be fun, but using too many makes your photo look fake. Instead, keep it simple. Use natural light and smile for real.
19. Watch Out for Windy Hair Graduation Hairstyle
Windy hair can totally ruin your photos. Trying to keep your hair perfect when the wind is blowing just makes you look stressed. Instead of fighting it, try to enjoy the messy look.
Source: Jisung0487
20. Don’t Ignore the Lighting — Harsh Sunlight Kills the Mood
Harsh sunlight can ruin your photos. I’ve been there—squinting and getting weird shadows on my face. Bright sun might seem great, but it makes colors look faded and the picture look harsh. Instead, try taking photos during the golden hour, which is right after sunrise or before sunset.
Source: Magical Memories by Michelle
21. Ditch The Monotonous Grad Photoshoot With Family
Holding your diploma like a scroll is pretty awkward. Add it with a non-smiley, monosyllabic family pose and you have got a boring disaster. It’s a pose everyone uses, but it doesn’t look natural. Mix it up a little. Tell your family to be more organic and show some movement.
Source: Tia Liu
22. Don’t Tilt Your Graduation Cap Way Too Far
It might seem cool, but it often looks a bit messy and can cover your face in photos. Instead, wear your cap straight and snug on your head, with the tassel in the right spot. This way, your smile shines, and your hat stays put.
Source: Shannon McDonald Photography
23. Ditch the Overdone Jumping Pose
The frozen jump can look awkward, like you’re trying too hard. Instead, try something natural, like laughing with your friends or spinning around. These moments feel real and show your true personality.
Source: Itseva
24. Say No to Stiff Group Lineups
Say no to stiff group lineups — they’re boring and awkward. Instead, try something fun. Have people talk, laugh, lean on each other, or walk together. This makes the photo feel natural and relaxed.
Source: Kylee faulk
25. Avoid the Classic ‘Hand on Hip’ Default
Honestly, it’s pretty overused and can look stiff or forced. I’ve done it myself more times than I can count! Instead, try something more relaxed. Let your arms hang naturally or give a little hair toss with a smile. It feels more comfortable and makes your photos look real and fun.
Source: RPW Photography
At the end of the day, your graduation photos should feel like you — joyful, genuine, and full of life. So skip the awkward trends and go for moments that actually mean something. You’ve earned this, so make it count!
Here are more ideas to make your momentous occasions a little more than just any other day.
