One of the most common questions I hear from graduates and parents is: "When should I book graduation photos?" The answer depends on whether you want portraits before or after the ceremony, whether you are finishing high school or college, and how important specific location availability is to you. After 14 years of photographing graduates across Hampton Roads, I have mapped out the ideal timeline so you never miss your window.
The short answer is that two to four weeks before graduation is the sweet spot for most graduates. But there is a lot more nuance to it than that. This guide walks you through the full Hampton Roads graduation season, the differences between pre-graduation and post-graduation portraits, how senior portrait season differs from graduation portrait season, and why our studio composite sessions offer year-round flexibility that outdoor sessions cannot.
The Hampton Roads Graduation Season Calendar
Understanding the local graduation timeline helps you plan ahead and avoid the rush. Hampton Roads has a concentrated graduation season that stretches from April through June, with a secondary season in December for mid-year college graduates.
April: Early High School Ceremonies Begin
Some Hampton Roads high schools hold ceremonies in late April, particularly private schools and alternative programs. If your ceremony is in April, you should book your session by early March at the latest. April also brings unpredictable weather in Hampton Roads: warm one day, windy and cool the next. Having a studio backup plan is essential during this period.
May: Peak College Graduation Month
May is when the major college and university ceremonies happen. Hampton University, Norfolk State University, Old Dominion University, Christopher Newport University, the College of William & Mary, and Tidewater Community College all hold their commencement ceremonies during this month. May is our busiest month for graduation photography, and sessions book out quickly. If you are graduating from any Hampton Roads college in May, I strongly recommend booking by early April.
May weather in Hampton Roads is generally warm and sunny, with temperatures in the mid-70s to mid-80s. Humidity starts building toward the end of the month. Early morning and golden hour sessions are ideal for comfortable outdoor shooting.
June: High School Graduation Season
The majority of Hampton Roads public high school graduations happen in June. Suffolk Public Schools, Chesapeake Public Schools, Virginia Beach City Public Schools, Norfolk Public Schools, Hampton City Schools, and Newport News Public Schools all schedule their ceremonies during the first three weeks of June. This is the second-busiest period for graduation portraits, with many families booking sessions in the two weeks surrounding the ceremony.
June brings full summer heat to Hampton Roads. Temperatures regularly reach the upper 80s and low 90s with significant humidity. Outdoor sessions should be scheduled for early morning before 9 AM or during the final hour before sunset to avoid harsh overhead light and uncomfortable heat.
December: Mid-Year College Graduations
Several Hampton Roads colleges hold December commencement ceremonies for students who complete their degrees in the fall semester. These mid-year graduates often get overlooked in the graduation photography conversation, but they deserve equally celebratory portraits. December sessions have a distinct advantage: cooler weather, bare winter trees that create dramatic silhouettes, and significantly less competition for booking slots. If you are a December graduate, you have the luxury of booking just one to two weeks in advance.
Before Graduation: Anticipation Portraits
Pre-graduation portraits, sometimes called "anticipation portraits," are sessions that happen in the days or weeks before the actual ceremony. These are the most popular type of graduation session, and for good reason.
Advantages of pre-graduation portraits:
- Campus access: You still have full access to your school or university campus, including buildings, lawns, and landmarks
- Fresh excitement: The anticipation of graduation creates genuine emotion and energy in your expressions
- No time pressure: After the ceremony, many families have parties, dinners, and travel plans. Pre-graduation sessions happen when you can be fully present
- Better gown condition: Your cap and gown are fresh and unwrinkled, not yet worn through a hot, crowded ceremony
- Golden hour availability: You can schedule for the best light rather than being locked into the ceremony day timeline
Ideal booking window: Two to four weeks before your ceremony date. This gives you enough time to receive your cap and gown (most schools distribute them one to two weeks before the ceremony) while still feeling the graduation excitement.
For campus sessions at Hampton University, Norfolk State, ODU, CNU, or William & Mary, I recommend booking three to four weeks in advance during May, as campus locations fill up quickly with multiple graduates trying to use the same spots. Weekday mornings are less crowded than weekends.
After Graduation: Celebration Portraits
Post-graduation portraits, or "celebration portraits," happen after the ceremony. These sessions have a different energy: the pressure is off, the diploma is in hand, and the graduate can fully relax and enjoy the experience.
Advantages of post-graduation portraits:
- Diploma in hand: You have the actual diploma (or at least the cover) as a prop, adding authenticity
- Relaxed energy: The stress of finals, ceremonies, and family logistics is behind you
- More outfit flexibility: Without the urgency of a ceremony, you can take more time with outfit changes
- Group scheduling: Easier to coordinate with friends for group graduation photos
- Price advantage: Booking after peak season can sometimes offer more availability
Important consideration: If you are a college graduate, campus access may be limited after your graduation date, especially if you need to return your student ID. Plan campus sessions for within a few days of your ceremony, not weeks later. High school graduates generally have more flexibility since public spaces and parks do not require campus access.
Senior Portrait Season vs. Graduation Portrait Season
There is an important distinction between senior portraits and graduation portraits that many families do not realize until it is too late.
Senior portraits are typically photographed in the fall of your senior year, months before graduation. These are the portraits used in yearbooks, on graduation announcements, and on social media during the lead-up to graduation. Senior portrait season in Hampton Roads runs from August through November, with September and October being the most popular months. The fall foliage, comfortable temperatures, and golden light make these months ideal for outdoor portraiture.
Graduation portraits are photographed in the spring, close to the actual graduation ceremony. These sessions focus on the cap and gown, regalia, diplomas, and career outfits. Graduation portrait season in Hampton Roads runs from April through June.
The best approach is to book both. A fall senior portrait session and a spring graduation session give you two completely different collections: one that captures who you are as a senior in all your personal style, and one that captures the formal milestone of graduation with all its symbols and traditions. Many families display both sets throughout the home.
College Graduation Timeline Differences
College graduation photography follows a different rhythm than high school photography. Here is a month-by-month guide for college graduates:
January-February: This is the ideal time to start thinking about your May graduation session. Research photographers, review portfolios, and reach out for availability. If you want a popular photographer, early booking is essential because May fills fast.
March: Book your session. By March, most graduation photographers' May calendars are filling up. Secure your preferred date and time. Begin planning your outfits and gathering your regalia.
April: Finalize your session details. Confirm your outfit plan, gather all cords, stoles, and paraphernalia, and arrange your cap and gown pickup. If you are doing a campus session, visit the location at the same time of day as your session to see how the light looks.
May (first two weeks): Your session happens. Most college commencements fall in the first or second week of May in Hampton Roads. Pre-graduation sessions happen in the days leading up to the ceremony. Post-graduation sessions happen within a few days after.
How Far in Advance Should You Book?
Here are my specific recommendations based on your graduation timeline:
- May college graduation: Book by late March or early April (6-8 weeks ahead)
- June high school graduation: Book by mid-April to early May (4-6 weeks ahead)
- December college graduation: Book by mid-November (2-4 weeks ahead)
- Composite studio session (any time): Book 1-2 weeks ahead (more flexible year-round)
Spring is our busiest season, and weekends in April and May fill first. If you have flexibility, weekday sessions (Tuesday through Thursday) tend to have more availability and often offer the added benefit of less crowded campus and park locations.
Composite Sessions: Year-Round Flexibility
One of the biggest advantages of composite portrait sessions is that they can be done at any time of year. Since composites are photographed in our climate-controlled Suffolk studio, there is no weather dependency, no campus access requirement, and no seasonal rush. A composite session in January produces the same quality as one in May because every element, from lighting to temperature to background, is controlled.
This year-round flexibility is particularly valuable for graduates who missed the traditional spring window, December graduates who want to avoid cold outdoor sessions, and anyone who wants to add composite art to their graduation portrait collection without the time pressure of graduation season. Many clients book their outdoor campus session during graduation week and then schedule a studio composite session weeks or even months later when they can take their time planning outfits and themes.
Rain and Weather Contingency: The Studio Advantage
Hampton Roads weather is unpredictable, especially during spring. Rain, storms, and overcast skies can derail outdoor graduation sessions. This is where our Suffolk studio becomes invaluable.
Every outdoor session we book includes a rain contingency plan. If weather threatens your session, we have three options:
- Reschedule: Move the outdoor session to the next available clear day
- Move to studio: Shift the session to our Suffolk studio for the same date and time
- Split session: Do studio shots on the original date and add an outdoor session when weather clears
Having a studio available eliminates the stress of weather uncertainty. You will never lose your session to rain, and you will never have to worry about wind destroying your hairstyle or heat making you uncomfortable. For graduates who want guaranteed results regardless of conditions, a studio session or studio composite is the safest choice.
Quick Reference: Your Graduation Photo Planning Checklist
- 6-8 weeks before graduation: Research and book your photographer
- 4 weeks before: Plan your outfits (cap and gown, casual, professional, cultural/Greek)
- 2 weeks before: Pick up your cap and gown; steam out wrinkles
- 1 week before: Gather all accessories (cords, stoles, rings, props, diploma cover)
- 2-3 days before: Try on all outfits, confirm everything fits and looks right
- Day before: Iron or steam all clothing, charge your phone, confirm session details
- Day of: Arrive 10 minutes early, bring water, bring all outfit changes and accessories
Related Graduation Resources
- Graduation Photography Services at Motiontography
- What to Wear for Graduation Photos: Complete Wardrobe Guide
- Best Graduation Photo Locations in Hampton Roads
- What Are Graduation Composite Portraits? A Complete Guide
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Last updated: February 2026