How to Prepare for College Cap & Gown Picture Day

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR COLLEGE CAP & GOWN PORTRAIT

You did it.

Your undergraduate degree represents years of work, growth, late nights, big decisions, and real momentum. This is a milestone worth documenting — not just for your family, but for you.

Your graduation portrait should feel polished, confident, and unmistakably you.

Here’s how to prepare.

CAP & GOWN DETAILS

In most cases, we provide the gown, cap, tassel, collar (dickie), and black tie. If your college provides official regalia, we’ll follow their process.

For college cap & gown sessions, you’re welcome to:

• Wear the cap
• Hold the cap
• Or do both

We’ll photograph a variety, so you leave with options.

Dickie	Dickie with Tie	No Dickie	Collared-Shirt
Dickie	Dickie with Tie	No Dickie	Dickie

WHAT TO WEAR UNDER YOUR GOWN

Think clean, simple, and structured.

A well-fitted collared shirt photographs best.

If you don’t have one, we provide dickies (half-shirts) and ties in sizes XS–XXL.

Additional tips:

• V-necks work well.
• Avoid crew-neck t-shirts — they bunch and show.
• Skip hoodies or bulky sweaters — they create bulk and wrinkles under the gown.
• Keep jewelry intentional and minimal.
• If you’re holding the cap, your hands will show — rings, bracelets, and nails will be visible.
• If you’re bringing your own regalia, please arrive with it steamed and ready.

GOWN FIT & CAP STYLING

We’ll guide you, but here’s what to expect:

If wearing the cap:

• The stretchy band sits in the back.
• The flat edge rests straight across your forehead.
• The tassel traditionally hangs on the left side.

If holding the cap:

• The tassel should hang straight down.
• The charm should face forward.
• Choose the correct gown size so the sleeves hit appropriately.
• Zip the gown fully.
• Collars should sit neatly inside the neckline unless styled intentionally outside.
• Nothing should be uneven or sticking out awkwardly.

OUR TEAM

Our photographers and assistants will help you into your gown and make sure everything looks sharp before we begin. We handle the details so you can focus on showing up confident and ready.

This is your moment — let’s capture it well.