You put in the work. Four years (or more) of classes, exams, late nights, and figuring things out. Your graduation portraits should match that energy.
College graduation portraits are one of those things people always wish they’d done. Whether you’re about to walk or you finished last semester and never got around to it, this guide covers everything you need to know about booking a session in the DFW area.
When to Book#
There’s no wrong time. May and December are obviously the most popular months since that’s when most schools hold commencement, but graduation portraits aren’t seasonal. You can book any time of year.
A few things to keep in mind:
- Book 1-3 weeks out for the best scheduling flexibility
- May and December grads should book early since those windows fill up fast
- Already graduated? Still counts. If you’ve got the cap and gown, we’re good
- Mid-year finishers who walked in August or finished over the summer are just as welcome
What to Wear#
Most people do two looks: one in full regalia and one in something personal.
Cap and gown look: Bring your cap, gown, stole, honor cords, and anything else you earned. This is the classic shot parents want framed. If you’ve already returned your regalia, check your university bookstore since many sell or rent them specifically for photos.
Personal outfit: Wear something that feels like you. A dress, a blazer, jeans and a nice top, whatever you’d want to look back on. Bold colors photograph well. Avoid busy patterns and logos.
Pro tip: Bring a lint roller for your gown. They wrinkle in storage.
Best Campus Locations in DFW#
Every university has iconic spots that make for great graduation backdrops. Here are some options across the area:
University of North Texas (Denton) The Hurley Administration Building, Apogee Stadium steps, and the UNT Gateway Center are all solid choices. The campus has a good mix of architecture and green space.
UT Dallas (Richardson) The Visitor Center and Engineering buildings have clean modern lines. The campus sculptures and the reflecting pools near the Student Union work well for editorial-style portraits.
SMU (Dallas) Dallas Hall is the classic shot. The tree-lined boulevards and the Cox School of Business building are also popular. SMU’s campus photographs beautifully year-round.
TCU (Fort Worth) Sadler Hall and the Amon G. Carter Stadium entrance are the iconic spots. The campus gardens and the Mary Couts Burnett Library provide variety.
Collin College (Frisco, Plano, McKinney) The Frisco campus has modern architecture that works well for clean, contemporary portraits. The Plano and McKinney campuses each have their own character.
Texas Woman’s University (Denton) The Little Chapel-in-the-Woods is a hidden gem. The main campus green and the Pioneer Woman statue are popular choices.
Dallas Baptist University The hilltop campus overlooking Mountain Creek Lake gives you elevated backgrounds you won’t find anywhere else in DFW.
Off-Campus Options#
Not everyone wants to shoot on campus, and that’s totally fine. Some of the best graduation portraits happen at parks, downtown spots, and scenic locations across DFW.
A few favorites:
- Frisco: Central Park, Limestone Quarry Park, The Rail District. See the full Frisco location guide.
- Plano: Downtown Plano Arts District, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve
- Dallas: Deep Ellum, Bishop Arts, Downtown Dallas skyline
- McKinney: Adriatica Village, downtown McKinney square
For a deeper dive on locations, check out the complete DFW location guide.
What’s Included#
College graduation portraits are the same session and pricing as senior portraits:
- $250 for a 60-minute session
- 15 professionally edited photos
- One outfit change (regalia + personal outfit)
- One location (campus or off-campus)
- Pre-session planning (outfits, location, timing)
- Guided posing and direction
- Private online gallery delivered in 7-14 days
Want something extra? Underwater graduation portraits are also an option starting at $750.
FAQ#
How much do college graduation portraits cost in DFW? Sessions start at $250 for a 60-minute session with 15 professionally edited photos, one outfit change, one location, pre-session planning, and private online gallery delivery in 7-14 days.
When should I book my college graduation portraits? Book 1-3 weeks before your preferred date. December and May grads should book early since those are the busiest times. But there’s no deadline. You can book graduation portraits months or even a year after you finish.
Can I take graduation photos on my college campus? Yes. Campus shoots are a popular option. Some universities require a permit for professional photography, so we’ll figure that out during the planning stage. I’ve shot across DFW campuses and I’m happy to meet you at yours.
Do I need to bring my own cap and gown? Yes, bring your cap, gown, stole, cords, honor cords, and any other regalia. If you’ve already returned yours, check if your university bookstore sells or rents them for photo purposes.
Ready to book your graduation portraits?