What to Expect from Your Graduation Photo Session

If you’re searching for Virginia Tech graduation photos, here’s exactly how a session works, what to expect, and how to prepare.

Why Do You Shoot Virginia Tech Graduation Photos in the Evening?

Evening sessions offer the best light on campus. The hour before sunset, often called “golden hour,” creates soft, warm, flattering light. Midday sun in Blacksburg is harsh and overhead, which causes strong shadows and squinting.

In April and May, sunset is around 8 PM, so most Virginia Tech grad photo sessions begin at 6:00 or 6:30 PM. Better light = better photos.

How Long Does a Virginia Tech Graduation Photo Session Last?

Sessions last approximately 90 minutes. This gives us time to move between iconic Virginia Tech campus locations while keeping things relaxed and efficient. We keep moving. No awkward standing around.

Where Are the Best Places for Graduation Photos at Virginia Tech?

The most popular VT graduation photo locations are:

• Burruss Hall

• The Virginia Tech Pylons

• Torgersen Bridge

• The Steve Johnson Practice Field (“This Is Home” on the jumbotron)

Grads typically park near Cassell Coliseum and meet me near the practice field. If there’s a meaningful campus location you’d like included, we can usually work it in. As a full-time communications manager at Virginia Tech, I’m on campus daily and know how to navigate crowds, lighting, and timing.

Can We Take Graduation Photos Right After the Ceremony?

It’s not recommended.

The areas near Lane Stadium and Cassell Coliseum are crowded and often have harsh lighting. Evening sessions on a separate day produce dramatically better results. If you want photos that feel polished and timeless, evening is the way to go.

What If Burruss Hall or the Pylons Are Crowded?

Graduation week is busy.

When locations are crowded, I pivot and use surrounding architecture, walls, gardens, and angles that still look incredible. I shoot in ways that naturally blur backgrounds and minimize distractions.

When it’s our turn at a high-demand spot, we move quickly and efficiently.

What Should I Wear for Virginia Tech Graduation Photos?

Most women wear dresses. Most men wear a button-down shirt, khakis, and dress shoes.

We’ll capture:

• Outfit-only portraits

• Cap and stole photos

• Full cap-and-gown portraits

Iron your clothes. Choose shoes you can comfortably walk in. Heels are fine. Confidence is better.

For inspiration, search #HokieGrad.

Can Family Members Be Included in Graduation Photos?

Yes.

Most graduates come solo, which keeps the session relaxed. However, parents and family members are welcome. We’ll capture a few group photos along the way without turning the session into a full family portrait shoot.

If two grads want to book together, that’s possible as well. The session time is shared, and image totals are adjusted accordingly.

I’m Not Photogenic. Will You Help With Posing?

Absolutely.

You don’t need to know how to pose. I guide you the entire time and use movement, natural prompts, and location-specific poses that work. For men: I will tell you what to do with your hands. For everyone: we avoid stiff and awkward. We aim for confident, relaxed, and natural.

What If the Weather Is Bad in Blacksburg?

Overcast days are actually ideal for graduation photos. Soft, diffused light creates beautiful skin tones.

We avoid active rain. If the forecast looks uncertain, I make a final decision about an hour before the session. If necessary, we reschedule. I always leave flexibility during graduation season.

Dramatic skies before or after storms can create incredible images.

Can We Bring Champagne or Props?

Yes, champagne photos on the Burruss Hall steps are popular and photograph beautifully.

Confetti is not allowed on campus.

Cap, gown, stole, cords, and small personal touches are all welcome.

How Many Photos Do You Receive?

You will receive 100+ fully edited, high-resolution images.

I typically capture several hundred images during a session and individually edit the strongest 100–150 for color, exposure, contrast, and tone. I do not use bulk presets. Each image is reviewed and adjusted one by one.

Gallery delivery is within one week.

You can download, print, and share your images anywhere.

How Does Booking and Payment Work?

No deposit is required.

Payment is due after gallery delivery. Venmo is preferred, but credit card, check, cash, or Cash App are accepted.

Simple and transparent.

Ready to Book Your Virginia Tech Graduation Photos?

Evening time slots during graduation season fill quickly.

If you’re considering graduation photos at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, reach out early to secure your preferred date.