1. When is the Best Time for an 8th Graduation Photo Session?

What Are You Doing With the Graduation Pictures?

It is important to know that Graduation Photographers typically take 1-2 weeks after the 8th Grade Graduation Photoshoot to deliver your gallery. Think about how you are going to use the graduation pictures and see how much lead time you’ll need.

Grad Party Invitations and Graduation Announcements: Schedule your 8th grade photo shoot six (6) weeks before graduation. This is a good time frame because it can take your photographer 1-2 weeks to edit and deliver your photos. You will then need another 1-2 weeks to order graduation announcements or grad party invites. Lastly, factor another 1-2 weeks for these grad announcements and invitations to get to your loved ones via mail.

Printing Photos for the Grad Party: Doing your graduation photo session four (4) weeks before your grad party should be sufficient. This will factor the 1-2 weeks editing and delivery time from your photographer, and 2 weeks for ordering and receiving your printed 8th grade graduation portraits for the party.

Posting on Social Media: This has the shortest time frame since you just need digital files of the photos you want to post. An 8th graduation full or mini session done three (3) weeks from graduation day should suffice. If you are feeling lucky, you can push it to two (2) weeks before graduation day.

If an 8th Grade Graduation Photo Session is on your to-do list, it is a good idea to get on a graduation photographer’s email list so you get notified when grad sessions are scheduled.   Join my Grad VIP Email List and get first dibs on my calendar.

Unique Session Idea

Almond Blossoms are a special event here in Stockton and the greater Central Valley Area. A graduation photo session with the almond blossoms will definitely give your graduate unique and Instagram worthy 8th graduation portraits!

The Almond Blossom season is earlier in the year between mid-February to mid-March. Check out my Almond Blossom blog to learn more!

2. What Should My 8th Grader Wear to the Graduation Photoshoot?

Graduation Outfit Test Run

The graduation photo shoot can be a great test run for your grad’s actual outfit for graduation! Don’t know what your grad should wear to the shoot or graduation? A good place to start is Cityline’s video about Age-Appropriate Style Guide to 6th and 8th Graduation Outfits.

Another great place to start is by searching for “Easter outfits”. Easter clothes are a combination of Spring colors and more put together pieces. For 8th Grade Graduation Dresses, check out Old Navy, Macy’s, Target and Amazon. For suits and elevated casual clothes for 8th grade boys, look into what Old Navy, Macy’s, Target and Amazon have to offer.

A Chance to Express My Kid’s Personality

Some of my clients use the grad session as a way to celebrate their child’s personality. In this situation, most opt for more casual clothing. A nice top, jeans and sneakers (like Vans style) or sandals is a good classic outfit to start with. Just make sure that the top does not have any distracting elements like a large logo. The outfit should not take away attention from your graduate’s smile!

Always check with your school for its Graduation dress code guidelines

Have fun and experiment with dressier outfits but check with your school for its guidelines. It will most likely look like this Graduation Attire Guide I found from the Bryn Athyn Church School.

3. Best Locations For Graduation Photos

University of the Pacific

The University of the Pacific in Stockton is a favorite photography location for grads. My clients love this campus because of the brick buildings and its classic vibe. If your 8th grade graduation photoshoot is scheduled in March or April, you can take advantage of the colors of the flowering trees and roses on campus. Consider scheduling your grad photo shoot in the Fall and you’ll get wonderful autumn colors all around the school.

Stockton and Lodi Parks

If you are looking for a more nature vibe to your graduation pictures, Oak Grove Regional Park in Stockton and Lodi Lake Park in Lodi are great options. I hold my 8th grade graduation mini sessions at Lodi Lake Park because of the great background the trees and Lodi Lake make, and how close the parking lot is to my photo session spot.

Want to sign up for my 8th grade grad mini sessions? Connect with me to get your booking process started!

Downtown Lodi

Downtown Lodi is an unexpected but beautiful location for graduation photos. The tree lined sidewalks, exposed brick walls and photographer friendly coffee shops make Downtown Lodi a hidden gem for photo sessions.

4. What Props to Bring to Your 8th Grade Photo Session

Cap and Gown

Depending on your photo shoot schedule, your school may have the cap and gown available. You can borrow it from the school and bring for graduation pictures. If your school doesn’t have the cap and gown ready yet, Amazon is a good source for cap and gowns that can stand in for the real thing during your grad session. Various colors are available, and sets start at $25.

Letter Board, Balloons or Signs

I love bringing a letter board that says “Class of (insert year here)” to my 8th grade graduation mini sessions. This is a good prop to commemorate your child’s graduating year. It also lends to variety in the poses. You can also use balloons that spell out “Yay”, “Congrats”, “Grad” or “Celebrate” to add fun and flair to your grad pictures.

5. Why Hire a Photographer for Your 8th Grade Graduation Photoshoot

In a word, convenience. When you hire a photographer for a full session or sign up for their graduation mini session, you take advantage of their experience with posing your child, and knowledge of graduation picture day outfits.   They also figure out the best time and locations for great photos.  They do all the leg work – you just show up to your graduation photo shoot!

Let me do the prep work for your 8th grade graduation session! Connect with me and let’s get your grad session set up!

Special Considerations – FAQ

Weather Impacts

Because outdoor graduation photos are done in late Winter to early Spring time, this means the possibility of rain in Northern California. Be ready to be flexible with your graduation photographer if you need to move your session a few hours earlier or reschedule due to rain or wind.

Allergies – Pollen and Grass

If your outdoor session is in a park, keep in mind that pollen and grass in the parks can trigger allergies. Have an allergy game plan such as get your student to take an allergy pill before the session or bringing your Epipen or inhaler to the session.

Interested to book an 8th Grade Graduation Photo Session?

Ready to make your 8th Grade Graduation Picture Day dreams come true?  Connect with me to schedule your free consultation and book your graduation photoshoot.