WHAT IS MICHGRADS?
Michgrads is a team of photographers, creatives, and all-around amazing Wolverine alumni specializing in graduation photography. We will be working with graduates on the Ann Arbor campus this Spring 2024, and are currently accepting reservations!
WHO IS MICHGRADS?
We formed Michgrads while we were students photographing our friends at the University of Michigan in 2018. Since then, we had been shooting portraits in Ann Arbor and working on creative projects around the world. We work with professionals and empower talented photographers to capture these moments. Our goal is to contribute to an inclusive community, bring opportunities to creative thinkers, and offer the best-in-class service and unbeatable prices for graduating Wolverines.
WHY MICHGRADS?
We have 6 years of experience photographing graduates and family portraits in Ann Arbor and beyond. We have a dedicated team of photographers, editors, and digital creators specializing in grad photos and can guarantee a smooth experience for our clients from start to finish. And most importantly, we are on a mission to bring together various communities on the Michigan campus to celebrate the most joyous occasion since winning the CFP National Championship on January 8, 2024.
Our edge is that we have photographed over 250 graduates and their families, perfected the graduation portrait experience start-to-finish, and are more excited than ever to bring our talents back to Ann Arbor this Spring.
Please take a look at our FAQs regarding our graduation photography experience below. We are happy to field any and all questions!
WHAT SHOULD I BRING TO MY SESSION?
In addition to making sure your hair and warddrobe are on point, please consider bringing the below items as they can help ensure that your session is as comfortable as can be.
Safety & Bobby Pins: These pins are great for adjusting oversized clothing or shortening a long graduation sash, as well as keeping hair together in the event of wind.
Touch-up Kit: Carry a kit with makeup essentials and hair styling tools like hairspray or a comb.
Water: Stay hydrated, especially in warm weather. Bring a straw if you're wearing lipstick.
Suitcase or Duffel Bag with Wheels: A practical choice for transporting apparel and photoshoot items.
Flip-flops or Walking Shoes: Essential for comfort, especially if you're wearing high heels during a long photoshoot.
TIPS FOR PLANNING YOUR SESSION
We recommend planning your graduation outfits well in advance, as spring collections, especially popular items like white dresses and embroidered gowns and tassels that often sell out quickly. Organizing your wardrobe a few months earlier ensures a wider selection and ample time to finalize your choices, helping to avoid any shipping delays and last-minute worries. Please see some of our examples to get some inspiration!
GROUPS SHOTS FIRST, INDIVIDUAL SHOTS NEXT
You are more than welcome to bring friends along for group shots! Please ensure that your whole crew is aware of the timing of your shoot and shows up on time! We recommend that your friends and family come along for the beginning portion of the shoot, so that we can get as many group pictures squared away before moving into individual shots of the graduate.
SOME MORE INSPIRATION
If you have a particular style or theme in mind for your photoshoot, consider creating a Pinterest board to gather and organize your ideas. You're also encouraged to explore my past sessions on my blog, Instagram, or Pinterest for inspiration. Additionally, filling out the provided questionnaire before the session with any special ideas you'd like to try can be helpful, as we'll refer to it during the shoot to make your vision a reality.
HAIR AND MAKE-UP
If you are already an expert in doing your hair and makeup, then that's perfect! If not, since you are already investing so much time and energy into a portrait session, I would highly recommend getting professional hair and makeup. After all, it's your glam day, and I think it makes the most sense to go all the way! If you would like a referral, I have a referral list that I can provide after booking.
ARRIVING ON TIME
Allow yourself extra time before your photoshoot to avoid any rush, especially due to unforeseen issues like traffic or parking difficulties. It's advisable to arrive early, particularly if you're not familiar with the location. Being early is preferable as it ensures you don't miss any of your scheduled session time
LOCATIONS
Below is a list of suggested locations, however our team is ready to meet you and your group at any part of Central Campus. Should your group require us to meet you outside of central campus, we can arrange this with a variable travel fee.
The Law Quad
The Big House Northern Gates (to shoot on the field, please fill out this form provided by the Big House’s Team)
The Michigan Union
The Bell Tower
The Ross School of Business
Hatcher Graduate Library
Nickels Arcade
Houses and Lawns of Graduates, Outside East, West and South Quad
The Diag / Angell Hall
The Rock
The Arb
