Capturing Hannah’s UNT Graduation Photos: A Photographer's Perspective


As a photographer, there’s nothing quite like the joy of capturing a major milestone for someone, especially when that someone is as inspiring as Hannah. I had the privilege of photographing Hannah’s graduation from the University of North Texas (and acceptance to Grad School!), and let me tell you, it was a shoot full of laughter, excitement, and so much heart.


Hannah is not just a brilliant artist and soon-to-be art teacher, but she’s also passionate about advocating for the arts in education. Watching her step into her future with such purpose and grace was an absolute honor. It’s so exciting to see a fellow creative take on the world with such a clear vision—and I’m so grateful I got to document this special moment!

A smiling person with long dark hair wearing a white blazer stands in front of a yellow building with a white spire.

Why Graduation Photos Matter:

More Than Just a Picture


We all know graduation is a big deal. It’s the culmination of years of hard work, late nights, and the determination to chase your dreams. That’s why I love graduation photography—it’s about so much more than just snapping a few pretty pictures. It’s about capturing the pride and excitement of the day, the emotions of the graduate, and the new chapter that’s about to unfold.


For Hannah, every click of the camera felt special because I wasn’t just photographing a graduate; I was photographing someone who’s going to make a real difference in the world. Hannah has worked so hard to get to this point and is even graduating early! With her Bachelor of Arts degree, she’s not just closing a chapter; she’s opening the door to a future as an art educator and advocate for arts funding is something that will impact so many students, and I couldn’t be more excited for her.

The Best Tips for Your Graduation Photoshoot

 

Choose Meaningful Locations: Graduation photos should feel personal, so consider shooting in places that hold special meaning to you. For Hannah, the UNT campus was the perfect spot to reflect on her college journey, but you could also think about capturing shots at spots that tell your story.


Incorporate Personal Touches: Add little details that showcase who you are and what you love. For Hannah, we made sure to include her art supplies, a nod to her future as an art educator. Whatever you’re passionate about—whether it’s your field of study or a hobby—bring it into your shoot!


Candid Moments Are Everything: Some of the best shots aren’t the posed ones! Don’t be afraid to laugh, walk around, and just be yourself in front of the camera. These real, candid moments are the ones you’ll cherish the most. Plus, they really show off your personality!

The Magic of Light: Lighting can make or break a shot! Soft, natural light is always a winner. Whether you’re shooting outdoors or indoors, make sure the light flatters you, highlighting your best features and creating that dreamy, celebratory vibe. A professional photographer will be able to help with this one!


Feel Like Yourself: On your graduation day, you want to feel beautiful, confident, and comfortable. If you’re considering hair and makeup, go for a look that makes you feel like you. You’ll be so glad you did when you see the photos!


Consider an Outfit Change: If you want to take your photos to the next level, consider adding an outfit change to your shoot! After capturing the formal graduation look, change into something a little more personal or casual that reflects your personality. For Hannah, she surprised her family with a change into a DBU shirt to announce that she got accepted to Grad School!

Hand with turquoise nails and silver rings shown against bluebonnet flowers and Dallas Rangers shirt in Texas garden setting.
A large green UNT (University of North Texas) letter sculpture sits on grass with someone in a red dress resting against it.

Showing off her college ring and

White brick sorority house entrance with KKG letters and address number 925 displayed above double glass doors.
Artist in paint-splattered overalls sits against colorful drip-painted wall backdrop.

Why You Should Hire a Professional Photographer for Your Graduation Shoot


Graduation photos are something you’ll treasure forever, and hiring a professional photographer ensures you get the most out of your special day. As a photographer, I know how important it is to capture the essence of each graduate and their story. When you hire a pro, you’re not just getting photos—you’re getting memories that’ll last a lifetime.


Whether you’re graduating from UNT or another university, working with a professional photographer makes sure your achievements are documented beautifully, creatively, and authentically. After all, this is one of the most important milestones of your life—you deserve to have those moments captured in the best possible way!

Congratulations, Hannah!


Your hard work, passion, and dedication have brought you to this moment—and the best is yet to come. I’m so proud to have been able to capture this chapter of your journey, and I know you’ll continue to inspire others as you take on the world as an art educator and advocate.


Here’s to all of your future successes—you’ve got this!


A hand with silver rings and blue nail polish held up against bluebonnet flowers and a Dallas Baptist University shirt.
Playful pose leaning against a white column in pink heels and dark pants on a university campus.
A person in a white dress sits on a bench outside a brick building with stately white columns and lanterns.
A couple sits on red brick steps in front of a grand white columned building entrance with Greek Revival architecture.
A profile view against historic campus architecture with a clock tower visible in the background.
A celebratory pose captured in front of a campus fountain with a clock tower in the background.
Artist sketches while sitting barefoot on floor next to colorful paintings featuring a green figure and blue portrait.
Person in navy sweatshirt poses joyfully in front of traditional college building with white clock tower.
A graduate in green cap and gown sits on gallery floor surrounded by colorful artwork on white walls.
A graduate in red poses next to the University of North Texas entrance sign.
Large green and white UNT university letters displayed as outdoor signage on a landscaped lawn with brick buildings in background.
Red dress against university signage wall during golden hour.
A black and white portrait of someone in a white dress and cowboy hat adjusting their hat brim outdoors.
Graduate in cap and gown writing
A relaxed pose on brick steps in front of a building with classical white columns.
Large green UNT university letters installation on campus lawn.
Student wearing navy t-shirt and white cowboy hat posing on campus with brick building behind.
University of North Texas campus seal surrounded by white flowers and landscaping.
Candid moment with purple flowers and white cowboy hat against collegiate architecture.
Graduate in white dress sitting in front of brick sorority house with KKG letters.
A casual portrait against a neoclassical building with white columns and brick details.
UNT arch sculpture framing the campus admin building with trees and fountain in background.
Someone poses playfully against a white column on a brick walkway wearing pink heels and dark pants on a college campus.
A graduate wearing a green gown and decorative overalls balances on a white pedestal in a hallway.
Artist in paint-splattered overalls sits on white canvas floor surrounded by colorful paint splatter art.
Joyful person wearing a pink graphic t-shirt smiling outdoors with trees in the background.
White cowboy hat surrounded by blooming bluebonnets and greenery in artistic overhead shot.
A black and white profile portrait with historic campus architecture in the background.
Someone in a navy blue t-shirt, white cowboy hat and statement blue earrings poses with closed eyes against an institutional building.
A person in a white dress stands by a fountain in front of a historic brick clock tower on a university campus.
Paint-covered hands playfully cover face against backdrop of vibrant paint splatters and art supplies.
Someone in overalls sits barefoot on paint-splattered floor creating colorful abstract art on white wall.
Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority house exterior with white columns and brick facade.
A brick building entrance with 'KKG' Greek letters and white French doors numbered 925.
A graduate in a red dress poses with large green UNT letters on campus.
A student stands on steps in front of a grand white stone entrance with classical architectural details.
A white graduation stole with University letters lies on a bed of purple flowers and greenery.
Artistic portrait among Texas bluebonnets with white cowboy hat and navy shirt.
Graduate in white dress and blue sash sitting beneath a large metal arch structure outdoors.
Vintage turquoise ring displayed on white and blue swirled ceramic dish.
Large green UNT letters displayed on campus grounds with trees and buildings in the background.
Someone sketches blue bubble letters in a spiral notebook with markers while sitting at a desk.
Woman in casual attire with ripped black jeans and pink sandals poses against white column outdoors on brick pathway.
Graduate in red gown posing at the University of North Texas sign with white flowers.
Graduate in a white dress and light blue sash posing elegantly between classical white columns.
A graduation celebration pose at the University of North Texas seal garden.
A person in a white blazer smiles while looking up towards the sky, with buildings visible in the background.
A person in red poses in front of a decorative University of North Texas sign surrounded by landscaped flowers.
A graduate sits on a bench wearing a light blue dress and pink heels near white columns and brick architecture.
Two people embrace in a warm hug in front of a historic brick building with a clock tower.
Black and white photo of an artist in overalls sitting on the floor painting a large mural with paint supplies scattered around.
A white cowboy hat with turquoise rings rests among blooming bluebonnet wildflowers in Texas.
A person in a red dress poses joyfully in front of the University of North Texas entrance sign and landscaping.
Graduate in white dress with light blue sorority sash poses by campus fountain on sunny spring day.