How to feel your best for graduation photos

We did the studying for you on this one!

Whether you’re in the first or final year of your studies, graduation photos have probably popped up in your mind. This might be a big deal for you — or for the other people in your life. Your pictures could probably be shared around your parent’s Facebook, passed around dinners or hung high in your family’s home for everyone to see for the next 10 years.

I think it’s safe to say that everyone worries about that one thing when you have a camera on you. If you’re like me, you might practice your smile in front of the mirror for hours and eventually forget how to smile.

All of these things and more are possible but you are certainly not alone in this. Students on campus shared their struggles with picture day, from not knowing how to pose to overthinking their appearance. Luckily, Samhara Szesycki, a second-year photography student, shared some advice to overcome these mental obstacles on your important day!

Break the ice

Shinna Visitacion, a first-year student in developmental services work, said she has a hard time posing when she gets her picture taken. Visitacion shared that it’s difficult to enter a space where you are essentially playing a part, especially with a stranger.

In the same line of thought, third-year finance student Arden Cabigting also says he does not feel that he is photogenic, so sitting and smiling in front of a photographer can get awkward really fast.

Szesycki says that she’s a shy person herself, so she understands that this type of interaction can be scary. But she wants to emphasize that the photographer is there for you and you only. She says photographers will make the effort to get to know you, so that the final result can be you at your best self.

“Our job is to make people feel comfortable,” Szesycki said. “That’s when you get someone to show their true self.”

Trust is #1

A woman saying "Don't lie to me" — *Via GIPHY*

What is that one thing that everyone says is crucial in pretty much all aspects of life? Oh yes, trust. But it can be hard to trust the process or the person taking your picture when you have no idea what you look like.

Breanna Thompson, a first-year student in the finance program, says she can’t help but overthink what she looks like. Whether her smile is “too wide or not wide enough.” Thompson says she doesn’t know if she actually looks good when the photographer says so.

Szesycki advises students to not be afraid to ask the photographer to see what the first picture looks like. She says that it’s important to remind yourself that this is a team effort, both parties want to have a fulfilling result. Szesycki emphasizes students have to try to put their trust in the photographer, that they will direct you to move your chin a little higher or to look in a certain direction if it means getting the best shot.

“You’re trying to build that relationship, so if something isn’t working, I communicate that. It’s two people trying to vibe and try to create some beautiful art,” Szesycki said.

Be your own cheerleader

Animated penguin jumping around while holding cheerleader pom-poms. A text that reads "Go! Go! Go!" appears behind the jumping penguin. — *Via GIPHY*

Adrien Glazer, who is in her fourth year of the journalism program, shared she feels the most confident in front of a camera when her friends are there to hype her up. Glazer is definitely like most of us, what’s not to love about our friends being our own personal cheerleaders? Unfortunately, this isn’t always possible, especially when there is a lineup of students waiting for their turn to take their photos. So, what can you do to do everything you can to ensure you feel good?

Szesycki says that prior to your photos, students should try their best to prepare themselves, whether this is practicing with a friend or listening to music to calm down. However, she highlights to not direct your energy in trying to anticipate what will happen or how you’ll feel while you’re getting your picture taken.

“It’s nerve wrecking to have those lights in your eyes and have people around you,” she said. “But try to go with the flow, be open, make suggestions. It’s teamwork.”

Students lining up on convocation day wearing a trencher. — *Picture by Brett Jordan via Unsplash*

Graduation photos are supposed to be a delightful reminder of all your hard work. Whether you’re graduating next spring or in a few years, graduation photos don’t have to be stressful.

To take some stress off of you, Studio Nostalgia makes it easy to schedule your graduation photos whether you attend the North, Lakeshore, IGS or the University of Guelph-Humber campus. All you have to do is choose a date and time for your photos, bring a $10 cash deposit and your student number. You don’t even have to worry about all your graduation accessories, Studio Nostalgia has you covered! Nice and easy.

In my experience, an event can always feel so much more daunting than it really is once I’m there. Even if it is only a two-minute interaction, a couple of camera clips and a sore face afterwards. Those mental blocks can do a lot of harm but from what I’ve learned from Szesycki, it always works out.

Don’t forget to check Szesycki’s Instagram page @jinxzphotography to check out her work!

Feature image by Harry Cunningham via Unsplash.

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