Capturing Your American University Graduation: A Complete Guide to Your Photo Session in Washington DC

Your American University Graduation is more than just a ceremony—it’s a milestone that deserves to be memorialized through beautiful photography. Nestled in the heart of Washington, DC, AU’s picturesque campus and proximity to iconic national landmarks create the perfect backdrop for graduation photos and make planning your American University Graduation a breeze. When you’re planning your professional photo session and coordinating with friends and family, understanding how to make the most of this special day will ensure your memories are captured perfectly.

View more information about my graduation sessions on my Graduation Page

American University’s campus in the Spring Valley neighborhood offers an abundance of stunning locations for graduation photography. The campus architecture blends traditional collegiate Gothic style with modern elements, providing diverse visual interest for your American University graduation photos. The iconic Mary Graydon Center, with its grand entrance and classic columns, serves as one of the most popular spots for graduates to pose in their caps and gowns. The building’s stately presence adds gravitas and tradition to your photos, perfectly capturing the academic achievement you’re celebrating.

The Quad is another beloved location, especially during spring when the cherry blossoms and flowering trees create an ethereal atmosphere. The open green spaces dotted with mature trees provide natural framing and soft lighting that photographers dream about. Early morning or late afternoon sessions here offer the coveted “golden hour” lighting that makes everyone look their absolute best.

Don’t overlook the Kay Spiritual Life Center with its distinctive modern architecture and peaceful surroundings. The clean lines and contemporary design offer a striking contrast to traditional graduation attire, creating dynamic and memorable images. The surrounding gardens and pathways provide intimate settings for more personal, reflective shots.

One of the unique advantages of graduating from American University is the proximity to some of the nation’s most recognizable monuments and landmarks. Many graduates extend their photo sessions beyond campus to incorporate these iconic Washington DC locations, creating images that truly capture the significance of their achievement in the nation’s capital.

The Lincoln Memorial, with its majestic columns and inspiring presence, offers a powerful backdrop that symbolizes knowledge, leadership, and American ideals. The reflecting pool provides symmetrical compositions that photographers love, while the steps of the memorial offer elevated vantage points for dramatic shots. Similarly, the Jefferson Memorial, especially beautiful during cherry blossom season, provides a romantic and classical setting that pairs wonderfully with graduation regalia.

The United States Capitol Building represents another spectacular option, particularly for graduates in political science, international relations, or public affairs, programs for which AU is renowned for. Photos with the Capitol dome in the background serve as a powerful reminder of your time studying in a city where policy and politics come alive. The Capitol grounds and surrounding areas offer multiple angles and compositions to work with.

The National Mall, stretching between the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial, provides endless opportunities for creative photography. Outside of the National Mall, we have the Library of Congress. Another beautiful spot adjacent to the Capitol and the Supreme Court, there are no shortages of beautiful backdrops for your graduation session.

Timing is everything when it comes to graduation photography. The days immediately following commencement ceremonies tend to be extremely crowded at popular campus locations, so consider scheduling your professional session either the day before graduation or early in the morning on graduation day. If you’re planning to visit DC monuments, weekday mornings typically offer smaller crowds and better lighting.

The weather in Washington, DC, during spring graduation season can be unpredictable, so have a backup plan for rain. The Jefferson Memorial is one of my favorite locations for a rainy day. It offers cover from the droplets while maintaining the beautiful backdrop of marble columns and steps, and if we’re lucky and catch a break, the basin with the Washington Monument as our backdrop makes for iconic photos.

Coordinate your photography plans with your photographer well in advance, discussing specific locations, timing, and the style of photos you envision. Share inspiration images and communicate whether you want traditional formal portraits, candid lifestyle shots, or a mixture of both.

Beyond your cap and gown, consider bringing props that personalize your photos and tell your story. Your diploma cover, honor cords, academic medals, or fraternity/sorority stoles all add meaningful details. Some graduates bring signs indicating their major, future plans, or inspirational quotes. School spirit items like AU flags, banners, or even your favorite professor’s book can add personality to your images.

Think about outfit changes if you’re planning an extended session. While cap and gown photos are essential, some graduates also capture images in professional attire or casual outfits that reflect their personal style. This variety gives you more options for different uses—LinkedIn profiles, family holiday cards, or personal keepsakes.

Hair and makeup should photograph well, which typically means slightly more dramatic than everyday wear. Matte makeup photographs better than overly dewy finishes, and hair should be styled to work with your cap or look polished when the cap comes off. Bring touch-up supplies, especially if we’re outdoors in warm and humid weather.

Your graduation from American University represents years of hard work, growth, and achievement. The photos you take during this celebration will become treasured memories that you’ll share with family, display in your home, and look back on throughout your life. By thoughtfully planning your photo session, choosing meaningful locations, and capturing both the grandeur of the occasion and the personal moments that matter most, you’ll create a visual story of this pivotal moment that honors both your individual journey and your connection to this historic institution in our nation’s capital.

Whether you choose the intimate beauty of campus settings or the grand scale of Washington’s monuments, your American University graduation photos will serve as a lasting reminder of this extraordinary achievement and the exciting future that lies ahead.

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