It’s an exciting few weeks for university students with many receiving their degree results and many more preparing for graduation ceremonies. Graduation shots are among the most common photographs you’ll find adorning the walls of people’s homes in the form of graduation photo canvas ideas.

Some of these photographs will be images shot by the day’s official photographer and these, along with snaps taken by family and friends, are frequently uploaded to our site in order to be turned into custom canvas prints.

While taking your own camera along to events like this is often seen as the affordable option, it doesn’t have to mean sacrificing the quality of your images.

Below we’ve put together some snippets of inspiration to help you make the most of the memories captured during graduation day.

 Use props beyond the cap and gown

The traditional shot of the graduate tossing their cap into the air is well known and you should definitely look to make the most of these items in your event photography. As well as photographing the graduate in their full ensemble, try taking photos of the cap, gown and scroll. These can produce interesting images to juxtapose with a portrait. Look for chances to make use of other important props such as architecture, books in the library and familiar landmarks around the university grounds. The everyday sights that made up the experience for the student who is graduating will be welcome memories in years to come, so try not to limit your photoshoot to the obvious.

 Frame the graduation ceremony

You will naturally want to capture the graduate receiving their degree scroll but there is far more to the day. Momentous family occasions like this can be rare, so take full advantage by framing the full ceremony. Don’t reserve the camera just for the main event or the graduates themselves. Instead, think about marking significant moments throughout the day – from the proud parents smiling in the ceremony crowd through to the celebratory meal in the evening. Put together within a split canvas or a series of smaller prints, these images will give a fuller picture of the day and make great gifts.

Perfect the portrait

Even if there is a professional photographer available you’re likely to want to try your hand at taking a portrait shot of the graduate. If you do, be mindful of your setting. You won’t necessarily need the flash indoors and if you’re outside, seeking out slightly overcast conditions is advisable. Official graduation shots can be incredibly formal, so why not try something different? Attempt to capture the personality of your subject by interacting with them while you shoot. Check out our blog on portrait photography.

 Get the best shot of the BFFs

A huge part of the university experience is the friends made along the way, which is why group shots are important on graduation day. A good group photograph can be transferred to a panoramic canvas and given to the graduate’s friends as something to treasure for years to come. With this in mind, try to plan time to gather best friends together during the day. This may mean coordinating with other parents or graduates, but it’s an effort that will be truly appreciated when you see the results.

Do you have any graduation photo experiences you’d like to share? Is your graduation portrait an image you treasure or one you’d rather wasn’t hanging on the wall of your home? Share your graduation photo canvas ideas with us.