Graduation Photoshoot in Nairobi | Outdoor and Studio Sessions

Earning a degree marks a significant career milestone. Photoshoot.co.ke provides professional photography services to document this achievement with the quality it deserves.

We work with graduates from major Kenyan institutions, including the University of Nairobi, JKUAT, USIU, and Strathmore, ensuring your photos meet professional standards for LinkedIn profiles and family display.

Graduation season involves tight deadlines for gown returns and often chaotic ceremonies. Our team structures shoots to be efficient and stress-free.

We offer both controlled studio sessions for the classic portrait look and on-campus location shoots that capture the context of your university grounds.

Our photographers possess specific experience in academic posing. We understand how to position the hood, adjust the sash, and angle the mortarboard to ensure your regalia looks correct according to your faculty's standards.

You earned the distinction; we ensure the visual presentation matches the effort.

Our Graduation Photography Styles

We categorize our services into three distinct approaches. You can choose the style that best fits your preference for a formal record or a lifestyle celebration.

The Classic Studio Session

This option suits graduates who want a timeless, polished look. We utilize a controlled studio environment to eliminate distractions and weather concerns.

• Lighting Control: We use professional strobe lighting to create crisp, sharp images against plain backdrops.
• Formal Posing: Photographers guide you through traditional academic poses, such as the "hood grab" and the confident profile shot.
• Family Inclusion: Studio sessions accommodate immediate family members (parents and siblings) for formal portraits without the crowds found at graduation squares.

On-Campus Location Shoots

Many students prefer to document the specific environment where they studied. We dispatch photographers to your university grounds to capture the atmosphere of the institution.

• Iconic Landmarks: We frame shots at recognizable spots, such as the Fountain of Knowledge at UoN, the Administration Block at JKUAT, or the walkways of USIU.
• Natural Light: These sessions rely on natural daylight to create a brighter, lifestyle aesthetic.
• Context: This style provides a narrative of your time at university, making it ideal for alumni memories.

Home and Garden Celebrations

The official ceremony often ends with a family gathering or "sherehe" at home. We provide coverage for these private parties.

• Candid Moments: We document unposed interactions, including grandparents dancing, cake cutting, and speeches.
• Extended Family: This works best for graduates with large families who could not travel to the ceremony venue. We bring the camera to you.

Managing Academic Regalia and Posing

A professional graduation photo requires specific attention to the attire. A twisted hood or a crooked cap can negatively impact the final image.

Our photographers act as stylists during the session to ensure technical accuracy.

Gown and Hood Positioning

The hood color represents your specific faculty, such as Arts, Law, Science, or Commerce. We ensure the velvet lining sits symmetrically across your shoulders and the colors are clearly visible.

We also check that the gown is zipped correctly and sits flat to reduce post-production work.

The Mortarboard (Cap) Angle

Amateur graduation photos often suffer from the "shadow effect" caused by the cap. Wearing the mortarboard too far forward casts a dark shadow over the eyes.

We guide you on the correct angle to avoid this issue while maintaining the traditional silhouette. We also ensure the tassel is placed on the correct side based on your conferment status.

Holding the Scroll

The certificate scroll serves as the central prop of the shoot. We direct your hand placement to ensure it looks natural, avoiding the "tense grip" common in nervous subjects.

If you do not have your physical degree certificate yet, we provide realistic prop scrolls for the session.

Graduation Packages and Pricing

Our pricing structure accommodates individual needs and larger family groups. All options include professional retouching and high-resolution digital files.

The Studio Mini

Designed for the graduate who needs a few high-quality files for professional use. This is a time-efficient option.

• Duration: 30 Minutes.
• Location: Studio only.
• Deliverables: 5 Retouched Digital Images.
• Best For: LinkedIn profiles and digital announcements.

The Standard Package

This is our most requested option as it balances digital files with physical prints. It includes enough time for the graduate and immediate family.

• Duration: 1 Hour (Studio or Campus).
• Inclusions: Graduate + Immediate Family.
• Physical Product: One A3 Photo Mount (Framed and ready to hang).
• Deliverables: 15 Retouched Digital Images.

The Group Package

University life is defined by friendships. This package targets groups of classmates graduating together.

• Duration: 2 Hours (On Campus recommended).
• Focus: Individual portraits for each member plus group interaction shots (throwing caps, jumping).
• Deliverables: 40+ Edited Images shared via a common gallery link.

Planning Your Graduation Shoot

Graduation logistics often present challenges regarding timing and gown management. Universities typically enforce strict deadlines for returning hired regalia, with steep penalties for delays. We help you manage these constraints through efficient scheduling.

Scheduling Considerations

Most graduates attempt to book their shoot on the same day as the ceremony. This approach often results in fatigue, rushed sessions, and traffic delays.

We strongly recommend booking your session on a separate day —either the day before the ceremony (after picking up the gown) or the day after. This allows you to look fresh and relaxed without the pressure of rushing back to the graduation square.

Managing Gown Return Deadlines

If you must shoot on the day of the ceremony, we prioritize efficiency. We start sessions early in the morning before the event or immediately after the ceremony ends.

Our studios operate on a strict timetable to ensure you finish your session with enough time to return your gown to the university store before closing time.

Frequently Asked Questions

We address common inquiries regarding logistics and deliverables to help you prepare for your session.

Do you provide the graduation gowns?

We do not stock university-specific gowns. The academic dress code varies strictly by institution and faculty (e.g., yellow hoods for Science vs. purple for Arts). You must hire the correct regalia from your university. However, we do provide props such as realistic scrolls and books to enhance the setup.

Can I include my extended family?

Our standard packages cover the graduate and immediate family members (parents and siblings, up to 5 people). For larger groups involving grandparents, aunts, and cousins, we recommend upgrading to a family package or booking a double slot to ensure we have enough time to photograph everyone without rushing.

How long does the photo mount take?

The editing and printing process for the A3 Photo Mount takes approximately 5 to 7 working days after you select your favorite image. We frame the print using high-quality materials that ensure longevity.

We will notify you via text or email when the mount is ready for collection.

Do you travel to campuses outside Nairobi?

We cover graduations at institutions across Kenya, including JKUAT (Juja), KU (Thika Road), Daystar (Athi River), and Moi University.

For locations outside the Nairobi city limits, we charge a standard transport fee to cover fuel and crew logistics. We confirm this cost upfront before you book.

Booking Your Session

Graduation season is our busiest period, particularly during September and December. Slots fill up quickly once universities announce their graduation dates.

To secure your booking, please contact us with your university name, the date you will have the gown, and your preferred package. We require a deposit to reserve the time slot.

Ready to document your milestone? Contact our team to check availability for your specific dates.