Walking back from class on campus yesterday, I encountered a group of girls snapping pictures of themselves in full graduation garb paired with “i love milfs” T-shirts and Bass Pro Shop hats. Non-traditional graduation photos are trending, and it’s showing. Though that particular example wouldn’t be my personal go-to, I have to admit that they certainly captured the essence of non-traditional grad photos: memorable, unique, filled with personality and representative of the time in their life when they graduated.
With thousands of takes on non-traditional grad photos trending on TikTok, the inspiration is endless. Here are my top seven personal favorites:
- IN THE FOUNTAIN
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After seeing this TikTok by @nicolegrambo, I immediately wanted to try this for my grad photos next year. They’re so effortless and fun; the champagne bottle and white dress offer the perfect touch of traditional grad photos with the twist of the sunglasses and pool floatie. UCLA, like most campuses, has a gorgeous fountain, and I seriously have the intrusive thought of swimming in it on hot days. These grad pics would be the perfect excuse to do so.
- VINTAGE BESTIES
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These pictures are absolutely stunning. They have a nostalgic, vintage feel and are going to be absolutely beautiful to look back on ten or fifty years after graduation. I also love the idea of grad photos with your bestie; it’s so sweet and really captures that period of your life and youth.
- AT THE OPERA
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Her outfit is absolutely stunning: the opera gloves, the pearls. It’s so classy and timeless. I love the incorporation of the piano; it’s the perfect way to add a bit of personality. She also incorporates her campus while keeping the focus on herself and her personal touch. I didn’t realize until halfway through the video that she’s a UCLA graduate so shameless UCLA shoutout here, too!
- ON FILM
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These have the perfect dreamy film camera vibes. She captures herself in various locations on campus (places she’s likely visited tons of times) in a way that feels authentic, candid and natural. The caption says it all: she could certainly show her kids these pictures one day.
- PRETTY IN PINK
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More stunning, I think, than the cute Pinterest-inspired pose is her Legally Blonde-esque twist on the cap and gown. Girly girls take notes! These grad pics are super adorable and luxurious.
- IN THE LIBRARY
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For all my fellow bookies, this on-site photoshoot is the perfect inspiration. From the stunning aesthetic of her preppy fit to the heel on the stack of books, these grad pics are ideal for any English major or book lover.
- IN THE WATER
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For all the outdoorsy, sporty girls out there, this action-packed graduation photoshoot is the perfect inspiration. It’s super candid: you can tell she’s clearly having an amazing time. Plus, nothing beats wakesurfing in a full cap and gown.
These seven photoshoots prove that non-traditional grad photos are the perfect way to capture your personality while commemorating a life achievement. Whether they’re as subtle as incorporating a pop of your favorite color, using a film camera or doing your favorite sport in your cap and gown, non-traditional grad photos are so memorable and prove that they can be so much more than your new LinkedIn profile picture. I definitely recommend taking a few, even if it’s on your own. I certainly will be!