What to Bring to Your Graduation Headshot Session

Written By Kim Bear

Why I Encourage Both Cap and Gown and One Professional Look

As someone who worked hard for my master’s degree, I get it. Graduation is a big deal. It is late nights, long weeks, sacrifices, and showing up even when you are tired. This is an achievement worth celebrating.

Recently, I had Jackson in the studio as he prepares to graduate from Washburn University School of Law. In his case, the school requested a headshot for their graduation composite. That alone is reason enough to take this seriously. But even if your school is not asking for it, there is a good chance someone else is.

Mom. Maybe grandma. Maybe you.

And as a mom myself, I can tell you this with certainty. I loved seeing my son graduate, and I am about to experience it again with my oldest daughter. Each graduation matters. Each one deserves to be documented well.

That is why I always recommend planning for two looks.

Cap and Gown First

This is the moment you worked for.

Cap and gown photos are about honoring the accomplishment. They mark the finish line and the pride that comes with it. These images are often used for:

  • Graduation composites or school features

  • Announcements and invitations

  • Family keepsakes

  • Social posts celebrating the milestone

Bring your full regalia:

  • Cap with tassel

  • Gown steamed or neatly hung

  • Any cords, hoods, or honors

These photos are timeless. Years from now, they will still mean something.

Then Add One Professional Headshot

This is where we quietly look ahead.

Once the cap and gown come off, we shift into a clean, professional look. Even if you do not need this image today, I promise you will need it soon.

This headshot is perfect for:

  • LinkedIn and professional profiles

  • Firm, company, or practice websites

  • Bios, speaking opportunities, and media use

For this look, bring:

  • A suit, blazer, or structured jacket

  • Neutral colors like navy, gray, black, cream, or soft blue

  • A shirt or blouse that lays flat and feels polished

Jackson’s session is a great example of how quickly we can move from celebration to professional presence with just a jacket and a mindset shift.

Layers Make It Easy

Layers give us flexibility without stress.

  • A jacket instantly elevates your look

  • Removing it gives you a second option

  • Simple changes create variety without overthinking

You do not need a full wardrobe. You just need smart options.

Keep Accessories Simple

This is not the time for distractions.

  • Minimal jewelry works best

  • Avoid bold patterns or logos

  • Glasses are great. Just bring a cleaning cloth

The focus should always be your face and expression.

A Few Grooming Touch Ups

Nothing fancy, just practical.

  • Lip balm

  • Hair brush or comb

  • Light powder or blotting papers if needed

Feeling put together helps you relax in front of the camera.

A Final Thought

Graduation is not just a checkbox. It is a chapter closing and another opening.

Doing both cap and gown and a professional headshot allows you to celebrate the work you put in and prepare for what comes next. Whether the photo is for a school composite, a proud parent’s frame, or your future career, it matters.

And if you are unsure what to bring or how to prepare, that is part of my job. You worked hard to get here. Let’s make sure the photos reflect that.

Kim Bear

About Kim | Photographer at Still and Wild

If you live in or around Topeka, you’ve probably noticed how hard it is to find headshots that actually feel real. Most people end up with photos that look stiff, overly edited, or just not like them. That’s exactly why I started Still and Wild: to create portraits that feel like you on your best day.

I’m Kim Bear, a Topeka-based photographer who believes your headshot should work as hard as you do. I specialize in professional and creative headshots that help entrepreneurs, small business owners, and professionals across Topeka, Holton, and Northeast Kansas show up with confidence. My approach is relaxed, guided, and designed to help you look natural and self-assured in every photo.

When you book a session with me, it isn’t about forcing perfection. It’s about finding that spark, the mix of calm, confidence, and personality that makes people stop scrolling and say, “That’s who I want to work with.”

Why people choose Still and Wild

Most of my clients tell me the same thing: “I hate having my picture taken.” But by the end of their session, they’re relaxed, laughing, and usually saying, “That was actually fun.” I guide you every step of the way, from what to wear to how to pose, so your photos feel effortless, natural, and flattering.

I photograph headshots, personal branding portraits, and lifestyle images throughout Topeka, Holton, and nearby Kansas communities, blending modern studio lighting with lifestyle-inspired direction. The result is a polished but personal look that helps you stand out both online and in person.

What makes Still and Wild different

The experience at Still and Wild is personal from the very beginning. You’ll never be rushed through your session or posed like everyone else. Every session is customized to highlight who you are and what makes your story unique. My goal is to help you walk away with photos that feel like you, confident, approachable, and authentic.

After years behind the camera, I’ve learned how to use light, movement, and genuine connection to bring out your most natural expressions. Many people think they’re not photogenic, but what they really need is someone who understands how to guide them comfortably through the process. I know how to capture that perfect balance between professional and real so your headshots feel natural while still looking elevated.

And then there are the results. My clients use their photos to grow their businesses, attract better opportunities, and build stronger brands. I’ve worked with professionals across Topeka and the surrounding area who tell me their new photos changed how people respond to them online and how they feel about themselves. Whether you need a LinkedIn headshot, brand photography for your business, or a creative concept for your next project, I’ll help you create images that make people stop and pay attention.

Ready to look like the professional you already are?

Let’s create something that feels completely you.

Book your headshot session today and walk away with portraits that help you stand out online and in real life.

https://www.stillandwild.com
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