Graduation Shoot

NYC Graduation Photographer: Senior Portraits at Columbia University

Graduating from college in New York City is more than a milestone—it’s a full life experience in the greatest city. When you think about a college, the views and looks you see are often that of Columbia University and New York City. Whether you’re graduating from Columbia University, New York University (NYU), or Fordham University, your senior portraits should feel elevated, personal, and unmistakably New York. As a NYC graduation photographer, my approach blends editorial-style portraits with authentic, candid moments—capturing not just how you looked, but what this moment felt like.

A Real Session: Columbia University in the Spring

The two best times for photos are either in the morning when you’ll avoid the crowds or the late late afternoon when the lighting even outs. I photographed this grad session with two graduate students at Columbia University first thing in the morning (9am). The conditions were exactly what you hope for when planning graduation photos in NYC:

  • A quiet, nearly empty quad (Thursday morning at 9am)

  • Perfect spring weather—clear skies, soft air, and blooming surroundings

  • Warm weather

Planning Your NYC Graduation Photo Session

To get the most out of your session:

  • Book early – Spring graduation season fills up fast

  • Choose a weekday – Especially late Friday afternoons or in the morning to avoid crowds

  • Plan outfit variety – Cap & gown + an additional look underneath (Suite and tie for guys, White dress for the gals)

  • Coordinate with friends – Group + individual photos maximize your gallery

  • Trust the timing – Light matters more than anything else

Make Your Graduation Photos Feel Like You

The best NYC graduation photos don’t feel stiff or overly posed. They feel like a reflection of your personality and your experience in the city. From quiet architectural portraits to candid moments walking through campus, your session should tell a story that feels honest—and looks incredible.

Book Your Session Today!

Ready to celebrate your graduation with stunning professional photos? As a dedicated professional graduation photographer in NYC, I’ll guide you through every step—from location scouting, to selecting the right time of the day for lighting and crowds, to helping you pose.

NYC Graduation Photographer | NYU Senior Portraits in Washington Square Park

Spring in New York City is the most sought-after time for graduation photos—and for good reason. Cherry blossoms, soft morning light, and the energy of the season make it the perfect backdrop for senior portraits. And yes, the obvious answer: It’s when the majority of students graduate from NYC’s countless colleges and universities. Recently, I photographed five undergraduates from New York University (NYU) in Washington Square Park, capturing a mix of individual portraits, group photos, and candid moments that reflect both their friendships and their individual personalities.

Why Morning is the Best Time for Senior Portraits

We scheduled this session early in the morning—and that decision made all the difference. Here’s why morning sessions work best:

  • #1 REASON - No crowds, especially important in a busy location like Washington Square Park

  • #2 REASON - More flexibility to shoot at multiple spots without interruptions from people passing by, sitting in the background, and whatever else NYC can throw at us.

  • Soft, flattering light - ideal for skin tones and no harsh shadows

For anyone planning graduation photos in NYC during peak spring season, early morning is key to getting those clean, uninterrupted, editorial-style images.

Capturing Individual & Group Graduation Portraits

Photographing five seniors together was a lot of fun! It allowed for a dynamic and versatile collection of diverse photos. During this session, we focused on both individual portraits, group photos, and posed vs candid moments with varying looks feels; gown on, gown off, holding a folded gown, walking, posed, and cap in hand.

Individual Senior Portraits

Each graduate had time for solo portraits highlighting their personality, style, vision, and academic achievements.

Locations

We captured all throughout Washington Square Park and the surrounding area. I was mindful to get those iconic shots with the arch, but I also maintained a true Spring look with blossoming trees.

Book Your Session Today!

Ready to celebrate your graduation with stunning professional photos? As a dedicated professional graduation photographer in NYC, I’ll guide you through every step—from location scouting, to selecting the right time of the day for lighting and crowds, to helping you pose.

Columbia University Group Grad Photo Session

On a late Friday afternoon in early April, I photographed a group Grad Session of three Columbia University Graduate students. The timing couldn’t have been better—golden hour, late Friday when campus was empty, and the weather was a 10/10. The late afternoon light filtered across the Manhattan campus from West to East glowing across the historic architecture that defines the Morningside Heights campus.

On our Grad Session we moved throughout campus, capturing a mix of:

  • Classic cap-and-gown portraits

  • Candid moments between the grads

  • Individual portraits that highlight each graduate’s personality (Close Up and Wide)

  • Wide environmental shots showcasing Columbia’s iconic setting

Late afternoon sessions are especially valuable for NYC graduation photography. The light is softer, shadows are longer, and the campus takes on a cinematic quality that simply isn’t there midday.

Book Your Session Today!

Ready to celebrate your graduation with stunning professional photos? As a dedicated professional graduation photographer in NYC, I’ll guide you through every step—from location scouting, to selecting the right time of the day for lighting and crowds, to helping you pose.

NYC Graduation Photographer: Fordham Senior Photos at Lincoln Center & Central Park

Graduating in New York City is more than a milestone—it’s a defining moment shaped by the city itself. Whether you’re finishing at Fordham University, New York University, or Columbia University, your graduation photos should feel elevated, personal, and unmistakably New York. As a NYC graduation photographer, the goal is to combine clean, editorial portraits with natural moments and the city around you.

A Real Session: Fordham University UWS in the Spring

Lexi’s graduation session took place at Lincoln Center and in Central Park during peak cherry blossom season. Early April brought the ideal conditions—fresh greenery, soft light, and the pink tones of spring throughout the park. While it was cold (VERY COLD), we persevered and were rewarded. The session moved between structured architecture at Lincoln Center to Central Park, creating a balanced and dynamic gallery.

Planning Your NYC Graduation Photo Session

To get the most out of your graduation photos:

  • Book early – Spring is peak season for NYC graduation photography and you’ll want your choice of a date.

  • Choose a day and timing – Morning or late afternoon for best light and fewer crowds. Selecting a date earlier and further away from graduation is the best, as you’ll avoid other grads doing their photos.

  • Plan locations – Combine city architecture with seasonal elements like cherry blossoms

  • Bring variety – Cap & gown plus an additional outfit undernearth.

Make Your Graduation Photos Feel Like You

The best NYC graduation photos don’t feel stiff or overly posed. They feel like a reflection of your personality and your experience in the city. From quiet architectural portraits to candid moments walking through campus, your session should tell a story that feels honest—and looks incredible.

Book Your Session Today!

Ready to celebrate your graduation with stunning professional photos? As a dedicated professional graduation photographer in NYC, I’ll guide you through every step—from location scouting, to selecting the right time of the day for lighting and crowds, to helping you pose.

Capturing Fall Graduation Photos at Columbia University

Hiring an experience, professional photographer ensures you get more than just snapshots and a few lucky photos —you get a professional, top tier NYC experience that highlights your personality, accomplishments, and the essence of New York City in every photos. Having captured countless NYC graduation photos since 2012, I have firsthand experience scouting the perfect locations, the do’s and do not’s of posing, and knowing proper lighting. Hiring a professional photographer makes your graduation photoshoot stress-free and worth while.

I specialize in creating timeless portraits that celebrate your achievements in iconic New York City settings. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Hana’s Fall 2025 graduation from Columbia University. Capturing a grad session in the fall present a lot of unique opportunities; fall foliage, fall lighting, and 0 competition with others on their graduation shoot.

Book Your Session Today!

Ready to celebrate your graduation with stunning professional photos? As a dedicated professional graduation photographer in NYC, I’ll guide you through every step—from location scouting, to selecting the right time of the day for lighting and crowds, to helping you pose.

  • All of the photos I capture are 100% yours! The # of photos you receive is related to how responsive you are to taking photos.

    Most photographers only deliver their top 20-30 photos, and then they up charge for the rest. They do this, so they don’t have to edit everything. I give you everything edited, and full-resolution. I want you to have it all!


  • I require a 50% deposit and signed contract to secure your grad session on my calendar.

  • YES! This aint my first rodeo and most likely this is your first time working with a photographer. The most common feedback I hear is how much my client's appreciate my direction and prior experience!

,

Why Choose a Professional NYC Graduation Photographer?

,

Hiring a seasoned NYC graduation photographer ensures you get more than snapshots—you get a curated experience that highlights your personality, accomplishments, and the essence of New York City. From scouting the perfect lighting to guiding you with flattering poses, a professional photographer makes your graduation photoshoot stress-free and worth while.

As a NYC professional graduation photographer, I specialize in creating timeless portraits that celebrate your achievements in iconic New York City settings. Recently, I had the pleasure of photographing Lena’s graduation from NYU Law School, capturing her energy across the streets of the West Village, the historic NYU Law School campus, and the vibrant Green of Washington Square Park was a ton of fun.

Tips for Your NYU Graduation Photoshoot

  1. Plan Your Outfit(s): A classic cap-and-gown look paired with an easy outfit change adds variety (jacket vs no jacket, different shoes).

  2. Timing Is Everything: Aim for early morning or late afternoon light to avoid harsh shadows, and crowds.

  3. Embrace the Environment: Use NYC’s architectural gems and natural greenery for diverse backdrops.

  4. Personalize Your Session: Bring meaningful props—diploma, law books, or even a pet—to tell your story.

Book Your Session Today!

Ready to celebrate your graduation with stunning professional photos? As a dedicated professional graduation photographer in NYC, I’ll guide you through every step—from location scouting, to selecting the right time of the day for lighting and crowds, to helping you pose.