There is something special about graduation photography that a quick phone snap outside the ceremony hall can never quite capture. The gown, the hood, the scroll — and most of all, the pride on Mum and Dad’s faces. This family got in touch because they wanted proper graduation photos for their son, a University of Stirling graduate, taken somewhere that felt like home. Rather than a formal studio backdrop, they chose a favourite local nature spot in West Sussex. It was exactly the right call.
Why choose an outdoor graduation session
University ceremonies are wonderful, but they are also rushed. You queue, you cross the stage, and suddenly the day is over. An outdoor graduation session gives you time. Time to get the hood sitting just right, time for relaxed portraits, and time for the candid moments that end up being everyone’s favourites.
Because the session happens on your schedule, it also works beautifully if the graduation itself took place far from home. This graduate collected his degree in Scotland, yet his celebration photos belong to the West Sussex countryside his family knows and loves. For many families across Chichester and the surrounding villages, that local connection matters more than any ceremony backdrop.
A woodland setting chosen by the family
We began among the tall pines of [location], where soft light filtered through the trees onto the path. The dark gown and the green-trimmed hood stood out wonderfully against all that woodland green. We photographed the graduate on his own first — full-length portraits with his scroll, a quieter seated moment on a fallen log, and of course the classic cap throw.
Then the whole family stepped in. Mum and Dad joined for group portraits along the woodland path, and some of the loveliest frames came between the posed shots. Dad tried on the mortarboard. Mum straightened the gown one last time. These in-between moments are the heart of any family session, and graduation photography is no different.
From gown to relaxed family portraits
After the formal photos, we moved to open meadowland nearby and the gown came off for a while. Suddenly it became a relaxed family shoot — three people who clearly enjoy each other’s company, laughing together in the long summer grass. Finishing a graduation session this way gives you two sets of images from one booking: the milestone photos for the wall, and natural family portraits you would treasure regardless of the occasion.
Before we wrapped up, the gown went back on for a final round in the meadow. Golden grasses, soft light, and one more look at that scroll.
What a graduation photography session includes
Every session is flat-fee of £250 and all-inclusive, with no hidden extras. You receive:
- A relaxed outdoor session at a location of your choice across Chichester, West Sussex or Hampshire
- Individual graduate portraits with gown, hood, cap and scroll
- Family group photos and candid moments
- Professionally edited, high-resolution images ready to print and share
- duration: up to 1h
Graduation photography across Chichester and West Sussex
I photograph graduation sessions throughout Chichester and the wider West Sussex area, including Arundel, Bognor Regis and the surrounding villages, as well as across Hampshire. Woodland, beach, meadow or your own garden — the best location is simply the one that means something to your family. If you are not sure where to go, I am always happy to suggest a spot that suits the season and the light.
Frequently asked questions
When is the best time to book graduation photos? Any time works. Many families book within a few weeks of the ceremony while the gown hire is still available, but you can also buy or re-hire a gown later. The photos matter more than the date.
Do we need to bring the gown and scroll? Yes — the gown, hood, cap and scroll (or scroll tube) make the photos instantly recognisable as a graduation milestone. Most universities allow gown hire beyond the ceremony day, or you can purchase a set inexpensively online.
Can parents and siblings be in the photos? Absolutely, and I would encourage it. Graduation is a family achievement. Sessions include individual portraits of the graduate plus group photos with parents, siblings, grandparents or partners.
Where do graduation sessions take place? Outdoors, at a location of your choice across Chichester, West Sussex and Hampshire. Woodlands, meadows, beaches and gardens all work beautifully, and I bring professional lighting so the weather never spoils the results.
How long does a session last? Around an hour — enough time for formal portraits, family groups and plenty of relaxed candid moments without anyone feeling rushed.
Ready to celebrate your graduate
If someone in your family is graduating this year, I would love to help you mark it properly. Get in touch through the contact page or email info@aniaphoto.co.uk, and we can plan a session around a place your family loves.
