Navigating Graduation Ceremonies: A Parent's Guide to Success

Graduation ceremonies are monumental experiences that signify many years of hard work and dedication. As a parent who recently experienced one, I can say it was a whirlwind experience with meticulous planning, which is essential for parents attending these events at large universities or big 5A schools in bustling cities like Phoenix, Arizona. Let's start planning!

• Punctuality is paramount. Arrive early to secure prime seating and avoid missing any part of the ceremony. Remember to bring essentials such as tickets, comfortable shoes for traveling across campuses, and sunscreen to shield against the Arizona sun.

• Coordinate with family and friends in advance to plan post-ceremony celebrations. Designate a convenient meeting spot for easy reunions amidst the throngs of graduates and guests.

• Plan ahead for traffic and large crowds. Carpooling or utilizing public transportation can help alleviate congestion. Factor in extra time for parking and navigating busy streets.

• Be mindful of clear bag policies enforced at many stadiums or auditoriums. Pack belongings in transparent bags to expedite security checks and ensure compliance with venue regulations. Empty water bottles are okay to bring, there are water refill stations throughout the stadium.

• Enlist a family member to watch for the graduate's heirloom jewelry or help remind the graduate to check on their jewelry. During all the celebrations, we lost an heirloom item during this time of year. 

• After the ceremony, treat your graduate to an exceptional meal at one of Phoenix's renowned restaurants. Make reservations in advance to bypass lengthy wait times and guarantee a seamless dining experience. Alternatively, consider hosting a gathering at home, complete with homemade treats and heartfelt speeches.

• Before and after the ceremonies, seize the opportunity to capture precious moments with your graduate. Snap photos, reminisce about their journey, and offer encouragement for the future.

Go Sun Devils! Graduation day at ASU is a momentous occasion for students and their families. To ensure a smooth and memorable experience, here are some helpful tips tailored for ceremonies at ASU Main Campus, but if you were not lucky enough to attend ASU (just teasing), these tips can be applied to other universities as well:

1. Portable Host Wagon: Enlist the help of a family friend to bring a portable host wagon stocked with essentials for the family before or after the ceremony. Include an ice chest filled with refreshing water and treats to keep everyone hydrated and energized throughout the ceremony. This thoughtful gesture ensures your family stays comfortable and focused on celebrating the graduate's achievements.

2. Handheld Fans: Handheld fans can be a lifesaver for May ceremonies. Bring a few along for family members to use during the ceremony, providing relief from the heat and ensuring everyone stays cool and comfortable. 

3. Be Mindful of Camera Restrictions: ASU Gammage has specific guidelines regarding cameras, particularly DSLRs with detachable lenses. To avoid any disappointment or inconvenience, leave these cameras at home and opt for compact cameras or smartphones to capture precious moments. Alternatively, designate a family member as the official photographer using a permitted camera to ensure you still capture the memories.

4. Plan for Parking and Arrival: ASU Gammage is a popular venue, especially during graduation season, so plan for potential traffic and limited parking availability. Arrive early to secure a good parking spot, allow ample time to navigate the area, and find your seats inside the auditorium. It took us 45 minutes to leave the area!

Attending graduation ceremonies can be a whirlwind of emotions and logistics. By planning meticulously, staying organized, and embracing the moment, parents can make these events unforgettable for their graduates and themselves. By following these tips and considering ASU's unique requirements, parents can ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for themselves and their graduates on this momentous day. You can make graduation day unforgettable for your family with thoughtful preparation and creativity.

For more information on ASU graduation follow this link: Commencement FAQ

Why Albums Are Important

Custom Albums

Your memories deserve to be felt over and over again and not live somewhere in cyberspace.

I love looking through my Mom’s collection of photo albums. It’s like time travel. I enjoy listening to my parents stories of different events. My Mom was our photographer when I was a little girl. I’m so grateful she took the time and energy to break out her camera, capture our childhood and print them out and store them in albums. It was a process back then.

Today’s printing process…slim to none. It’s all on the internet, in a cloud or in some sort of device. I believe all those methods make great BACK UP storage. The real proof is in the pudding…printed goodies. Albums, wall art, framed art, and prints. We didn’t have much back then but my Mom knew the value of existing in photos. Because she doesn’t have any photos of her as a young girl nor my Dad.

Your memories deserve to be felt over and over again and not live somewhere in cyberspace. Lost and forgotten. What if Mom decided to use 70s technology to store her photos. Eek! Talk about subject to technological changes. Imagine your children coming to you in 20 years wanting to see your photos and you hand them a USB thumb drive? Bubble thought would be…WTH?! They wouldn’t have the ability to access the technology.

I hope you are understanding the importance of a photographer offering albums and wall art. As an artist the final product is something that can be touched and felt and can be passed down to your children and theirs. 

That is something technology can’t take away from us and it means the world to me to be able to preserve your memories in this way.

How to Host a Memorable Graduation Party

As the school year ends, it's time to celebrate the accomplishments of the graduates in your life. Whether it's a high school diploma, college degree, or any other significant achievement, a graduation party is a perfect way to honor their hard work and dedication. With creativity and careful planning, you can throw a fantastic celebration. Here are some tips for planning a stress-free graduation party that will leave a lasting impression.

1. Set a Budget: The first step in planning any event is establishing a budget. Determine how much you can afford to spend on the party and stick to it. This will help you prioritize expenses and avoid overspending on unnecessary items.

2. Choose a Venue Wisely: Hosting the party at home, a restaurant, or a rec center can save you money compared to renting a wedding venue. Consider the size of your guest list and the available space when selecting the venue. Outdoor venues can be an excellent option for larger gatherings and provide a relaxed atmosphere for your guests.

3. Get Creative with Invitations: You're in luck! As a client, I include announcements in every collection! If not, consider sending digital invitations via email or social media. Many free online invitation websites allow you to customize and send invitations electronically, saving time and money. Try Paperless Post

4. Decorations: Get crafty and save time by ordering from Amazon. They have inexpensive materials like pinwheels, balloons, and streamers. Create a photo booth backdrop using a metallic fringe. Save your lungs and get an air pump for blowing up balloons!

5. Food Style: Have your party catered! Not only will you enjoy the party more, but it will save your insanity as well. Plenty of restaurants will cater; ask for the catering manager's information the next time you eat out. Double-check with your venue to see if outside food is allowed. If you plan on serving alcohol, venues like Tumbleweed Rec Center will require a uniformed officer present, adding another cost to your party.

6. Keep the Menu Simple: This is true. Don't overcomplicate the menu. Stick to a self-serving type of food bar. Be sure to discuss a backup plan with your carter for guests who arrive without an RSVP. I recommend Downtown Chandler Bakery for desserts.

7. Entertainment: Keep your guests entertained with a live singer or comedian. I recommend Sydney Marian and James Junes. You can also create a playlist of your graduate's favorite songs to keep the party atmosphere lively. Note: be sure to check with your restaurant if they allow live music.

8. Elegant Party Favors: Send your guests home with a token of appreciation by making party favors that last. Hand out photos mounted on these rustic photo holders from Amazon and small vases with fresh flowers from Petals and Prints. Get creative and enlist the help of friends and family to assemble the favors.

9. Capture the Memories: Hire a photographer or designate a family member to take some photos and videos. Having a photo booth is a fun addition to the party. Be sure you have enough room for the equipment or booth set-up.

10. Accept Help: When friends and family offer to help, take it! Done is better than perfect, especially on the day of the party. At this point, just let go and enjoy the celebration!

By following these tips, you can host a memorable graduation party that celebrates the achievements of your loved one. Remember, it's not the size or cost of the party that matters most, but the love and support shared among friends and family. Congratulations to all the graduates!

When to Schedule Portraits

For High School Graduates and Their Parents: A Guide to Your Portrait Experience

1. Start Planning Early

Start planning your photo session 3-4 months in advance. Book your session at least one month out. If you’d like your photos in the yearbook, aim for August or September and confirm your school’s submission deadline.

2. Plan Your Outfits

Finalize your custom outfits 4-6 weeks before your session. This gives you time to order or tailor items, ensuring everything fits perfectly.

3. Prepare Hair and Makeup

Book professional hair and makeup appointments 3-4 weeks in advance. Looking polished helps you feel confident and camera-ready.

4. Get Accessories and Wardrobe Ready

• Polish your jewelry and accessories about 1 week before your session.

• If you’ve received your cap and gown, steam or iron them to remove wrinkles—they’ll be visible in photos!

5. Choose Your Location

Decide on a session location, but don’t stress—my focus is on you, not the background. I’m happy to share a list of my favorite spots to inspire you.

6. Session Confirmation

I’ll email you with all the final details one week before your session to ensure everything is set.

7. Session Day

The big day is here! I’ll text you when I arrive at the location.

8. Review Product Samples

Right after your session, I’ll show you some product samples so you can start envisioning how your photos will look.

9. View Your Online Gallery

Your online proofing gallery will be ready within 2 weeks. Share the gallery with family and friends—they’ll love seeing your photos!

10. Receive Your Prints and Products

• Prints, Cards and Albums: Typically take 2 weeks, but plan for longer during the holidays or graduation season.

11. Send Graduation Announcements

Mail announcements 4 weeks before your graduation or event. Allow extra time for out-of-town guests to RSVP.

12. Receive Your Photo Products

Your final products will be shipped directly to your home for your convenience.

13. Send Thank You Cards

After graduation, send personalized Thank You cards. A handwritten note is a thoughtful and classy gesture that your recipients will appreciate.

Favorite Locations for Photos

URBAN LOCATIONS

I love discovering hidden gems within in the city. Plus, there are more colorful flowers near buildings and sidewalks. Here are some fun places to check out. In my experience these are popular locations, especially during the cooler months. Keep in mind that a lot of people will be out taking photos or exploring the same area. I recommend going early in the morning or during the week.

• Mesa Art Center in downtown Mesa has beautiful flowers in the spring. Parking is free with no public restrooms.

• Veteran’s Oasis Park in Chandler. The park has plenty of trails, desert views and lots of greenery. Plenty of parking and has public restrooms.

• Scottsdale Civic Center. Lost of spaces to explore with plenty of free parking near the library and has public restrooms.

• Roosevelt Row in downtown Phoenix. This spot is full of colors and cute shops. Plenty of parking and murals.

DESERT LOCATIONS

I love photographing my clients against simple backdrops. Sessions are held outdoors, in the desert when the light is the softest, usually two hours before sunset or within two hours of sunrise.

• Usery Regional Park in Mesa. Open and flat with tall cactus saguaros. Has public restrooms. Park entrance fee of $10.

• Superstition Mountains. Open desert with views of the mountains. Dirt roads and no public restrooms.

• Phon D. Sutton area. Open desert with mountain views. No public restrooms.

Usery Regional Park Mesa

Veteran Oasis Park Chandler

Scottsdale Civic Center

Mesa Art Center

Phon D. Sutton

How to Prepare for Portraits

MOOD

My goal for your session is movement and colors. Be prepared wear colors that pop. Also to take some time for me to set-up the shots, this includes finding good lighting, and getting you comfortable and relaxed. Come with an open mind and zero expectations.

HAIR AND MAKEUP

Film is very soft and loves a ton of light. With this in mind, ladies be sure to add some pop of color to your eyes and lips. If you were to go in your everyday makeup it may wash you out. Try faux eyelashes like Ardell’s naked lashes and a pop of red on your lips (try the Make Moves color from Maybelline).

WHAT TO WEAR

Wear something simple and comfortable, wear something you can move in and most of all wear something that feels like you. For a bit of fun in photos, ladies, I encourage flowy dresses.

OPEN UP

Portrait sessions are collaborations between myself and you. It’s perfectly normal to feel nervous before a session. I promise to do everything I can to make you comfortable. I’m here to tell your story, but I can only capture what you allow to show me.

OUTFITS

I recommend two outfits. Anymore tends to get stressful and sweaty. One dressy and one casual. I have a pop-up changing tent for you to use. Keep it simple and comfortable. Also remember to steam iron your outfits including your graduation gown. Wrinkles are one of my pet peeves!

WHAT TO BRING

Accessories like hats, scarves or sunglasses make for a fun photo session. Bring hairspray, lotion, lip balm and a lint roller. For warmer weather bring an umbrella and plenty of water, for colder weather bring a light jacket and hand warmers.