The Ultimate Notre Dame Grad Photos Prep Guide | South Bend, Indiana

Dec 31

Preparing for Your Notre Dame Graduation Photos

Hey future grads! First off, congratulations! I’m so excited to be part of your graduation journey. Working with the amazing students at Notre Dame has been a highlight of my year, and I can’t wait to help you commemorate this special moment. Whether it’s your first step on campus or the final toss of your cap, every detail is worth capturing. And trust me, this prep guide will ensure your Notre Dame graduation photos are nothing short of spectacular.

In 2025, my team and I worked with over 130 graduates, captured 33 sessions, and delivered 4,500+ photos—all with a 1-week turnaround time. Notre Dame grads are some of my favorite clients, and I love making your milestone moments unforgettable.

General Prep Info: What to Bring for Your Notre Dame Grad Session

When it comes to getting ready for your Notre Dame graduation photos, you’ll want to make sure you have everything you need. Here's the rundown:

Caps, gowns, tassels, stoles, cords: Check, check, and check! Don’t forget these, as they’re essential for those traditional shots.
Champagne: Let’s make it a celebration! Just remember, this stuff is heavy. Assign one person to carry it so no one ends up regretting it later.
Extra shoes for between locations: Trust me, your feet will thank you.
Coat or blanket: If it’s chilly between locations, make sure to have something comfy to stay warm.
Dorm sweatshirts, football jerseys, letter jackets: Show off your school pride!
Class rings and other special items: Got a grad school sweatshirt or a gift that’s meaningful to you? Bring it along!
Hairbrush for windy days: Notre Dame can get a bit breezy, especially near the Dome and the Grotto, so a quick hair touch-up might be necessary.
Dryclean hangers/plastic: A necessary evil. They’re a pain to fight with, especially in the wind, but they help keep your gown looking sharp. Make sure to have extra just in case!

Graduate walking in cap and gown at Notre Dame campus with the Golden Dome in the background

Graduates in stoles posing together in front of the Touchdown Jesus mural at Notre Dame

Graduates standing in front of a stone building on Notre Dame campus

Graduate in a black dress walking along a tree-lined path at Notre Dame

Female graduate standing in a sunny archway with cap and gown at Notre Dame

Group of graduates in black gowns and blue stoles posing in front of the Golden Dome at Notre Dame

Group of female graduates in stoles posing in front of a Notre Dame building

Female graduate in blue gown posing outside a Notre Dame building

Consider: A Bit of Planning Goes a Long Way

Planning ahead can save you lots of time, and trust me, it’ll help keep everything running smoothly on the day of your shoot. I had one amazing group this year who created a shared Google Doc and Pinterest board with all their outfit ideas and location preferences—total game-changer! Even if you don’t go all out, deciding what to wear at each spot beforehand helps streamline things.

Here’s a little example of how you can organize it:

Touchdown Jesus: Just caps, gown, and a classic cap toss.
Grotto: Elegant dresses and stoles for a more intimate feel.
Dome: Group and individual shots with the Dome in the background, plus some champagne shots at the statue if time allows. Maybe a few extra on the steps!

Group of graduates in white dresses posing on a path surrounded by greenery at Notre Dame

Group of graduates in white dresses posing under trees at Notre Dame

Graduating couple walking hand in hand on campus at Notre Dame

Group of graduates in stoles and gowns posing together in front of vibrant flowers at Notre Dame

The Grotto images above show how different it can look at different times of day. We will make it work, but it definitely looks better in the morning!

Flexibility: Make the Most of Every Moment

When it comes to your Notre Dame graduation photos, flexibility is key. Locations can look totally different depending on the time of day and the lighting, and a perfect shot in the morning might not work in the afternoon. It's all about making it work, even if it’s not exactly how you imagined.

And speaking of lighting—don’t expect your photos to look identical to your friends’ photos. Lighting, time of day, and the equipment I use all contribute to how a photo turns out. I love when you share your favorite ideas with me, and I’ll absolutely work hard to bring them to life, but there are times when the weather or lighting just isn’t on our side. But don’t worry, I’ll guide you through it!

Special Items and Locations: Personal Touches Matter

A meaningful location or special item can elevate your session. Consider these options:

Lighting a candle at the Grotto: If this holds significance for you, we can make it happen.
Returning to a spot that’s meaningful: One of my seniors this year brought me to the same spot where her two older sisters had their grad photos—it was emotional and beautiful.
Dorm photos: This year, I had a large group from the Johnson Family Dorm, and it was so special to capture them in their shared space.
And don’t forget about your pets! I had one graduate who brought along her dog for a few cute shots. You’d be surprised how much they can bring to the photo.

Group of graduates with "LEWIS" on their shirts posing in front of Lewis Hall at Notre Dame

Group of graduates holding a 'LEW' banner at Notre Dame campus

Graduate posing in front of a large sculpture at Notre Dame campus

Group of female graduates with stoles posing in front of a Notre Dame building

Close-up of graduate’s hand holding graduation cords and stoles at Notre Dame

Graduate in a gown holding her diploma in front of the Golden Dome at Notre Dame

Graduates in gowns and stoles posing on the Notre Dame campus in the evening light

Female graduate in sunglasses and gown in front of the Notre Dame campus building

Other Locations: Think Outside the Box

If you’re looking for spots off the beaten path, here are a few suggestions to make your photos stand out:

DeBartolo Performing Arts Center: Perfect for more formal shots.
The Lakes: Stunning in the spring when the trees are in full bloom.
Raclin: A more architectural setting for that modern grad vibe.
Your school’s buildings: Whether it’s Eck Law or Mendoza, these locations can add a personal touch to your session.

Graduate in white dress walking along a scenic pathway at Notre Dame campus

Graduate standing in the library at Notre Dame in cap and gown

Graduate in cap and gown walking along the Notre Dame campus path

Graduate in blue gown posing outside a Notre Dame campus building

Graduate in cap and gown standing in front of Notre Dame’s historic building

Graduate seated on the steps of a Notre Dame building in cap and gown

Graduate couple walking together on the Notre Dame campus in cap and gown

Graduate sitting on a bench in a green dress, smiling at the camera

Graduate couple sitting together on a bench at Notre Dame campus

Graduate in formal suit posing near a railing on the Notre Dame campus

Client Love

“I love the photos! I love them all, but my favorite is probably the cap toss in front of the dome—such an iconic picture and you captured it perfectly!”

Get Ready to Celebrate!

Graduating from Notre Dame is a massive accomplishment, and your photos should reflect the hard work, joy, and memories that come with it. If you’re ready to plan your Notre Dame graduation photos, I’m here to help! Let’s make this session unforgettable.

Have questions? Need more info? Don’t hesitate to reach out—I'm happy to help in any way I can.

Are you a Notre Dame grad looking to book your graduation session? Get in touch today, and let’s start planning your perfect day! - Book Now!

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Lindsey DeCicco