I bet you're counting down the days until graduation arrives, but before you receive your diploma, you should probably schedule a date to take your senior/graduation picture so that you will have these memories forever (and a perfect Insta pic, of course).
Whether you hire a professional photographer or call on your bestie, it's important to bring some ideas to the table. They're your senior portraits, after all. And because these photos will probably last forever, you'll want to make sure you feel comfortable in front of a camera. Here are 45 cute ways you can pose, with or without your cap and gown.
1. Celebrate!
You graduated! Toss some glitter in the air and make it rain!
What you need: Confetti Cannon, $12, amazon.com
2. Show off your skills.
Is softball your passion? Then include some of your equipment in the shoot!
3. Pose in front of your fave building.
Did you spend all of your time in the science building at school? Then you HAVE to get a cute pic in front of it!
4. Appreciate how much you've grown.
People are like plants — we bloom.
5. Flash a (temporary) tat.
Show of your grad year in a unique way!
What you need: Temporary Tattoo Alphabet and Letters, $11, amazon.com
6. Show how far you've come.
There's nothing like a great glow up.
7. Say it with a sign.
Write "I'm done," your grad year, or literally whatever you want with this cute idea!
What you need: Lightbox, $16, amazon.com
8. Get glittery.
Because everything is better with glitter.
What you need: Multipurpose Glitter, $13, amazon.com
9. Celebrate women.
You're a female of the future! Celebrate with other women who have lifted you up.
What you need: The Future is Female Tee, $55, shopbop.com
10. Be silly.
Because sometimes, we take life too seriously.
11. Hold your furry friend.
Because you wouldn't have gotten through finals without snuggles from your pup.
What you need: Grad Hat Pet Costume, $12, amazon.com
12. Throw your cap in the air.
See ya, bye!
13. Show off your artwork.
Add a personal touch with a chalkboard!
What you need: Vintage Style Chalkboard Sign, $6, amazon.com
14. Wave your school flag.
Show off where you're heading next.
15. Sit in a pretty meadow.
Unleash your inner model and strike a pose.
16. Smile with your bestie.
Because you couldn't have done it without them.
17. Rock your favorite varsity jacket.
Embrace your inner Archie Andrews.
18. Smell some flowers.
Take a minute and enjoy the beauty of nature, you deserve.
19. Pose with your SO.
Just so you can look back and say you were high school sweethearts.
20. Show off your school pride.
Perfect pose for you and your besties.
21. Get a close-up of your tassel.
Before it gets put in storage for years to come.
22. Jump like you're in High School Musical.
This one is a classic.
23. Throw out a peace sign.
As in, "peace out, high school!"
24. Chill on your school steps.
They may not be the steps of the Met, but you can still feel like Blair Waldorf.
25. Look back at the camera.
"Ooh, I didn't see ya there." 😉
26. Find your school mascot.
Show off your school spirit.
27. Admire your achievements.
You worked so hard to earn them, you might as well show them off!
28. Open up your arms.
You did it, girl!
29. Look up to the sky.
This one is so regal.
30. Put your cap front and center.
Extra points if it's decorated.
31. Let them know you're signing out.
If you actually use a sign to signify this... that's kind of legendary.
32. Toss your cap toward the camera.
Just don't accidentally hit the lens... or your photographer.
33. Include some guest appearances.
Whether it's your besties, your parents or even your fave teacher, you're going to want to have a memory of the people who supported you on your academic journey.
34. Keep it casual.
Show off your basketball, hang out and just vibe.
35. Stand on the bleachers.
A lot of memories can be made on the bleachers, whether you were in the stands during sporting events, a member of your high school's marching band or a cheerleader.
36. Show off your tassle — and your killer shoe game.
This is perfect for the Carrie Bradshaws of the world.
37. Rock your school's official colors.
You can do it anywhere.
38. Pose with your family.
After all, they've always been there for you.
39. Patch up your cap.
I can't think of a better way to show off your favorite memories, bands and TV shows.
40. Take it to the football field.
The perfect spot for a golden hour photo.
41. Go to a photo studio.
Amazing lighting and A/C? Sign me up.
42. Have a Disney-inspired shoot.
How adorable are these Mickey ears?!
What you need: Mickey Mouse Graduation Cap Ear Headband, $29.99, Disney
43. Throw on your favorite outfit and pose in a gorgeous setting.
Aside from graduating, I can't think of a better feeling.
44. Pose in front of different places on campus.
Even better if there's a fountain.
45. Hold your diploma.
You've earned it — it's time to show it off!
46. Go on location.
Go out take you grads pics somewhere that you love. It will make the photos that much more special.
47. Shake things up.
Graduation pics don't always have to be taken in a traditional cap and gown. If you were involved in a sport or school club dress up in your uniform and snap some pics!
48. Head to your favorite spot.
If you've got a favorite spot on campus now is the perfect time to show it off.
49. Show of that Diploma
You earned it now it's time to flaunt it!
50. Snap a candid.
If you are lucky enough to have an audience at graduation see if they can snap a pic of when you step of stage with your new diploma.
Samantha Olson
Assistant News Editor
Sam is an assistant news editor at Cosmo, covering all things pop culture, entertainment, and celebrity news. She previously covered those same topics along with health, lifestyle, and beauty at Seventeen. When she isn't draping her cheeks in blush, you can probably find her live-tweeting awards shows or making SwiftToks.
Carolyn Twersky
Associate Editor
Carolyn Twersky is an associate editor for Seventeen covering celebrities, entertainment, politics, trends, and health. On her off time, she's probably watching Ru Paul's Drag Race, traversing NYC for the best donuts, or, most likely, enjoying time in her favorite place in the world: her bed.
