High School Graduation Party Ideas

High School Graduation Party Ideas

Graduation Party Themes and Games | Austin Senior Photography

You had your Senior Photo Session and used the photos to personalize your graduation invites. 

Now it’s time to plan the rest of your High School or College Gradauation Party. 

See below for some fun themes and guest activities to make the most of your milestone celebration.


Graduation Party Themes

photo collage through the years

Some fun themes to use at your graduation party include:

1) Through the Years – Decorate with photos from kindergarten through your Senior Year

2) School Colors – Use your current or future school colors for decor, food and drinks

3) Oh, The Places You’ll Go – Travel- inspired decor, globes and passport-style invites for a Dr. Seuss Theme. Have lots of maps and destination signs.

4) Your Future’s So Bright – Glow sticks, black lights and neon decor. Can also use items that symbolize the grad’s future plans (ex. medical school, law school, etc.)

5) Hollywood Red Carpet – Fancy dress code, red carpet outside and polaroid “paparazzi” photos as favors


      Graduation Party Games & Activities

      advice jar for seniors

      Here are some creative ideas for party games and guest activities for your Graduation Party:

      1) Advice Jar – Guests write tips on pieces of paper to put in a jar for the graduate to read later. You could also fill up a journal or blank book with guests to write in with advice.

      2) “Open When” letters – Ask family and friends to write short messages to the Senior to open at different times in the following year. Examples: “Open when” you feel homesick, “Open when” you need a laugh, or “Open when” you need a pep talk.

      You could also provide blank postcards for your guests to write on and that you will send throughout the student’s next year. 

      3) Caps Off Time capsule – Ask your guests to bring something specific to the grad’s year to open 10-15 years later.

      4) Graduation Bingo – Make a custom bingo card with squares like “guests gives a toast,” “grad takes a selfie,” “someone asks what their major will be”

      5) Who Knows the Grad Best? – Create a trivia game with questions about the Senior’s favorite foods, habits and history. Winner gets a fun prize.

       

       

      Have fun and party on!

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        Tips for a Senior Photo Session at McKinney Falls

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        Upper & Lower Falls at McKinney Falls State Park – Senior Photos

        Upper & Lower Falls at McKinney Falls State Park – Senior Photos

        Exploring McKinney Falls State Park | Austin Senior Photographer

        This High School Senior (and future Texas State student) chose McKinney Falls State Park for his photo session location.

        mckinney falls lower falls park senior photography session

        The park wasn’t too crowded for a week night in late Spring. (Though I did photoshop out a few swimmers in the background)

        If you live in Austin and are also interested in having your High School Senior Photo Session at McKinney Falls, check out my tips below.

        Tips for Photo Sessions at McKinney Falls State Park:

        • Park reservations are required, so make sure you get a day pass in advance of your chosen session date.
        • Entrance Fees are $6/adult.
        • The Park has over nine miles of trails, but I like the Upper Falls and Lower Falls along Onion Creek the best.
        • There are several restrooms off the trails to use for outfit changes. 
        • Springtime can bring wildflowers to the Park (keep an eye on their social media to see how the blooms are looking – and any other useful Park alerts).
        • Pack water shoes and a towel since we might get our feet wet for part of your photo session if the water is high.

        _______________________________________________________________________________________

        Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own High School Senior photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more Senior portrait sessions on my blog.

        Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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        Tips for a Senior Photo Session at McKinney Falls

        Tips for a Senior Photo Session at McKinney Falls

        McKinney Falls Senior Portrait Session | Austin Senior Photographer Normally if a High School Senior requests a park with Spring wildflowers, I have a few places to suggest. But not this year.  After scouting four different parks, all dry with no flowers, I was...

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        University of Texas – PhD Graduation Photo Session

        University of Texas – PhD Graduation Photo Session

        PhD Graduation Photo Session | Austin Senior Photographer

        For this Graduation Photo session on the University of Texas campus, we made sure to hit all the popular spots (The Tower, The Fountain, etc.) And since we met up one early morning after graduation, we had the place mostly to ourselves.

        But some of my favorite moments came when we went to her lab building.

        EER building on the UT campus for graduation photo session

        The Engineering Education and Research Center (EER) is a gorgeous, window-filled building. And it’s not every photo session that gets to end with liquid nitrogen.

        liquid nitrogen photo session on UT campus

        If you’re also graduating from the University of Texas and are interested in having your Senior Photo Session on Campus, check out my tips below.

        Tips for College Senior Photo Sessions at the University of Texas:

        • Right before Graduation, Campus gets pretty full of photo shoots, so try and plan early or choose off-times for your photos (or be okay with waiting for your turn in front of popular spots)
        • Iron your regalia and bring it on a hanger
        • You can pose in your full cap and gown, part of your regalia, regular dressy clothes or any combination of the above
        • If you have a particular spot on campus that means a lot to you (ex. where you took the majority of your classes), let me know so we can include it in our route
        • I’ll send you a list of popular spots before your date so you can give me your top 4 to 5 choices to visit in your hour-long session
        • If your family will be in town, we can add-on a mini-family photo session
        • If you want to end your session in the Littlefield Fountain – bring some champagne to “pop” as well as a towel for drying off and flip flops to wear for afterwards
        • If you’re interested in a group session with some friends, contact me for group pricing

        _______________________________________________________________________________________

        Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own College Senior session in Austin, Texas. Explore more Senior sessions on my blog.

        Client Feedback and Advice

         

        1. What prompted you to have this photo session? I wanted to get professional pictures to remember this accomplishment.
        2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? I will print some of them for my family and probably post a few on instagram.
        3. How did you choose your location for your session? I chose the iconic locations at UT for classic UT grad pictures, but I also wanted to capture my personal experience on campus in my research lab. As a graduate student, I spend most of my time in the research lab and don’t walk around campus much, so I wanted to capture that in my graduate pictures as well. 
        4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session?
          I especially love the pictures from my lab. I would advise other PhDs to make it personal and have some ideas/props ready to display your project. It helps to have example pictures. 
        5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography?It was great working with you Stephanie! You are very easy to talk to and make the photoshoot fun!
        6. Can you share some details about what’s happening in the lab photos? My dissertation thesis focused on developing an electrospun wrap to improve bone healing. All of the items I was playing with were parts of how I fabricated the wraps. The big orange box is an electrospinning box where we apply electric charge to our materials to spin it into a mat that is made of micro-scale fibers, kind of like fabric. The syringe with multiple needles is a custom made electrospinning syringe to spin multiple jets at the same time. The gross tissue I was holding was small intestine. We use small intestine as a material in our wrap to help guide the body to make more blood vessels that will help bone regeneration and healing. The big hood that I was working in with a pipette is a biosafety cabinet (BSC). We use it to work with cells and bacteria in a sterile environment (to protect us and the cells). The big tank that sprayed up a bunch of white smoke was a liquid nitrogen tank. We use this to freeze samples very quickly to preserve their structure. The liquid nitrogen is -196C, so when it hits room temperature air, it vaporizes instantaneously. Once the container gets cold enough, a liquid will start to collect that we can submerge our samples in to freeze them. 

        Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

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        Commons Ford Ranch – Senior Photo Session

        Commons Ford Ranch – Senior Photo Session

        Spring wildflowers and playing guitar | Austin Senior Photo Session

        This high school musician chose Commons Ford Ranch in Southwest Austin for their senior photo session.

        guitar playing high school senior photo session in austin

        We got some photos with his guitar and had fun exploring around the Park. It was blooming with late season Spring wildflowers.

        rustic old barn at commons ford ranch in south austin for senior photo session

        If you live in Austin and are also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at Commons Ford Ranch, check out my tips below.

        Tips for High School Senior Photo Sessions at Commons Ford Ranch:

        • It can get crowded with other photo sessions at peak times (weekend evenings in Spring and Fall) – so pick off times if possible.
        • It’s about a 10 minute walk from the parking lot to the Lakefront area – make sure to wear or bring comfortable shoes for walking between locations
        • The Lakefront area can be a popular party area – keep an eye out for stray beer cans in your frame and you might have to wait your turn on the dock. (We had some considerate swimmers move out of the way on the dock so we could get the angle and shots we wanted)
        • Lots of wildlife call this park their home. If you are going to be in the tall grass, wear boots or pants as one of your three outfit options.
        • Plan to change outfits in your car (the nearest restroom is a port-o-potty)
        • Springtime wildflowers can be spectacular – peak blooms are usually in March, April and May. Winter has some lovely golden dry grass as well.

        _______________________________________________________________________________________

        Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own Senior session in Austin, Texas. Explore more Senior sessions on my blog.

        1. What prompted you to have this photo session?  I’m not big on Pictures, but I figured that graduation is kinda important and probably worth some good photos to commemorate it.
        2. What do you plan to do with your digital photos? Profile pictures for social media definitely, maybe professional pictures as well.
        3. How did you choose your location for your session? I looked at the website you included in your prep email and Commons ford Ranch really stood out as a place that could compliment my style and personality.
        4. What advice would you give to others planning a similar Senior photo session? Prep ahead of time with your photographer!!! Nothing beats a shooting session with a prepared photographer and an excited model/muse (you!)
        5. Anything else you’d like to add about working with Stephanie Friedman Photography? As someone with social anxiety it was impressive how she charged into public areas while not being rude about it. I was very out of my comfort zone being around people during the pictures but she really made it work regardless! 

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        Picture-Perfect Parties: Decorating your Graduation Celebration with Senior Photos

        Picture-Perfect Parties: Decorating your Graduation Celebration with Senior Photos

        From Camera to Celebration | Austin Senior Photography

        You’ve had your Senior Photo Session, got your digital images, and now it’s time to plan your Graduation Party. 

        Make your Party feel more personal and memorable with these ideas below.

        So pick your favorite photos on your computer, then head to Zazzle or Etsy and create some of these items.

        First up is making an invitation.


        Graduation Invites: Announce & Celebrate

        sample graduation card

        One of the easiest and most popular ways to use your senior photos is for custom graduation announcements and invitations. These cards are a great way to share your achievements with family and friends while giving them a keepsake of this special time in your life.

        Choosing the Right Design

        • Select a template that matches your personality and style—modern, classic, rustic, or bold.
        • Opt for a single-image or collage-style card to showcase multiple looks from your session.
        • Incorporate school colors or your future college’s branding for a personalized touch.

        What to Include

        • Your name and high school
        • Graduation date and ceremony details (if applicable)
        • A heartfelt message or quote
        • Party invitation details (if you’re hosting a celebration)

        Where to Order

        Many online retailers, such as Minted, Shutterfly, and SnapFish, offer beautiful custom templates for graduation cards. 

        Once you’ve sent out your invitations, you can plan your decorations.

        Decor Ideas using Senior Photos: Creative & Meaningful

        Displaying your senior photos in creative ways makes your party feel more personal and memorable.  Some options include:

        1. Yard Signs: Can help direct guests to where to party is and add curb appeal

        graduation party yard sign

        2. Custom Balloons: Can be displayed inside or outside the house

        custom senior photo balloon 3. Personalized Photo Banner: Hang in a doorway or above a food or drinks table

        custom photo banner

        4. Cupcake Topper: Picture a dessert table full of your face

        senior cupcake topper

        5. Guest Sign-in Poster: Use one of your favorite Senior Photos to create a sign-in poster for guests to leave you messages or just their name as a memento

        guest sign in poster with senior photo

         

        Senior portraits also make lots of other great personalized items

        • Temporary tattoos or stickers with your face
        • Graduation party favor labels
        • Custom life-size cardboard cutouts
        • Custom photo confetti
        • Candy with your face on it

        There are loads of fun things you can physically get made with your pictures.

        Bonus Idea:

        slideshow Slideshow or Digital Picture Frame: You can also load a slideshow of your favorite digital images to play during your Graduation Party. Incorporate photos back from your kindergarten days to make everyone feel sentimental.

        If you’re still planning your senior session or want fresh images to use in your grad party, I’d love to help you create portraits that feel true to you. Let’s connect and start planning!

        Have fun and party on!

          Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

          More From This Category

          Tips for a Senior Photo Session at McKinney Falls

          Tips for a Senior Photo Session at McKinney Falls

          McKinney Falls Senior Portrait Session | Austin Senior Photographer Normally if a High School Senior requests a park with Spring wildflowers, I have a few places to suggest. But not this year.  After scouting four different parks, all dry with no flowers, I was...

          read more

          Red Bud Isle – Senior + Family Photo Session

          Red Bud Isle – Senior + Family Photo Session

          Red Bud Isle High School Photo Session | Austin Senior Photography

          It was a beautiful weekend night in the Spring, and Red Bud Isle was full of people fishing, swimming and walking their dogs. But we still found some quieter spots to take Senior + Family photos.

          family photo session at red bud isle in austin, texas by stephanie friedman photography

          If you live in Austin and are also interested in having your Senior Photo Session at Red Bud Isle, check out my tips below.

          Tips for Senior Photo Sessions at Red Bud Isle in Austin:

          • This off-leash dog park lies in West Austin on Lady Bird Lake
          • It has blooming Red Bud trees in early Spring and fall color in late November
          • Red Bud Isle is popular with dog owners, canoers and kayakers, so be aware the small parking lot may fill up easily
          • If you’re worried about parking, book a sunrise session or pick a weeknight over the weekend
          • There’s no restroom at the park, so plan to change outfits in your car
          • The trail is an easy half-mile loop that takes you out to scenic views of the water under large Cypress trees

          _______________________________________________________________________________________

          Please check out some of my favorite images below and contact me if you’d like to book your own High School Senior photo session in Austin, Texas. Explore more portrait sessions on my blog.

          Interested in Booking a Senior Photo Session?

          More From This Category

          Tips for a Senior Photo Session at McKinney Falls

          Tips for a Senior Photo Session at McKinney Falls

          McKinney Falls Senior Portrait Session | Austin Senior Photographer Normally if a High School Senior requests a park with Spring wildflowers, I have a few places to suggest. But not this year.  After scouting four different parks, all dry with no flowers, I was...

          read more