UCSC Grad fair Portraits

Class of 2024

EVENT INFORMATION

Congratulations on your accomplishment!  Show off your achievement with graduation photos.  

Where:

cowell community CENTER

When:

May 1, 2024 10AM - 4:30PM

Last appointment is 30 min before end time

What: A free photo sitting* to each 2024 graduating student in front of a green screen (PLEASE DO NOT WEAR GREEN) so as to impose a selection of backgrounds on your portraits, with professional camera and lighting equipment by a qualified professional photographer

Reservations are recommended but not required. If appointment slots fill up there may be a long wait time and we cannot guarantee a time slot on the same day.

A reservation allows you to have a no contact & quick check-in experience plus it guarantees a time slot for your photo session.

*a free sitting does not include deliverable photos (downloads, physical prints, etc.)

why take grad portraits now?

The grad portrait sitting allows us to give you the best graduation portraits possible. This means we ensure your sash is laying flat, your cap is sitting straight, your tassel isn’t swinging in your face, you’re not closing your eyes, and of course, you are smiling (brilliantly).

Your graduation is a moment that deserves to be commemorated in the best way possible. With this session you’ll have the opportunity to be photographed with the utmost care and attention-to-detail by a professional photographer using top-of-the-line lighting and camera equipment.

 

FREE SITTING INCLUDES:

  • 4 different poses in front of a green screen and scenic location on campus

  • Photographed using professional grade camera and lighting equipment by qualified photographers

  • Online proof gallery of your photos with various backgrounds

  • A variety of products available for purchase, including prints and digital downloads

  • No obligation to purchase

  • Appointments are strongly recommended, please reserve here

  • Cap & gowns will be available for photos

 

want additional poses?

 

Reserve your additional 2 poses for $18 prior to your photo session here!

More photos allows for:

  • professional headshots (with no regalia on) for your resumé

  • more face angle options/glasses on and off

  • with & without regalia

  • photos with a friend or family member

  • different sashes

  • different looks such as smiling, no smiling, with teeth, without teeth

  • use of fun signage and/or your own props

  • photos with a pet

PERFECT PHOTO DAY - BEST PRACTICES

 
  • Arrive hair & make-up ready.

  • Do not wear green!

  • Dress to impress! We suggest professional attire such as a collared shirt & tie or fancy blouse with a flattering neckline. We do NOT recommend t-shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, or busy prints.

  • If you choose no regalia for your photos, please come dressed appropriately for the occasion.

  • Your nails will be visible in the diploma photos. Please remember to clean & groom your nails.

  • A fresh shave is a must or if you have facial hair, have it nicely trimmed.

Pricing

More product options will be available for viewing with your photo gallery after your sitting.

$15.95

5x7 Print

Printed on Kodak Professional paper.

 

$45.95

25 Photo Thank you Cards

Printed on white heavyweight stock paper and includes envelopes.

 

$45.95

1 Digital Download w/Print Copyrights

 

$69.95

8x12 Vivid Metal Print

Printed on aluminum, high in gloss and quality.

$15.95

Wallets (4) Prints

Printed on Kodak Professional paper.

$27.95

8x10 Print

Printed on Kodak Professional paper.

 

$45.95

Commencement Custom Plaque

Laminated premium photo print mounted on MDF board with beveled edges.

 

$69.95

1 Digital Download w/2 5x7 Prints

$12.95

Photo Keychain

Image printed onto a durable aluminum sheet with a mounted key ring.

 

$109.95

3 Digital Download w/2 5x7 Prints

FAQs

 

HOW LONG DOES A SESSION TAKE?

If you book for the four free poses, your session should not take longer than 5 minutes.

For additional poses, expect your session to last 10-15 minutes.


Will my t-shirt show under the gown?

Yes, if you are wearing a t-shirt or sweatshirt under the gown, it will show. You’ve earned the privilege to shine in that graduation gown, so avoid wearing just a t-shirt under it.

Here are our recommendations on how to look good for your pictures.

WILL MY PHOTOS BE RETOUCHED?

Retouching is provided upon request. The cost of retouching is dependent on the complexity of what you would like retouched. When you receive your gallery of proofs, you will be able to add retouching to your shopping cart.


WHAT CAN AND CAN’T BE RETOUCHED?

We offer face shine removal, stray hair removal, blemish/pimple removal, teeth and eye whitening, facial wrinkle softening, background enhancement, and clothing wrinkle removal.

Unfortunately, modern technology does not yet grant us the ability to convincingly change your outfit or the people in your photograph.

i paid for additional poses, do I get those photos for free?

All print and digital download orders must be purchased separately. When you pay for additional poses, you are paying a sitting fee that is unrelated to your print and digital download order.

I’VE ALREADY HAD MY PHOTOS TAKEN BY YOU BUT I’D LIKE A RETAKE, CAN I DO THAT?

Once you have had your four free poses, you may order additional poses via this link.

For example, if you have already taken your four free poses on Day 1, and you wish to take additional poses on Day 2, you will need to make a Second Reservation

HOW WILL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS?

Your photo proof gallery will be sent to the email address that you provide upon reservation.


WHEN WILL I RECEIVE MY PHOTOS?

You will receive your photo gallery approximately two weeks from your grad portrait session.

CAN I BE PHOTOGRAPHED WITH MY FAMILY MEMBERS AND/OR FRIENDS?

You may be photographed with up to 2 people. Any more than that and the size of our backdrops would not be able to handle how amazing everyone looks.


CAN MY GRADUATING FRIEND JOIN ME IN MY PHOTOS?

Yes, they can take photos with you, but if they want to take their own individual photos they must book their own Make Up Session.

CAN I BRING MY PET TO THE PHOTO SESSION?

Yes! Pets are more than welcome. In fact, we are happy to photograph you with your pet (given they want to pose with you and for a fee).


WHAT IF WANT ADDITIONAL PHOTOS?

You may add additional poses here. If you want a fully customized portrait session, check back to this page for Icon Session information.


HOW CAN I REACH YOU?

You can email us at support@bestgradphoto.com, or call at (800) 284 7235.