Within the next couple of days, campus will be flooded with graduating students dressed up in their finest with black caps and gowns while schlepping a friend or family member around campus to take photos.
Lines that seem to extend on for miles will appear outside Samford Hall, the University sign, the seal and the “War Eagle” graffiti next to J&M Bookstore: the quintessential photo-shoot locations for any Auburn graduate.
Avoiding the lines will be nearly impossible, but there are a few ways to make the grueling task of photo taking easier for all.
First, don’t wait until the day before graduation, or the day of graduation, to take your photos.
Caps and gowns can be picked up several days in advance. Get your cap and gown early and take advantage of the extra time.
Plan ahead on what kinds of photos you want, such as how many variations of poses are you going to per location. Are you going to have photos taken with family or friends? Are you going to wear the cap and gown in all the photos or in only some? Figure out as many details as you can in advance to cut down on shooting time so you aren’t hogging a location and making other people wait longer.
Lastly, consider other locations that have meaning or sentimental value to you.
If the queue is too long at one location, explore the possibilities of having your photo taken next to your favorite sports venue, hang out spots on campus or academic buildings until the lines have dwindled down.
Photographs can last a lifetime. It’s documentation of a time and place for your personal reflection in the future, so wherever or however you take your photos, don’t settle for anything less than what you are happy with.
They’re your memories.
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