Ramen, Rooftops, and Realness: A Graduation Photoshoot at UNT Like No Other

If you think college graduation photos have to be stiff, serious, or overly staged — I’m here to lovingly prove you wrong.

When Sage (they/them) asked me to shoot their graduation photos at the University of North Texas (UNT), I knew it wasn’t going to be your standard cap-and-gown session. They’ve got the kind of magnetic energy that makes people turn their heads, laugh mid-sentence, and accidentally strike a model pose all at once. Basically, they’re the exact kind of client I love photographing: the ones who want their photos to feel like them.

We kicked off this graduation photoshoot by walking around the beautiful UNT campus in Denton, hitting some classic backdrops — but always with a twist. We mixed high-fashion editorial energy with straight-up silliness. One second, they were giving Vogue. The next? They were posing with a steaming cup of instant ramen noodles, mid-bite. A college dinner staple turned prop — iconic.

Sage had that “I’ve-survived-college-and-earned-this” glow. We channeled it into movement-heavy shots — jumping, dancing, spinning — full-on High School Musical vibes. Yes, we got the classic cap toss, but we made it cinematic. It wasn’t just a photoshoot; it was a mini visual memoir of their entire college experience told through movement, color, and light.

This wasn’t just about celebrating their degree — it was about honoring every late night, every ramen dinner, and every last nerve that college lovingly destroyed.

One of my favorite things about being a Dallas graduation photographer is working with grads who want to infuse their photos with who they really are. With Sage, that meant blending polished editorial posing with goofy faces, belly laughs, and absolutely no fear of looking ridiculous.

Because honestly, the best graduation photos aren’t just pretty. They’re personal. They show you as more than just a student — they show your spark.

We wrapped the session on top of a campus parking garage — one of my favorite hidden gems for golden hour light in Denton. Rooftop photoshoots give you open sky, dramatic lines, and enough space to twirl like no one’s watching.

This is why “photography near me” doesn’t have to mean boring studio backdrops. Sometimes, the best place for graduation photos is wherever you feel the most alive — even if it’s six floors above street level.

Whether you’re searching for “graduation photoshoot near me” or hunting for a DFW photographer, here’s the thing:

You don’t have to go with me. But I highly recommend choosing a photographer who sees the whole you. Someone who understands how to make you feel celebrated, comfortable, and like the main character in your own story.

Whether you're graduating from UNT, SMU, TCU, UT Arlington, TWU, Dallas College, DBU, or Paul Quinn College, your graduation photos should reflect more than just the accomplishment — they should capture the journey.

Planning Your Own Graduation Shoot?

Whether you’re walking across the stage or just grateful you survived finals week, let’s create graduation photos that tell your real story. I’m based in Dallas and always down to mix creative direction with a little chaos — ramen optional, personality required.

📸 Ready to book your college graduation photoshoot? Reach out and let’s make something unforgettable.