The Ultimate Montclair State Graduation Photo Guide | Best Photo Locations & Tips
- May 19
- 5 min read
Graduating from Montclair State University is such a huge accomplishment, and your graduation photos should feel just as special as the memories you made there.
As a 2023 graduate of Montclair State University myself with a BFA in Filmmaking, this campus means so much to me personally. I spent years creating projects, building friendships, and learning how to tell stories through visuals, which is a huge reason why I fell in love with photography and capturing meaningful moments for other people.
Because I actually attended Montclair State, I know the campus SO well and understand all the best hidden spots, lighting areas, and locations that photograph beautifully throughout the year. From iconic graduation landmarks to quieter hidden gems around campus, I help my clients create a gallery that feels personal, polished, and true to their college experience.
The best part? You do NOT need to know how to pose or be comfortable in front of the camera. My goal is to make your session feel easy, natural, and actually fun so your photos look like YOU.
One thing I love about Montclair State is how versatile the campus is. You can get:
Classic graduation portraits
Greenery and floral backgrounds
Modern college architecture
Fun candid walking shots
Group photos with friends
Sunset golden hour lighting
Cap toss photos
Champagne pop photos
Cute coffee shop or downtown nearby vibes
Every session can feel completely different depending on the locations and vibe you want.
The Red Hawk Sign
This is one of the most iconic spots on campus and always a MUST for graduation photos. It’s perfect for showing off your school pride while still keeping the photos clean and timeless.
The Campus Walkways & Brick Paths
Some of the prettiest photos honestly happen while just walking around campus naturally. The pathways, trees, and campus scenery create such a classic college feel.
Alexander Kasser Theater
This area photographs BEAUTIFULLY, especially during golden hour. The architecture gives a more elevated and polished look to your gallery.
Car Parc Stairs
If you want trendy, editorial-style graduation photos, this is one of my favorite spots. The lighting and lines here make photos look super modern and clean.
Around the School Banner & Buildings
I always recommend getting a few photos that really showcase Montclair State so you can look back years from now and remember this exact season of life.
I always recommend:
White or floral dresses
Soft blues or pastels
Simple heels or clean sneakers
Something you feel CONFIDENT in
You can also bring:
Your cap & gown
Extra outfits
Stoles or cords
Champagne
Confetti
Flowers
College gear
Props that represent your major or personality
The more personalized your session feels, the more meaningful your photos become.
One of the biggest questions I get asked is “When should I book my graduation photos?” and honestly, the earlier the better especially during peak graduation season at Montclair State University.
One thing I always tell seniors is that you do NOT have to stress if your schedule gets busy during graduation season. As someone who graduated from Montclair State University myself, I completely understand how hectic this time of life can feel between finals, internships, jobs, events, and graduation preparations.
A lot of my clients book months before graduation, while others wait until after they graduate once life calms down a bit, and both options are completely okay. No matter the season, my goal is to create a fun, relaxed experience and photos that genuinely celebrate everything you accomplished
My Graduation Session Packages
I offer graduation sessions that are designed to feel fun, stress-free, and personalized to YOU. Whether you want a quick cap & gown session or a full experience with multiple outfits and locations around Montclair State University, I’ll help create photos that truly capture this exciting season of your life. Booking page click here:
This is probably the number one thing seniors worry about before their session.
You do NOT need modeling experience at all. I guide you through natural posing the entire time so nothing feels stiff or awkward. Most of my clients tell me they were nervous before their session and ended up having so much fun during it.
When you inquire about booking your graduation session at Montclair State University, we’ll first talk about your preferred date, availability, location ideas around campus, and the overall vision you want for your photos.
Depending on the package you choose, your session experience and what is included will vary. My full graduation sessions allow for more creativity, outfit changes, campus locations, candid moments, and a larger professionally edited gallery.
My higher-end graduation sessions are designed to feel more like a luxury photography experience, giving us more time to create a polished, personalized gallery with a variety of poses, lighting, backgrounds, and editorial-style images throughout campus. These sessions are perfect for seniors who want a more customized experience and really want to celebrate this milestone in a big way.
During your session, you do NOT need to know how to pose or act in front of the camera. Most of my clients tell me they were nervous beforehand, but end up having so much fun during the experience. My goal is to make everything feel natural, comfortable, and genuinely exciting.
Before your session:
A personalized senior questionnaire so I can learn more about your vision, style, personality, and the type of photos you love
My exclusive Senior Session Guide filled with outfit inspiration, location ideas, posing tips, prop recommendations, and everything you need to feel prepared for your session
Guidance on choosing the best time and lighting for your shoot
Help planning your locations around campus based on the aesthetic you want
During your session:
Classic cap & gown portraits
Candid walking shots
Personality-driven images that genuinely feel like YOU
Fun graduation celebration moments
After your session:
Sneak peeks are delivered within 48 hours
Your professionally edited online gallery is delivered digitally
You can easily download, share, and order prints from your gallery website
No matter which package you choose, my goal is always the same: to create timeless graduation photos that feel authentic to YOU while making the experience stress-free, memorable, and exciting.
Graduating college is such a special milestone, and these are the photos you’ll look back on forever. Whether you want something fun and trendy, classic and timeless, or a mix of both, I’d love to help bring your vision to life
Booking Link: https://www.mariabarbieriphotography.com/graduation
If you’re looking for a Bergen County or NJ graduation photographer for your Montclair State University senior session, let’s make it happen 🤍
Comments