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She’s Back—and She Brought Her Dog!
From cowboy boots to cap tosses and even a champagne pop in the desert—Erica’s college graduation session had it all.
I first met Erica when she was a senior at Queen Creek High School (Class of 2021!), and I was so excited when she reached out to book her college grad session. We had the best time during her high school session too—you can see her Scottsdale senior pictures here for a throwback to where it all started.
There’s nothing better than getting to photograph my seniors again as they hit their next big milestone!
And fun fact? Both her high school and college colors are purple… clearly meant to be.
Cowgirl Boots and Desert Vibes
One of Erica’s first looks was a casual western-inspired outfit—denim jacket, black hat, and desert backdrops for days. It was so her, and such a fun way to kick off the session.
From relaxed smiles to wind-in-the-hair moments, these shots set the tone for the rest of the day!
Family, Fur Babies & All the Love
When Erica showed up with her dog and her parents in tow, I knew this session was going to hit all the feels. And let me tell you—her pup was an absolute star.
And instead of just sharing for a few likes, we created this gorgeous storyboard for Erica and her sweet pup. Not sure it gets any better than this!
If you’re thinking about including your pet in your own senior or graduation photos, here are some of my favorite tips to get amazing pictures with your dog.
We captured some of the cutest photos of her cuddling with her furry bestie, plus a few that show just how close this family is. (Those cap & gown hugs? Literal gold.)
From proud parent hugs to classic cap and gown portraits, this collage captures everything we love about celebrating college graduation with the people—and pets—you love most.
A New Chapter with a Bold New Goal
Back in high school, Erica had dreams of going into the medical field. But like a lot of us, college helped her find her real passion. Fast-forward a few years, and she’s heading into an entirely different kind of service—the police academy!
Her decorated graduation cap gave us a hint of what was coming. It was a perfect way to honor both her time at GCU and the exciting career she’s stepping into.
Graduation Gown, Stole, & Classic Grad Shots
Of course, we had to capture all the must-have grad moments! Erica brought her cap, stole, and the best attitude. We snagged everything from glowing solo portraits to hugs with her parents, and yes—the iconic cap toss definitely made an appearance!
Ending the Session with a Pop (Literally)
After sunset, Erica changed into a sleek dress for a champagne celebration in the desert. Before we popped the champagne, we captured a few soft, editorial-style shots in this gorgeous black dress. The puff sleeves, flowy skirt, and cowgirl boots gave just the right mix of dressy and fun—proof that one outfit can work for both classic portraits and celebration photos.
Popping the champagne, dancing and laughing through the whole thing? That’s the energy I love! These final photos were the perfect way to wrap up her session—with confidence, sparkle, and a little sass.
Let’s Celebrate Your College Graduation in Style
Whether you’re wrapping up college here in Arizona or coming home to celebrate, your grad session should be just as fun and personal as your journey. Bring the family. Bring the dog. Bring the boots, the glam dress, or whatever makes you feel like you. I’ll help you create a session that’s packed with personality—and filled with images you’ll love seeing on your walls!
Fall 2025 and Spring 2026 college grads—now’s the time to start planning. The best sessions book up fast, and you don’t want to be scrambling later. Want all the details? Just click below and my Senior Client Welcome Guide will land in your inbox!
Keep the Ideas Coming…
Want even more inspo for senior pictures? Follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook—I’m always posting the latest looks, posing ideas, favorite location, and real client sessions to help you plan the senior pictures of your dreams!
Got a few more tabs open? Same! So if you’re on a roll, check these out next:
→ Complete Guide for College Graduation Photos in Phoenix
→ Ideas for College Graduation Pictures
→ What to Wear for Senior Pictures
Q&A for GCU College Grads
Do you offer weekend sessions?
Sessions are weekdays only. Weekdays mean fewer crowds, easier parking, and cleaner backgrounds—no waiting in line for the same fountain shot.
Can we do GCU graduation photos off campus?
Yes! We can stay on campus or head to Phoenix favorites like Downtown, Papago Park, or the Superstition Mountains for desert views. We’ll choose locations that match your outfit and vibe.
Which GCU spots photograph best?
Popular on-campus options include the Lope statue, GCU Arena, courtyard fountains, and rooftops with skyline views. We’ll time it for great light and lighter foot traffic.
Do I need to wear my cap and gown the whole time?
Nope! We’ll grab a few classics in cap and gown, then switch to a dressy or smart-casual look so your gallery has variety.
What should I wear—and how many outfits can I bring?
Plan 1–2 outfits plus your cap and gown. Purple accents and stoles photograph beautifully for GCU. Layers and texture (jackets, lace, denim) add depth in both urban and desert locations. Want more outfits or time? Choose a Platinum or Ultimate session!
What props work well for GCU grad pictures?
Decorated cap, stole and cords, a GCU tee or hoodie, and champagne or confetti (where allowed). Keep props simple so you stay the focus.
I don’t have my cap and gown yet—can we still shoot?
Yes! I keep caps, gowns, tassels, and cords for many local schools in my Style Closet so you’re covered if yours hasn’t arrived.
Can I include friends or roommates?
Absolutely! Best-friend and small group photos are super popular. We’ll capture both group shots and individual portraits so everyone gets favorites.
When should I book my GCU graduation photos?
Spring grads should plan sessions in February–March. Fall grads usually book October–early November. Out-of-state students often schedule during winter or spring break to avoid finals-week chaos.
How long is a session and how fast are photos ready?
Most sessions run 60–90 minutes depending on locations and outfit changes. After your session, we’ll schedule your Ordering Session within about 10 days so you can choose your favorites and start planning announcements, party invites, and artwork.
