Purdue Grad Photos | Best Friends to Two Couples Grad Session

From Random Roommates to Lifelong Best Friends | Purdue Graduation Session

There’s something extra special about graduation sessions—but this one is a special story

Purdue Friend Graduation Pictures at The Engineering Fountain

I had the honor of photographing not just one, but two incredible couples celebrating their graduation from Purdue University. What made it even more meaningful is the story behind how these four are now taking graduation pictures together around the campus that became their first home away from their family home.

After choosing Purdue 4 years ago as their college decision, the next step was to start the roommate selection process. These then high school seniors girls filled out their housing forms, answering questions about them and their lifestyle. This was just the start of the random housing selection process that brought together two freshman roommates. Fast forward four years, and they’re walking away not only with degrees, they have been roommates for 4 years, and have a friendship that has become part of who they are.

Purdue Friend Graduation Pictures at Hovde Hall

Purdue Friend Graduation Pictures at Hovde Hall

Along the way the two of them became four with new connections found on campus! This group session was such a beautiful blend of celebration and connection. We captured each couple individually, each graduate, the girls and the boys from the Purdue Memorial Union arches, to the Purdue Bell Tower, Hovde Hall, The Engineering Fountain — and ended the session with a champagne spray at the arches by the Purdue Union.

Purdue Graduation Pictures at The Purdue Union Arches

Purdue Graduation Session at Purdue Bell Tower

Purdue Graduation Session at Hovde Hall

Purdue Graduation Session at Hovde Hall

To these graduates : your story is one of the best parts of college life. Not just the degree, but the people you meet along the way in West LaFayette at Purdue.

Purdue Graduation Pictures - Cap & Gown at Purdue Memorial Union

Cheers to friendship, love, and everything ahead.

Purdue Graduation Celebration - Champagne Spray

Purdue University Graduation Photos | West LaFayette Photographer

Purdue University on campus GRADUATION Pictures

It’s YOUR time to celebrate!

This is your moment to walk the campus dressed in your stole, cap, and gown—capturing your graduation at the place you’ve called home throughout your college journey. You will quickly feel how fast the days went from when you arrived on campus.

Looking back on my own college experience, I wish I had taken the time to capture it like this—which is exactly why I love offering these keepsake graduation sessions.

THE TIME IS NOW TO BOOK YOUR GRAD SESSION

Booking your graduation for mid-April to senior week is a great goal. Your gown will need to be returned shortly after graduation, so scheduling your session before graduation day ensures you’ll already have beautiful images to celebrate with.

Once your session is booked, the fun begins—choosing your locations!

Top on-campus location ideas (choose 2–3):

• Purdue Memorial Union Archways

• The Bell Tower

• The Engineering Fountain

• Outside Harry’s Chocolate Shop

• Hovde Hall Steps

• Your fraternity or sorority house

• Your major building

• Your freshman dorm or senior house

I’m here to help you create a graduation session that reflects your story in West Lafayette—before you turn the page and officially become an alum. Let’s make it unforgettable!

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign On Campus Graduation Photography Session | Christina Bailitz Photography

UIUC on campus GRADUATION TIME IS HERE

That last semester of college hits differently and it went way faster than you thought if I had to guess.

The number of years you will be in Champaign or Urbana based on your address will be different for each graduate but one thing that is the same is the finish line on their path which is graduation from University of Illinois. Campus has been your home away from home and you have created so many memories. Along the way you matured, met many new friends, acquired skills in and out of the class to bring into the next chapter of career or graduate education.

So before you head to your next chapter capturing pictures on campus will be a gift you hold for many years to come!!

When is the best time to book on campus graduation session?

I start traveling to campus late April and continue through May (not graduation weekend). I tend to book sessions on weekdays when the iconic spots are less crowded to avoid long wait times. If would like to use GEIS Memorial Stadium, please make sure the look into the process to enter so we can schedule accordingly

What do I need for my graduation session?

Cap & Gown (ironed/steamed) - Tassels - Stole that has been ironed

Graduation wear - dress/suit/shoes (girls bring sandals for walking)

Champagne is optional and will not be provided but clothing may need to be spot treated for champagne (we do the champagne spray at the end)

Can I take pictures with a group?

The answer is absolutely YES! I allow extra time for a group session for individual and group images to be taken.

How many locations can we take pictures at?

This will vary with each campus based on size and location popularity. I say to think of 3 to start and we can tailor for your timing.

What is the turn around time for pictures?

The turnaround time for pictures is two weeks but you can RUSH them for a fee and have them in 72 hours.

Purdue University Graduation Photos | West Lafayette | Christina Bailitz Photography

that week you transition from a student to an alumni - boiler up!

College truly years tend to go by in a blink as these young adult mature into amazing people ready to start a career. It really is surreal when you stop and think of how much they have grown from freshman year to cap & gown.

At West Lafayette - Senior week is that week they get to stay on campus and enjoy the days without finals and enjoy Purdue with their peers. The friends that they met and soon will have many miles between with no see you back in August. These years on campus are such a special part of their journey and the WHY to do on campus graduation pictures.

When you book an on campus graduation session you be capturing pictures at a place that was home to them for a short period of time. For 2025 Grads - I will be on campus at the end of April and one day during senior week!!

I often get asked WHEN should I book an on campus grad session?

Graduation slots are released by March 1st for the spring season

Can I take pictures with a group?

The answer is absolutely YES! There are two group packages and in each package individual and group image will be taken.

What is the turn around time for pictures?

The turnaround time for pictures is two weeks but you can RUSH them for a fee and have them in 72 hours.

University of Illinois Urbana Champaign Graduation Photos | Christina Bailitz Photography

HOW FAST DOES 4 YEARS OF college GO BY?

Ask a senior who just completed 120 hours of college classes…

The number of years of college can be different for each graduate but one thing that is the same for them all is the finish line on their path which is their graduation.

Graduation is a special time to celebrate when you are on campus and when you have graduation pictures already done on graduation day you can just celebrate.

When you book an on campus graduation session you be capturing pictures at a place that was home to them for a short period of time - where they grew up a little more, met many new friends, created many memories in class and out class, and acquired skills and personal growth to bring into the next chapter of career or more education.

I often get asked WHEN should I book an on campus grad session?

By mid-February I will release dates I will be on campus in Champaign and available for UIUC graduates. However there will be certain dates that Memorial Stadium is open historically so if these dates do not align we can discuss adding additional time if enough interest.

Can I take pictures with a group?

The answer is absolutely YES! There are two group packages and in each package individual and group image will be taken.

What is the turn around time for pictures?

The turnaround time for pictures is two weeks but you can RUSH them for a fee and have them in 72 hours.

Tinley Park High School Senior Photos | Christina Bailitz Photography

HOW FAST DOES 4 YEARS OF HIGH SCHOOL GO BY?

Ask a senior…

When freshman year starts so many will say these will be the fastest four years, and then you blink and suddenly the end of high school is on the horizon and so many choices are waiting to be made.

This is a very special season for the high school senior and their family. So capturing these moments are truly a milestone you should hire a photographer for. I always tell seniors when we meet you will ALWAYS remember the year you graduated high school as it is an anchor in so many conversations to come in your future.

I often get asked WHEN should I book a senior photo session?

I schedule seniors starting the summer going into senior year till graduation or even after they get their cap and gown that summer. My biggest recommendation is to find a time that works for your senior and they are excited for this session. Sports and extracurriculars can keep students busy so there is no ONE time that is best.

Class of 2024 this spring there is still time to capture your senior season and Class of 2025 I am so excited to get your senior sessions booking and hear about your senior picture visions and making them come to life!

Senior Experience Package Image Showcase
Here's a glimpse of the moments captured during our Senior Experience Package sessions. These images reflect the strength, confidence, and individuality of each senior as they step into their next chapter. With a keen eye for detail and a dedication to encapsulating genuine emotions, I am proud to present a collection that embodies the essence of this milestone.

Graduation Picture Time | Christina Bailitz Photography

Graduation is a time to celebrate

Graduation season is a busy one and an important one.

I always say you will remember the year you graduate because it seems to be a question as you age that will be asked. It is a year that you start a whole new chapter, wether that is celebrating your advancement from preschool/kindergarten to elementary school, junior high to high school, or high school to your next chapter. These are special times.

Booking a graduation session gives you images to treasure and reflect on. I always encourage to book sessions before graduation because graduation season always seems to get busy.

Graduation Sessions can be a mini session or All-in session and can be booked at the studio or another location. The focus of this session is your graduate and I like to make this experience about them. Like the session above, we did some shirt & tie images and then some relaxed. Booking your own photography session is an experience and allows you to capture your child in a way that is your vision.