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!

When to Book Your Senior Photos | Tinley Park High School Senior Photographer

Senior year is here—or just around the corner—and somehow it arrived faster than you imagined.

With graduation ahead, it’s time to start planning your senior pictures—one of the most fun ways to celebrate this season of life.

Senior pictures should feel fun, relaxed, and totally YOU—a celebration of everything you’ve accomplished and who you’re becoming. Choosing a photographer who helps create that kind of experience is so important. Planning your session is just as important as the session itself, so let’s walk through a few key things to consider!

• When should you book your senior session?

  • Senior sessions can be scheduled from the summer before senior year all the way through after graduation. However be mindful if you need the images for any applications, announcements, etc so you have your pictures when you need them.

• What time of year is best?

  • This really comes down to personal style and preference, but each season in the Midwest offers something unique:

    • Summer: Long, golden evenings, glowing skin tones, and lush greenery make summer sessions feel warm and vibrant. Late July and early August are especially popular before sports and school schedules fill up.

    • Fall: Think warm tones, cozy vibes, and colorful leaves. Fall is one of the busiest seasons, so if you love that look, booking early is key.

    • Winter: While it’s definitely colder, winter sessions can be stunning. Fresh snow creates a clean, bright, and almost magical backdrop.

    • Spring: Spring brings soft colors, blooming flowers, and a sense of new beginnings. The weather can be unpredictable, so flexibility is important—but the results are often worth it.

• Morning or Evening Session?

  • Most senior sessions take place in the early morning or evening to capture softer, more flattering light. Think about when you feel your best—whether that’s a calm morning start or a golden-hour evening glow.

• Are in a fall or spring activity?

  • Think of what availability you have and schedule early.

• Can I wait till I make my college decision to include it in my session?

  • Absolutely and that is the plus of a spring session you often have made a next step decision to include.

• Do all senior sessions have to be outside?

  • Not at all! Indoor sessions are a great option and allow for more consistency regardless of weather. Studio or Specific indoor locations can be scheduled year-round and offer a different, more controlled look.

No matter when or where you choose, your senior session should reflect you. This is such an exciting season of life, and your photos should capture it in a way that feels natural, fun, and unforgettable.

If you’re ready to start planning your session or have questions, I’d love to help you create an experience that feels effortless and uniquely yours.

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.

Lemont Senior Photographer | Christina Bailitz Photography

it’s senior year for the class of 2023

Fall in the midwest is one of the most popular times to schedule photography sessions and a time many seniors look to book their senior pictures. The fall is the beginning of their senior year. This season is busy and an exciting time for the senior class. A season that is closing high school and starting to open the next chapter as they plan out their post graduation plans. And their senior season is truly a season to document.

I love getting to work with these amazing seniors and when I meet with them in the fall and hear their plans, I can’t wait to catch up with them at graduation. I love hearing what path they chose and for so many to get to capture a cap and gown session for them too!!

Class of 2023 Senior Session | Chicago - Beverly Neighborhood

Graduation is near - this is your year

My All-In Senior photo sessions are unique to each senior as they pick the location(s) and outfits. This session allows them to be themselves and their personality to shine. I love when my seniors pick a location that is special to them or they are so excited to be at.

Some of my favorite tips for Senior Sessions are:

• Choose a season you like - just because you so many sessions happening in summer & fall doesn’t mean that is the only time to take your senior pictures.

• Choose outfits you are comfortable in to move and make you feel like YOU. Coming in an outfit that is not you will not result in images you love. This is a session about YOU.

• What is your vision for your images - choose a location(s) that fits - I am happy to help with locations as there are so many in the Chicago area - we can find the one for you!

• Think of the number of images you are looking for as if you want more than 10 book the ALL-IN session. It will give you extra time and more options and result in less decision making later.

• Incorporate your high school activities in your session - these activities have been a part of your high school story and feel free to bring them into your session.

If you are still looking to capture your senior season - let’s chat.

and

Class of 2024 I am starting a list to reach out to at the end of the school year to get your sessions booked in the season you want!!

High School Senior | Tinley Park

Class of 2023 senior photos

When you play a sport or join a team in high school, it becomes a part of your high school memories and I feel should be included in your senior pictures. I love getting to meet upcoming graduates for their senior photos and capture them in uniform at their high school and let them guide the way to free this special time before graduation happens.

And not all sessions have to be at your high school as I know some great locations in the area to capture your senior moments and I promise you will be glad to have your high school uniforms in a photo once these years have passed even more than in this moment.

Class of 2021 Seniors | Tinley Park Photographer | Christina Bailitz Photography

Class of 2021

The class that has learned how to roll with ever changing times.

When they all came home as juniors for a break as COVID was emerging, they never imagined that in the fall, they would start their senior year remote learning or on a hybrid routine and not with their whole class. It has been realigning of plans and throughout it all they are remaining hopeful to end their high school years together and in the meantime thankful for the moments that can happen in any capacity.

Senior pictures are truly a moment where it is normal and their time to shine! Make their senior pictures an experience they remember and highlights their personality and style. And this is a little gift for parents too, a session where after 17-18 years, your baby has grown up! It is the last school pictures you get. So make it a special one.