Graduation Photo FAQ for CU Boulder Students — Everything You Need to Know
Graduation season at the University of Colorado Boulder is one of the most exciting times of the year. Between the Flatirons, Chautauqua Park, campus architecture, and even Pearl Street, Boulder offers no shortage of iconic backdrops for memorable senior photos.
To make your session as easy and enjoyable as possible, we put together answers to the questions we get asked most often. Whether you’re planning a solo session, a couples shoot, or a big group celebrating together, here’s everything you need to know before your grad photos with We Shoot Senior Photos.
What do we do about bad weather?
Colorado weather has a mind of its own — sunshine one minute, snow the next. If conditions aren’t ideal, we’ll reschedule at no extra cost or adjust locations so you still get amazing photos. Whether that means shifting to a clearer spot at Chautauqua Park or finding a sheltered area with Flatirons views, we’ll guide the plan.
What should I wear or bring?
Bring anything you’re excited to be photographed in! We allow outfit changes as long as we stay within your session time. Many grads bring:
Cap & gown
A second or third outfit
LinkedIn-ready attire
Fun props (skis, guitars, varsity jackets, champagne, etc.)
We highly recommend comfortable shoes for walking around Chautauqua — those trails get steep in heels! Champagne pops are totally welcome, but bring backup bottles if you want options.
Why do we require a deposit?
Your deposit locks in your date and time and protects your session from last-minute cancellations. It also allows us to plan locations, lighting, and timing specifically for you.
Can we choose a different location?
Yes! While Chautauqua Park and CU Boulder’s campus are our most requested spots, we’re always down for custom locations. Want Pearl Street? A snowy overlook in Nederland? A sunrise session in Rocky Mountain National Park or Winter Park? Tell us early so we can help plan the perfect setup. Fill out a form here with any ideas you have
Can I do outfit changes?
Absolutely. Bring as many outfits as you want — we’ll help you rotate through them efficiently so you get variety without cutting into session time.
How many photos will I receive?
Expect a curated gallery of at least 25–30 fully edited images per person, depending on your session type. Group sessions include both individual and combined photos.
Do you retouch and edit the photos?
Yes! All final images are professionally edited. We clean up backgrounds, adjust lighting, fix blown-out skies, soften blemishes, and make sure every photo looks polished while still feeling natural.
Can we get the RAW / unedited files?
We don’t release RAW files. Part of our process is selecting the strongest images from your session and editing them to match our style. You’ll still receive a generous number of finished, high-quality images.
When will my photos be ready?
Your edited gallery will be delivered in 3–10 days. During peak CU Boulder graduation season, expect closer to the full timeframe — we want your photos perfect.
How are the photos delivered?
We send your gallery through Google Drive for easy downloading and sharing. All we need is one person’s Gmail address to organize the folder under the session’s last name and date.
Do I have printing rights?
Yes — all personal printing rights are included. You can print, share, and post your images as you wish. Details are also listed in your Release Agreement.
Why should we book with We Shoot Senior Photos?
We’re young, creative, and deeply in-tune with current aesthetic trends. With dozens of CU Boulder graduation shoots behind us — and extensive photography work outside of grads — we know how to make your experience relaxed, efficient, and genuinely fun. Our goal is always the same: natural, high-quality images you’ll actually love and want to share.
Have cool ideas? Let’s make them happen.
We love creativity. If you have a photo or video concept beyond standard graduation portraits — something new, bold, or personal — tell us! Let’s set up a meeting and bring it to life.