Photoshoot FAQs

When is the best time of day to schedule grad photography?

It all depends on your availability! From the photographer’s perspective, lighting is a powerful tool to create ambience in the images. If you are looking for a classic look, try to schedule in the morning or early afternoon. If you want the golden sunset vibes, you should schedule within 2 hours of sunset, which is around 7PM in the spring.

What should I bring for the photoshoot?

In addition to your graduation outfit, you can bring small props to make the images more interesting. Ideas include a flower bouquet, a Berkeley teddy bear, balloons, confetti, champagne, etc. If you are wearing heels, it may be useful to bring a small bag with comfortable walking shoes when we switch locations.

More importantly, bring your ideas! If you have time, it’s a great idea to find a few images you like (in terms of composition, style, poses, interaction, etc) from Instagram or Pinterest, and we will work together to recreate your favorite shots.

What to expect during the photoshoot?

Please arrive at the arranged meeting location on time. We will try different poses and camera angles at each location. If you book the platinum package, we will use flash or light reflectors to further enhance the lighting during the shoot. For each hour, we can typically visit 3 locations and guarantee at least 5 fully edited images for each location.

If you book a group session, expect the photoshoot to include both individual shots and interactive group shots. We will guarantee both fully edited individual and group photos.

Can you send the unedited RAW image files?

Certainly! If you would like to have the unedited/raw images, please let us know beforehand so we can set up the equipment appropriately. Please keep in mind that raw formats typically require professional editing software and cannot be directly used on most social media platforms. Unedited/raw images are available for $25 due to the much larger file sizes and handling overhead.

What’s the difference between associate photographers and the lead photographers?

Our associate photographers are highly skilled, trained student photographers who help capture your images and offer our services at an affordable cost to students. Dani, the lead photographer, created the aesthetics and editing style and execute the vision for Lavender & Lemon studio and will be editing your photos in all packages. She also offers Signature packages, where she personally takes your photos and supports the entire editing cycle.

Booking Policies

Booking

You can reach out to us on Instagram or fill out the Schedule Now Google Form to book a session. After that, we will find a time that works for both of us. A Google Calendar invite will be sent to you / your group to confirm the date and time booked. You may book an individual session for 1 hour and update that to be a group session later on (prices will reflect group session if updated).

A non-refundable $30 deposit (that will be applied towards the total cost) is required to book any individual session. In case of cancellation, the non-refundable deposit will not be refunded.

The location to meet is typically Sather Gate, we will be in communication through Instagram or email to determine the starting location before the photoshoot. 

The full payment is required on the day of the photoshoot. (Photos will be delivered after the full payment is received).

Rescheduling

We will always reschedule for rainy days! For other types of rescheduling (personal time conflict, cloudy weather/wind, etc.), a $75 fee will be charged, a notice must be made 24 hours in advance and spots for another session are not guaranteed. Cloudy days however, are the best weather for portraits, so we do NOT reschedule for cloudy days because it’s most ideal! :)

Photoshoot Day

The session lasts for the duration of the booking. Since some photoshoots are back to back, please arrive on time to get the most photos! (not berkeleytime)

Digital Image Delivery and Downloads (IMPORTANT)

We will be requesting your email address (Google Drive enabled) so we can share the images with you via Google Drive. Please download them ASAP as photos are kept for 30 days on our end. Once you confirm that you have downloaded the files, we may or may not keep them during the 30 day period. We do not guarantee keeping photos for you after 30 days!

The images will be delivered within one week in most packages, with the option for expedited delivery within 1 day ($50) or 3 days ($30). 

Rebates + Discounts

If you like your photos and would like to refer a friend, we are offering discounts and rebates! You get $20 back for every friend who books a session with us!

About Our Graduation Photography

Lavender & Lemon Studio offers graduation photography designed especially for college students celebrating milestone moments.

Many of our sessions take place around the UC Berkeley campus, where we capture seniors at meaningful locations like Sather Gate, Doe Library, and other iconic spots. Whether you’re looking for classic senior portraits, golden hour graduation photos, or fun group pictures with friends, our sessions are built to reflect your personality and your time on campus.

Students often book us for:

• Individual graduation portraits
• Group grad photos with friends
• Sunset / golden hour sessions
• Spring graduation shoots
• Berkeley campus photo sessions

We offer both associate photographer sessions and Signature sessions photographed by Dani, the lead photographer behind Lavender & Lemon Studio’s visual style.

All sessions include professionally edited images, with optional RAW files available upon request.

Our goal is simple — to create graduation photos that feel timeless, natural, and personal to your story.