Cap & Gown Photos

Guide, Ideas and Tips

Follow these tips, and draw inspiration from our handpicked photo ideas

How can I make sure my cap & gown photos turn out their best?

Graduating is a big deal, and your photos should reflect that without feeling stiff or awkward. Here are expert tips on how to nail the perfect shot with confidence.

Fix the small details

Straighten your cap, smooth out your gown, and check for stray tassels or wrinkles—it all adds up.

Keep it simple

Your outfit under the gown shouldn’t steal the show. Stick to classic, neutral tones.

Relax your posture

Stand tall, but don’t overthink it. A slight angle and relaxed shoulders make a huge difference.

Smile like you mean it

Skip the forced grin. Think of a moment that makes you proud, and let that show.

Should I hire a photographer?

It depends. If you want high-end edits and professional lighting, hiring a photographer might be worth it. But if you’re on a budget or want a quick solution, AI can generate photos for way cheaper and quicker turnarounds. 

Looking to DIY your grad photos?

Just about anything can be done at home with the right set up.  
Photos taken with just a phone and Photoshop can look just as professional as an in-person shoot.

1

Use Portrait Mode

Most smartphones have a setting that blurs the background and makes you pop.

3

Stabilize Your Shot

Use a tripod or prop your phone up for sharp images.

2

Find Good Lighting

Natural light makes a huge difference. Try taking your photos near a big window for that soft, even glow.

4

Try Backgrounds

Play around with different backdrops to add some depth to your photos.

Looking for an alternative?

AI headshots are a faster, cheaper alternative to expensive photoshoots.

Checklist
AI Photoshoots
Traditional Photoshoots
Cost
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Starting at $29
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$200+
Turnaround Time
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2 Hours
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1 Week
Convenience
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100% Online
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In-Person
Custom Styles
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Yes
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Extra Charges

Turn your selfies into
professional
cap & gown photos

(these were all generated with Bettershot's AI)
How Bettershot Works

Get dozens of photos in just a couple hours

Upload 10 photos from your phone or desktop
Select your favorite styles and looks
Download & share your headshots with family and friends

Pricing

Save big with Bettershot.
Say goodbye to expensive 
photo shoots.

Simple options, each with a 100% money back guarantee.

Basic
$29
/ person
3 styles (outfits & backgrounds)
72 headshots
Ready in 2 hours
most popular
MOST POPULAR
Standard
$35
/ person
4 styles (outfits & backgrounds)
96 headshots
Save 10% per headshot
Pro
$45
/ person
5 styles (outfits & backgrounds)
160 headshots
Save 30% per headshot
Team Plans
Let’s talk
Discounted pricing
Flexible based on team size
Team onboarding & support
Frequently asked questions

Why are so many people turning to Bettershot?

Here's a quick rundown of the top questions we get often

How are my photos handled during the training process?

Photos are securely processed to extract relevant facial features to create a unique AI model of your likeness. Your uploaded photos are deleted after 30 days.

What types of photos should I upload?

Upload clear, high-quality photos that showcase your desired hair style and age. Avoid blurry, low-resolution, or copyrighted images. Upload a combination of selfies and images of just your face (tip: use crop to isolate your face from group photos).

Which photo formats are accepted?

We accept common image formats including JPG, PNG, HEIC, and TIFF. Files should be under 14MB in size.

Can I use my photos anywhere?

Yes, you retain full rights to your headshots and can use them however you wish. Our processing does not restrict your usage. Use them for your LinkedIn profile, Slack/Teams photo, Zoom/Hangouts background, or anywhere else you want to showcase your best self.

Who has ownership of the headshots?

You retain full ownership of headshots created using your source photos. We do not claim any rights or ownership over your headshots. We may ask you for permission to use your headshots on our website or in marketing materials.

Where is my data stored?

Your data is stored securely on encrypted cloud servers based in the USA. We use industry-standard security practices to protect your information. Your uploaded images are deleted after 30 days.

Can I get a refund?

We offer full refunds within 30 days of purchase if you're unsatisfied. Contact our support team to initiate the refund process.

Do you provide team pricing?

Yes, we offer discounted team plans for businesses and organizations. Contact our sales team for custom pricing options by sending us an email at hello@bettershot.ai

The fastest way to get
cap & gown headshots

Stunning grad photos with AI

(these were all generated with AI)