MSU Graduation Photos in East Lansing | A Classic + Editorial Grad Session
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Graduation photos at Michigan State don’t have to feel one-note—and honestly, they shouldn’t.
This MSU grad came into her session wanting two things: those iconic Beaumont Tower photos everyone expects, and something more personal—photos that felt a little more editorial, a little more like her.
Starting with the Classics at Beaumont Tower
If you’re taking graduation photos at Michigan State, Beaumont Tower is usually the first stop—and for good reason.
It’s recognizable, it’s timeless, and it’s what parents picture when they think of MSU graduation photos.
We made sure to get those clean, traditional shots:
- cap + gown
- looking at the camera
- a few smiling, straightforward images
These are the photos that end up framed, sent to family, and posted first.
But they don’t have to be the only thing you get.
Shifting into a More Editorial Feel
Once we had the “safe” photos, we moved into something more creative.
This is where the session really became hers.
We focused on:
- movement (walking, turning, adjusting the gown)
- less posed, more in-between moments
- playing with light and angles around campus
- expressions that felt natural instead of “photo-ready”
The goal wasn’t perfection—it was feeling.
That slightly undone, editorial look that feels more like a magazine than a graduation announcement.
Why Mixing Styles Matters
A lot of grads feel like they have to pick a direction:
either traditional or creative.
But the best sessions always live in both.
You get:
- photos your parents will love
- photos that feel like your personality
- a gallery that doesn’t all look the same
And most importantly—photos that won’t feel outdated in a year.
Final Thoughts
MSU graduation photos should feel like more than a checklist.
Yes, you’ll want the Beaumont Tower photo.
But you should also walk away with images that feel like you—not just a version of you standing and smiling at the camera.
If you’re planning your Michigan State graduation photos and want a mix of timeless and editorial, that balance is always the goal.
