cap and gown photos for graduates of every kind
▼
explore
Welcome, friends
I'm Kristen, a Chicago graduation photographer offering photoshoots and card design services to graduates in Chicagoland, the San Francisco Bay Area, San Diego, and beyond. This is a busy and exciting time in your life! Let me streamline the photo and graduation card design process for you!
As seen IN:
"Kristen was wonderful! She really took the time to get to know me and what I wanted out of my senior photos. The shoot was so much fun and I couldn’t be happier with the results!"
- Client
UCHICAGO
On the day of your graduation photoshoot, come prepared to have fun! We'll get a posed shot for the camera, as well as candids to capture your personality.
Within 2 weeks your gallery will be ready. Choose your favorite images for your cards and I'll take care of the design and ordering!
Reach out for a list of available dates and times for your grad photos. After booking, check out the comprehensive session and style guide I'll send your way!
"I can’t thank Kristen enough for the memories she helped create for us with these beautiful pictures. "
- CLient's MOM
an experience so fun the beautiful photos will nearly be an afterthought
I’ve got you. I’ll be paying close attention during your session, but you can also prep by reading all about it on the blog.
I have a blog full of ideas, and will supply a comprehensive style guide when you book. :)
Not to worry, - this is my job, not yours! I gently coach your posing every step of the way! Clients tell me they often start their sessions nervous and worried about what to do with their hands and leave feeling comfortable, pumped up, having had the best time. You can also read about my posing tips for feminine and masculine presenting folks on the blog. :)
having some of these thoughts?
I know you might be thinking, are grad pictures really that important?
YES. Grad photos are an important way to remember and celebrate this milestone moment in your life. It’s a beautiful way of celebrating your accomplishments, friendships, and create a lovely mementos of the time you spent in school!
It’s just really fun to have a photoshoot and take a moment to reflect on your hard work, your time at school, and look great in the process! Across the board my clients say that they love their experience and have such a fun time during the photoshoot that the gorgeous portraits are nearly an afterthought.
Don’t let this special time pass you by without booking a professional. You don’t want to regret missing out on beautiful grad photos because you thought you could DIY it!
If one hour sounds like too little - my three hour portrait sessions may be the best option for you. We'll do all the outfits and locations we can get to in three hours!
WANTING
more?
“Kristen makes you feel so comfortable in your skin on shoot day!”
Kristen did my medical school graduation photo shoot in Chicago and the gallery turned out absolutely incredible! Her instructions were very clear and made me feel prepared leading up to the shoot. Kristen makes you feel so comfortable in your skin on shoot day and really captures your personality in every photo. They turned out so beautiful, I could not have asked for a better day! I cannot thank her enough for capturing these beautiful memories that my family and I will cherish forever!
- Client, Midwestern c/o '25
01 / 03
“She really helped make it a comfortable and fun experience.”
I had an amazing experience with Kristen! I am not usually super comfortable when taking pictures, but she really helped make it a comfortable and fun experience. I enjoyed my session a lot and love how the photos turned out. Definitely recommend!!!
- Meredith, OPRFHS class of '23
02 / 03
"The pictures of our daughter are absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Kristen is THE BEST!"
"Kristen was so incredible to work with on our daughter's senior pictures. She made the entire process effortless end to end and was super responsive every step of the way. She even went to scout the location we selected at the time of day we picked to ensure everything would be just right. My daughter was so nervous for the shoot and went in to it thinking she wasn't photogenic at all. As we walked away from the session she said Kristen made it so much fun. Not to mention, the pictures of our daughter are absolutely BEAUTIFUL. Kristen is THE BEST!"
- Lyla's mom, OPRFHS c/o 2022
03 / 03
"Her professionalism stood out from day one - she handled every detail seamlessly."
I couldn't be happier with Kristen and the incredible job she did with my law school graduation photos. This was such a huge milestone in my life, and she truly brought my vision to life in the most beautiful way.
Her professionalism stood out from day one - she handled every detail seamlessly, which allowed me to just focus on celebrating this major accomplishment. When she said 'trust the process,' I'm so glad I did! The results speak for themselves.
The photos are absolutely stunning and perfectly capture this momentous achievement. I now have these gorgeous images that I'll treasure forever as a reminder of all the hard work that led to this moment. She has such a gift for understanding what her clients want and delivering beyond expectations.
I would highly recommend Kristen Hazelton Photography to anyone looking for a photographer who combines exceptional skill with genuine care for making your special moments shine. Thank you for giving me these perfect memories!
-Client, Northwestern c/o 2025
Chicago
The Metropolitan areas Where I work
San Francisco
Santa Barbara
San Diego
Seattle
Monterey
Get on the mailing list to know my travel schedule and get first pick of photoshoot dates! I am also available for custom travel for destination photoshoots.
sign up ▸
is that a yes?
Let's get the ball rolling! Send me allllll the details - type of photoshoot, your thoughts on when and where - everything you've been dreaming! Let's make it happen, friend! I can't wait to hear what you're thinking!
Submit Form
Fill out the form for my pricing guide and FAQ - it takes just one minute!
It's totally okay if you don't have a clear vision yet for your photoshoot - many clients don't! My job is to help and offer suggestions. :)
I can't wait to hear from you! I will get back to you shortly so if you haven't heard from me after two days please check your spam folder!