As caps soar through the air, graduation season has become much more than earning a degree. It has evolved into a full-scale social media production.

From professional photo shoots to expensive custom outfits, the modern commencement experience is fueled by TikTok and Instagram trends.

Some graduates feel pressure to take an aesthetic and commercialized approach to graduation by documenting and sharing their milestone moments. Charlize Younglove, a DePaul senior studying communications and media, has experienced this trend.

“There is a combination of emotional and financial stress around my impending graduation and the need to make it ‘Instagram worthy,’” she said.

Kristen Hazelton, a Chicago graduation photographer, said her inquiries have tripled since last year’s graduation season.

“It has exploded,” Hazelton said. “I have had more graduation clients than ever before.”

Hazelton said many graduates are opting for more candid photos that still focus on style.

“There’s a trend this year for the ‘untraditional’ graduation shoot,’” she said. “You’re looking at more film-based, underexposed and indoor photos.”

Despite trends often feeling fast-paced or short-lived, an underlying motivation behind modern graduation culture is the desire to cherish or commemorate the experience.

While photographers are seeing these shifts firsthand, graduating seniors are also feeling the effects of social media-driven graduation culture. According to a 2024 Empower survey, nearly 70% of Gen Z said social media motivates their spending due to FOMO.

During spring quarter, Younglove has opted to stay off social media to focus on finishing her education. But in the end, she still expects to spend a good chunk of money on the milestone.

“I’m personally spending a couple hundred dollars on graduation-related items, like dresses and shoes,” she said. “At least $300 on clothing alone.”

That’s not uncommon since paying a professional for graduation photos can cost hundreds of dollars. On top of that, fashion choices have become an increasingly important aspect of commencement celebrations for graduates and their guests.

For graduation shoots, Hazelton said statement footwear has become more popular, particularly designer shoes.

“The Louboutin shoots are all over Pinterest right now,” she said. “I have personally had three clients, two this year, who wore Louboutins to their shoots.”

Hazelton said the trend also reflects how photoshoots are becoming a sign of DIY luxury.

“Grad photoshoots are becoming a must-have luxury symbol, but at the same time, more accessible,” she said. “Because even if they don’t hire a photographer, everyone has a friend willing to take some snaps.”

Future graduates are also watching how commencement culture is taking shape on social media and considering whether they will take part in the trend down the road.

Nora Orozco, a DePaul freshman studying film and television, said she views trends as inspiration for her special moment rather than pressure.

“I understand wanting to spend money on yourself because you put in so much work to earn it,” Orozco said, but added that she would pick and choose the trends to follow.

As DePaul’s graduation quickly approaches, Younglove said she views the investment as the culmination of her academic journey.

“My family has also sacrificed so much for my schooling, and I feel it’s only right for me to put an adequate amount of thought into such an impactful moment,” she said.

Hazelton had advice about ways graduates can curate their experience to feel personal and unique.

“Make a Pinterest board, find the outfits that look good and start thinking about locations that look pretty and feel true to you,” she said. “When you’ve got the time to plan, you might want to start thinking outside the box.”

Related Stories:

• Preparing for post-graduation life
• Delete Your Accounts: Social media is threatening humanity — and democracy
• Generational Nostalgia: Gen Z’s desire for an unknown time through social media