Prices and budget
Graduation sessions start at $250, with three packages built around time, outfits and photos
How much does a graduation photo session cost in Arizona?
With IAZ Photo Studio, a graduation photo session costs $250, $395 or $595, depending on the package. The difference is session time (30, 60 or 90 minutes), how many outfit changes fit, how many edited photos you get, and whether family portraits and printed announcements are included.
Most pricing you'll find online says "starting at" without telling you how many photos come with it. Here is everything in numbers: what each package includes, the add-ons, how to hold your date and when your photos arrive, so you can compare any quote on equal terms.
IAZ Photo Studio has photographed graduations, weddings and quinceañeras in Arizona since 2004. We started as Mi Foto Evento.
The three graduation photo packages
All three include a session with a photographer from our team and individually edited photos. Here's what each one includes.
| Session | Price | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| Essential Graduation Photos | $250 | 30 minutes, 10 edited photos |
| Complete Graduation Photos | $395 | 60 minutes, 2 outfits, 25 photos and family portraits |
| Deluxe Graduation Photos | $595 | 90 minutes, up to 2 nearby locations, 3 outfits, 40 photos and 25 printed announcements |
$150 deposit. Usual turnaround: 2 weeks; 48-hour rush delivery for $100.
What raises the price of a graduation photo session
The price of a graduation session comes down to four things. If you're comparing quotes, ask about each one, because two similar prices can include very different things.
Time in front of the camera
Thirty minutes (Essential) covers relaxed cap and gown portraits without a change. Sixty minutes (Complete) fits two outfits and a few photos with your family. Ninety minutes (Deluxe) fits three outfits and up to two nearby spots.
How outfit changes add time
Every change takes time: off with the gown, a quick hair fix, and start again. That's why the number of outfits is tied to the minutes. If you have a special dress or suit for the ceremony, save a change for it.
How many edited photos you take home
Essential includes 10, Complete 25 and Deluxe 40. Think about how you'll use them: one photo for your grandparents' living room is different from photos for announcements, social media, a canvas and a gift for every aunt and uncle.
Prints and locations
Only Deluxe includes 25 printed graduation announcements and up to 2 nearby locations. If a park or garden charges for entry or parking, that cost is yours.
Which graduation package fits which graduate
Use this table to choose based on what you want to do with the photos.
| If you want... | Package that usually fits | Price |
|---|---|---|
| A cap and gown keepsake to frame and share | Essential: 30 minutes, 10 photos | $250 |
| Cap and gown, one more outfit and photos with family | Complete: 60 minutes, 2 outfits, 25 photos | $395 |
| Several outfits, two spots and announcements already printed | Deluxe: 90 minutes, 3 outfits, 40 photos, 25 announcements | $595 |
Complete is the middle ground for most families: the graduate gets portraits and the parents get to be in the photos.
Add-ons for your graduation photo session
Add-ons are put in writing before the session. If you're short on time, rush delivery in 48 hours is $100, handy when the ceremony or the party is right around the corner.
| Add-on | Price |
|---|---|
| 48-hour rush delivery | $100 |
| Extra hour | $100 |
| 10 additional edited photos | $105 |
| Additional nearby location | $75 |
How to book the session and when your photos arrive
A $150 deposit holds your date and time; the balance and change terms are in writing in your contract before you pay. Usual turnaround is 2 weeks. If you want to use the photos in your announcements or at the party, count those 2 weeks plus printing time, and book with room to spare. Out of time? Rush delivery in 48 hours is $100.
The weeks before spring ceremonies fill up fast, and so do the evenings with good light. In summer, it's smart to start early in the morning or close to sunset. Our Spanish guide to the best light for photos in Arizona has the light month by month.
What to know before your graduation session day
Three rules prevent surprises on session day:
- If the graduate is under 18, an adult family member must be there for the whole session.
- Location: A session with more than one location stays within 5 driving miles of the spot where it starts. There is no travel fee within 25 driving miles of Tempe, Arizona (I-10 and US-60); farther out, we quote the travel before you book.
- What to bring: a pressed gown, your cap, your stole or honor cords, and each outfit ready on its own hanger.
If your session is in Tempe and you want photos on the ASU campus, read ASU graduation photos. For outfit ideas, see our Spanish guide to graduation dresses.
Graduation photo pricing questions
How much does a graduation photo session cost in Arizona?
With IAZ Photo Studio it's $250 (30 minutes, 10 photos), $395 (60 minutes, 2 outfits, 25 photos and family portraits) or $595 (90 minutes, 3 outfits, 40 photos, up to 2 locations and 25 printed announcements).
How long do graduation photos take?
Usual turnaround is 2 weeks. If you need them sooner, 48-hour rush delivery is $100.
Can my family be in the photos?
Yes. Complete and Deluxe include family portraits; in Essential, the 30 minutes are for the graduate.
How much is the deposit to book?
A $150 deposit. The balance and change terms are in writing in your contract.
Can we do the session before the ceremony?
Yes, and many families prefer it, so the photos arrive in time for announcements or party decor.
More graduation and pricing guides
- Quinceañera photo and video costOur main pricing guide.
- ASU graduation photosSpots in Tempe and when to book.
- Graduation photo session ideasPoses, props and when to book.
- Graduation cake ideasThe cake that ends up in the party photos.
- Photo, video or bothIf you're also planning a party with video.
Where do you want your graduation session?
Pick the city and check your date with the team that works there. We reply within 24 to 48 hours with open times.
Book your graduation photo session early
Pick your package, tell us the ceremony date, and we'll suggest a time with good light. Have a quick question? Text (602) 753-7969.