How should we choose a photographer for a graduation class photo, and what matters if we shoot it ourselves?

If you hire a photographer, the most important thing is their portfolio. Look for work that matches the style you want, compare several photographers, and make sure they can deliver that same look consistently for your session. For this kind of formal group portrait, experience with portraits and location sessions matters more than obsessing over specific gear.

If you shoot it yourselves, the biggest issue is lighting. A formal graduation photo is harder than it looks, especially if you’re not experienced with portrait photography. Don’t rely on filters to fix it, and don’t expect post-processing alone to save weak lighting or setup. A proper background and controlled illumination are more important than gimmicks.

A capable camera helps, and knowing how to edit the final images is useful, but the key priority is getting the light right and keeping the look consistent across the session. If you don’t already have the equipment and experience, hiring a photographer is likely the safer path for quality.