The document provides 16 poses that university graduates can strike for graduation photos, along with descriptions of each pose. The poses range from traditional gestures like handshakes to more dramatic poses inspired by celebrities. They are intended to help graduates capture memorable photos on their graduation day.

1. Poses for the
perfect
grad
photo

2. Graduating university is all about celebrating the memories you have
created over the past several years. However, graduation itself is also
a significant, memorable occasion. You want something special to
remember your big day and the last thing you want is to be caught out
as the person who didn’t know how to pose in their photographs.

3. Graduating university is all about celebrating the memories you have
created over the past several years. However, graduation itself is also
a significant, memorable occasion. You want something special to
remember your big day and the last thing you want is to be caught out
as the person who didn’t know how to pose in their photographs.
Luckily for you, we’ve compiled a list of the best poses you
can strike on the day. So limber up and get ready to take
the ultimate graduation photo!

4. The Handshake
What it says about you
I’ve earned this!
Degree of difficulty
Nice and easy on stage, just
shake the Chancellor’s
hand, turn to the cameras
while still shaking hands
and enjoy the moment!
You’ve earned it after all.

5. The Usain Bolt
What it says about you
I am number one!
Degree of difficulty
The official ceremony has
just finished, so you point
to the skies, but look to the
camera. The race is over
and it’s time to celebrate
like Usain Bolt!

6. What it says about you
Finishing uni is…
very nice!
Degree of difficulty
Big cheesy grin, two thumbs
up, The Borat is a cinch!
The Borat

7. What it says about you
I may have one degree
today, but the sun has 32!
Degree of difficulty
Striking this pose indicates you
are someone who asks the
big questions in life, so get in
character and ask yourself a
difficult question as the photo is
being taken for genuine effect.
The Philosopher

8. What it says about you
These graduation robes
are 100% silk!
Degree of difficulty
When it comes to The Barney, it’s
all about having the confidence to
execute this pose! Even if you’re
not wearing a tie, assume the
‘suit up’ stance and you won’t
take a bad photo all day!
The Barney

9. What it says about you
Graduation is the
essence of beauty
Degree of difficulty
This is a deceptively hard pose to
pull off, mainly because of the
similarities to ‘duck-facing.’ Lift one
eyebrow, purse your lips and stare
into the soul of the photographer.
You’ll be irresistible!
The Blue Steel

10. What it says about you
I look fabulous!
Degree of difficulty
Similar to The Will and Jada (see next
slide), this is your day and you are
basically a celebrity, so why not act
like one? Place one hand on your hip,
the other by your side, lean on one
foot and half-smile, half-pout at the
camera. This is surprisingly hard
considering how easy Kim K makes
it look.
The Kim Kardashian

11. What it says about you
I’m a superstar!
Degree of difficulty
This is perfect for anyone
with partners coming to
graduation — rope them
into it. After all, you are the
star of the show today!
The Will and Jada

12. What it says about you
You get a degree,
and you get a degree!
Degree of difficulty
Actually saying the words ‘you get
a degree, and you get a degree’
will draw a crowd, which is
exactly what is required to ace
this pose. Remember: lots of
pointing and a massive smile are
key to pulling this off.
The Oprah

13. Strike one or more of the best 16 poses for the
ultimate graduation photos
on your big day!

14. What it says about you
Oh yeah, we rock!
Degree of difficulty
Timing is of the essence
here. Make sure you angle
the hi-five so that both
people can be seen by the
camera. Bonus points for
jumping-fives.
The Hi-Five

15. What it says about you
I am probably the most
loveable person on the
planet!
Degree of difficulty
The right mix of funky and awkward
are required to pull this one off.
The good part is that you can pick
whatever dance moves you want.
The bigger the actions, the more
obvious they will be on camera.
The Ellen

16. What it says about you
We’re doing karate in
the garage to celebrate
after this.
Degree of difficulty
Perfect for siblings or family members
graduating on the same day, The Step
Brothers uses extremely awkward poses
to demonstrate family love. The more
awkward contact, the better, and matching
sweater vests are a must. Give your parents
something ‘nice’ to hang on the wall.
The Step Brothers

17. What it says about you
These are all my
famous friends
Degree of difficulty
All you will need for this epic
photo is a group of friends
and relatively long arms.
Nail this pose and your
photo could go viral!
The Selfie

18. What it says about you
I’m wearing a robe, which
makes me a wizard!
Degree of difficulty
A hard pose to pull off, but props
will go a long way. Bring sticks
and scarves to compliment your
graduation gown (we recommend
Hufflepuff to match USQ
colours) and ‘Expelliarmus’ to
your heart’s content.
The Wizard Duel

19. Strike one or more of the best 16 poses for the
ultimate graduation photos
on your big day!

20. What it says about you
Oh what a feeling!
Degree of difficulty
This is perhaps more difficult for the
camera operator than yourself. For best
effect, arms should be fully extended,
you should leap at least two feet off the
ground and yell “BOO-YEAH”. This will
lead to classic facial expressions.
Please note: Due to safety reasons, we
can’t condone the throwing of hats into
the air, but this pose will look awesome
enough anyway.
The Oh What a Feeling

21. What it says about you
Even heroes study!
Degree of difficulty
It’s not impossible, but you are
going to need to prepare for
this one! Organise for your
friends to wear superhero shirts
underneath their robes and
work out a pose that will subtly
show the symbols underneath.
The Superhero

22. CRICOS: QLD00244B NSW02225M TEQSA: PRV12081 17.2.C 11.2016
social.usq.edu.au
There’s nothing to stop
you now from practising
and perfecting the ultimate
graduation photo. The best
part about this list is that
you can do more than one
of these poses on the day.
Now you have the poses
under control, find out
what to wear to your
graduation ceremony!