Big Group Grad Photos at Notre Dame’s Grotto
Big Groups, Big Memories, Big Tips for Success!
This big group grad photo session is getting a moment in the spotlight for a few reasons. First, the Grotto on this April morning was chef’s kiss perfection: early sunlight, a peaceful vibe, and hundreds of pink tulips in full bloom. Second, I want to showcase what a session with 10 gal pals (yes, TEN!) can look like—what to expect, what to plan for, and why these sessions are so worth it. And third? These ladies repped their dorm (Lewis!) in the sweetest way, bringing their story full circle.
Let’s dive in!
The Grotto: A Perfect Morning
When it’s good, it’s so good. And friends, it was good on this April morning. The Grotto is iconic for a reason: it’s stunning and deeply meaningful to so many Notre Dame grads. But not all Grotto photos are created equal—timing is everything!
This session was a morning gem, with soft, flattering light an hour after sunrise. The sun stayed behind the treeline, giving us even, dreamy lighting. Compare that to the evening, when the sun sets over the lake and creates a harsh, reflective glare. Trust me: you do not want to be squinting into the sun or glowing like a ghost in your gown! (We can’t have perfect all the time, so I have absolutely taken that picture. I have also hid groups in teeny tiny pockets of shade with different angles, and even taken back-lit pictures on the Grotto path. It’s totally doable in the evening, but you won’t have the same results of the pictures you see above. We will do our best to make it work.)
Another thing to keep in mind? The tulips. Notre Dame’s landscaping crew is intense. The vibrant pink blooms lasted only a few days before they were gone, replaced by fresh greenery. This lucky group hit the jackpot with timing.
Planning Tip: For the best Grotto photos, book a morning session in mid to late April. You’ll get soft light and (if you’re lucky) those iconic tulips.
Dorm Pride: Lewis Hall
These ladies didn’t just want beautiful photos; they wanted meaningful ones. Lewis Hall was where they all met as freshmen, so we made time for dorm photos complete with their Lewis sweatshirts. It was such a fun way to honor their friendship and their home-away-from-home.
Quick note: Dorm photos can come with their own quirks. Another session I did this year coincided with move-out day, and let’s just say it was a little chaotic. Moving bins, boxes, and suitcases were flying in every direction.
Planning Tip: If you’re adding dorm photos, consider an extra half hour to allow for any unexpected delays—whether it’s move-out madness or just waiting for your turn at popular spots.
Notre Dame Stadium & the Classic Spots
The Notre Dame Stadium is always a fan favorite, especially for those iconic “Senior and Graduate Students” signs (RIP to the class gates—they were removed this year, and we’re all still grieving). First thing in the morning, the gold lettering on the stadium sign really pops, and it’s the perfect spot for champagne pops or cap tosses.
The library lawn and stadium are both crowd-pleasers, but they can come with surprises: construction vehicles, lawn chairs, and other obstacles aren’t uncommon. Flexibility is key!
Planning Tip: Prioritize your favorite locations and communicate with your group about what matters most. It makes everything run smoother.
Details I’m Loving
The student that hired me in this group was herself a cap and gown photographer. It’s always an honor when another photographer hires you! I also had my first girl that was in two different groups that hired me. It was so fun seeing a familiar face.
I loved that this group had a really clear purpose for each location. I’m adding a few things to the prep guide thanks to working with this bunch.
Behind the Scenes: Timing & Tips
For a group of 10, we added an extra half hour to the session, which was a game-changer. Here’s why:
Walking Time: Moving between locations takes longer than you’d think, especially with a group this size.
Wardrobe Adjustments: Stoles, cords, and gowns come on and off constantly, and those plastic dry-cleaning bags are a blessing and a curse.
Waiting in Line: Popular locations like the Grotto or Dome usually have other grads waiting their turn.
Without the extra time, we would’ve had to cut at least one location and skipped the dorm shots.
Pro Tips from This Session:
Bring a hairbrush—it can get windy!
Wear layers if it’s cold. Many of these ladies started in sweats and coats, stripping down as the morning warmed up.
Keep a plastic gown bag handy for laying your gown on dew-covered grass.
Client Love
omg you are amazing, thank you so so much!!
we are all at dinner and are so in love! they look amazing!
A group of 10 is a fantastic size for grad photos, but adding extra time is key. It allowed us to capture everything: individual portraits, group shots, and those little extras that make each session unique.
Pricing and details for group grad photos can be found here.
Ready to make memories with your favorite people at your favorite place? Let’s do it!