Michigan State Senior Pictures: Couple Campus Graduation Photos + FAQ

Michigan State Senior Pictures with a couple on MSU's campus

We’re only a few months away from graduation season, so now is the time to book Michigan State senior pictures on MSU’s campus.

Let’s take a look at some common questions that I’ve had about Michigan State senior pictures.

Michigan State Senior Pictures with a couple in caps and gowns on MSU's campus on the bridge by the library and Spartan Stadium overlooking the Red Cedar River, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers

Is there an additional costs to add more people to my MSU senior pictures?

There’s no extra cost to add additional people to your session. My sessions are based on session length, not head count. That said, I do have recommendations for session length based on the number of people you plan to have and the key locations that you want to make it to, which brings me to question #2.

I’ve photographed seniors solo, with pet dogs, siblings, couples, parents, family, and best friends/roommates, so think through who you want to be there with you to remember this time. If you’re mostly focused on solo photographs, you might still consider having your photo helper jump in for a few photos at the end, so have them come ready.

Michigan State Senior Pictures with a couple in a suit and white dress on MSU's campus in front of the Clara Bell Smith Center, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers

Which session length do most people choose for MSU college graduation photos?

The most popular session for MSU senior photos is the full session (one hour). This gives us time to take one to three seniors around to the major landmarks on campus. We typically start by the MSU Union or the Eli Broad Museum (depending on your tastes – classic architecture versus modern), then head to Beaumont Tower, walk the bridge behind the library with a view of the Red Cedar River and Spartan Stadium, and end at Sparty (be sure to bring comfortable walking shoes to change into between photo sets).

That said, I’ve photographed seniors in mini sessions (30 minutes) and extended sessions (90 minutes). Extended sessions are great for a group of roommates to leave time to get solo and group photos of everyone across campus. It’s also a good option if you have sentimental locations around campus that are a bit further away or just want to capture more locations in general.

The mini session will usually give you enough time to start at Beaumont, walk around the library to get Beaumont in the background, catch a few quick photos on the bridge in front of Spartan Stadium (depending on how crowded it is – we sometimes have to skip this spot) and end at Sparty.

In any case, it’s a great idea to bring a friend along to wait in line for you if you’re taking photos in late April or early May. These landmark spots are very popular during that time, and we can make the most of our time by having someone else take on the lines.

Michigan State Senior Pictures with a girl in a white dress on MSU's campus on the steps by Beaumont Tower, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers

When is the best time to book my Michigan State Senior Pictures?

The most popular time for MSU senior photos is the last week of April through the first week of May. This has some pros and cons. The pro is that it’s a fun way to celebrate graduation, and the spring blooms are amazing.

The con is that the most popular photo locations tend to be crowded during this time, so bringing a helper to wait in line is an absolute must. If you’re willing to wait until campus clears out a bit in May, you’ll have a lot less competition for these landmarks.

I’ve also photographed seniors in the fall. This is a great time to avoid the crowds and capture the gorgeous fall colors on campus.

Michigan State Senior Pictures with a couple on MSU's campus in front of sunset and trees, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers

Ready to book your session?

Check out my booking calendar to book your MSU senior session here.
Michigan State Senior Pictures in front of the doors of Beaumont Tower, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures in a white dress in front of trees on MSU's campus, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a couple on MSU's campus in front of trees, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a couple on MSU's campus in front of trees, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a guy on MSU's campus in front of sunset and trees, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a couple on MSU's campus on the steps by Beaumont Tower, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a male (guy) on MSU's campus on the steps by Beaumont Tower, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a girl in a white dress looking away on MSU's campus on the steps by Beaumont Tower, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a girl in a white dress and cap and gown on MSU's campus by Beaumont Tower, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a couple in cap and gown on MSU's campus by Beaumont Tower, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a couple in cap and gown on MSU's campus with Beaumont Tower in the background, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a couple in a suit and white dress on MSU's campus, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a couple laughing in a suit and white dress on MSU's campus, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a couple in cap and gown on MSU's campus on the bridge behind the library by Spartan Stadium, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a guy in a cap and gown on MSU's campus on the bridge by the library and Spartan Stadium overlooking the Red Cedar River, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with cap and gown on MSU's campus on the bridge by the library and Spartan Stadium overlooking the Red Cedar River, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a guy in a suit showing off his football ring on MSU's campus on the bridge by the library with Spartan Stadium in the background, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a guy in a cap and gown on MSU's campus in front of the Sparty Statue, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a guy in a cap and gown on MSU's campus in front of the Sparty statue, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a couple in a cap and gown on MSU's campus in front of the Sparty statue, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a couple in cap and gown on MSU's campus in front of the Sparty statue, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a couple in a cap and gown walking on MSU's campus near the Sparty statue with the sunset in the background, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a guy in a suit on MSU's campus in front of the Clara Bell Smith Center, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a guy in a suit on MSU's campus in front of the Clara Bell Smith Center with his football ring, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers
Michigan State Senior Pictures with a couple in a suit and white dress on MSU's campus in front of the Clara Bell Smith Center, by Allie Siarto & Co. Photography, MSU graduation photographers

Michigan State Senior Portraits with Roommates Are Now Available

Michigan State senior portraits with roommates on campus in East Lansing, Michigan

I can’t believe it’s already time to start scheduling Michigan State senior portraits again.

A year ago, Jeff and I went to HopCat in downtown East Lansing to celebrate his leap year birthday. I wrote in my “One Line Every Day” Journal that week, “Watching coronavirus news.” At the time, we still hadn’t seen any cases in Michigan, and it still felt like a far off threat.

Less than two weeks later, MSU shut down, and seniors lost the rest of senior year. We all hoped that 2021 seniors would have a more normal experience, but here we are today.

Some of my Michigan State senior portraits were postponed or cancelled because of complications with traveling home, but we did still manage to make some happen – and it was so nice to be able to give seniors just a touch of normalcy in an otherwise insane year. One parent put it best in an email after the session:

“They were thrilled! … They finally felt like graduates.”

In a year that was missing a graduation ceremony and one last night out with college friends, they had something to hold onto.

Michigan State Senior Portraits Are Open to Book

If you’ve spent the year near campus, there’s a solid chance that you’ve spent more time with your roommates than anyone else. I want to offer you a way to celebrate your time together. My booking calendar is open now for Spring senior sessions. Bring your roommates, siblings, significant other, or pod along to get photos together and individually to celebrate this place that has meant so much to you all.

Is There a Per Person Cost for Sessions?

Nope! Pricing is based on session length, not the number of participants. I do, however, recommend a full or extended session if you want to get photos around campus with a bigger group. We usually get a mix of group and individual photos.

Book Your Michigan State Senior Portraits Here

Spring blooms start around the last week or two of April and last through the first week or two of May.

Michigan State University (MSU) senior photo in a white dress in East Lansing, Michigan - by Allie Siarto Photography, Michigan photographers
Michigan State senior portraits with roommates on campus in East Lansing, Michigan
Michigan State University (MSU) senior portraits in a white dress in front of Spring flowers East Lansing, Michigan - by Allie Siarto Photography, Michigan photographers
Michigan State University (MSU) senior photo in a white dress in front of Spring flowers East Lansing, Michigan - by Allie Siarto Photography, Michigan photographers
Michigan State senior roommate photos on campus in East Lansing, Michigan
Michigan State University (MSU) senior photo in a white dress in front of Spring flowers East Lansing, Michigan - by Allie Siarto Photography, Michigan photographers
Michigan State University (MSU) senior photo in a white dress in front of Spring flowers East Lansing, Michigan - by Allie Siarto Photography, Michigan photographers
Michigan State senior roommate photos on campus in East Lansing, Michigan by Allie Siarto Photography, Michigan photographers
Michigan State senior roommate photos on campus in East Lansing, Michigan by Allie Siarto Photography, Michigan photographers
Michigan State senior roommate photos on campus in East Lansing, Michigan by Allie Siarto Photography, Michigan photographers
Michigan State University (MSU) senior photo in a white dress in front of Beaumont Tower in East Lansing, Michigan - by Allie Siarto Photography, Michigan photographers
Michigan State senior roommate photos on campus in front of Beaumont Tower in East Lansing, Michigan by Allie Siarto Photography, Michigan photographers
Michigan State senior roommate photos on campus in from of Beaumont Tower in East Lansing, Michigan by Allie Siarto Photography, Michigan photographers
Michigan State senior roommate photos on campus in in front of Sparty in East Lansing, Michigan by Allie Siarto Photography, Michigan photographers
Michigan State senior roommate photos on campus in in front of Sparty in East Lansing, Michigan by Allie Siarto Photography, Michigan photographers

Book Your Michigan State Senior Photo Session Here

Home Office Renovation: Before and After

Jeff and I have basically worked from home since we gave up our office in downtown East Lansing back in 2014, but it wasn’t always pretty. For years, Jeff worked from a basement “office” that doubled as a messy storage room. I had a desk in there too, but I refused to work among so much clutter, so I spent most days working on my laptop at the kitchen counter (not ideal).

East Lansing DIY basement home office renovation before and after photos with Semihandmade Doors and IKEA BESTA cabinets

A few years ago, we finally got it together and renovated the entire basement. This room became a real, organized office, and we removed a TON of wallpaper, painted, and put down new carpet in the other part to create a play area for the girls.

We had used Semihandmade cabinet fronts for our kitchen renovation, and when they reached out to see if we could collaborate on any other projects, I knew exactly what I wanted for the office. We used IKEA’s BESTA cabinets with Semihandmade’s Impression Oyster door fronts. The cabinet fronts were a great match for the IKEA dining tables that became our desks (Jeff wanted a LOT of space for his desk).

I still want to add an egress window to the space for safety and light, but it’s so nice to have a dedicated place to work, especially now that our entire family is home all. the. time.

East Lansing DIY basement home office renovation before and after photos with Semihandmade Doors and IKEA BESTA cabinets
East Lansing DIY basement shared home office renovation before and after photos of a desk area
East Lansing DIY basement shared home office renovation before and after photos of a cleaned up desk area
East Lansing DIY basement home office renovation before and after photos of two desks
East Lansing DIY shared basement home office renovation before and after photos with two desks and Semihandmade Doors and IKEA BESTA cabinets
East Lansing DIY shared basement home office renovation photos with Semihandmade Doors and IKEA BESTA cabinets
East Lansing DIY shared basement home office renovation photos with Semihandmade Doors and IKEA BESTA cabinets
East Lansing DIY shared basement home office renovation photos of sitting area with Semihandmade Doors and IKEA BESTA cabinets

Fall 15 Minute Mini Sessions

My oldest daughter started first grade virtually this week, and it has me thinking A LOT about work-life balance this fall.

Virtual school desk setup ideas
Arden playing with Barbies

I’ve decided to limit my photo sessions for the fall. I still have 30 and 60 minute sessions available for now, but I’ll likely close out times as dates book to stick to one session per week.

Mini Sessions

I booked up my September 27 mini sessions, but I’ve opened up a few more mini sessions around other sessions that I already have planned. You can see my booking calendar here.

Mini Session Location

I’m keeping the exact location a secret until booking – I’ve managed to avoid crowds in this area for years, so it’ll just be between us. But know that the location is in Okemos less than ten minutes west of the Meridian Mall. You can check out sample photos below.

Book Your Session

You can book your mini session online here. This is the only mini session date I’ll offer this year, so get on it!

Book Your Fall Mini Session >

Safety Precautions

I’ll be wearing a mask and maintaining social distancing for all sessions this year. Don’t worry – I have a long portrait lens, so I can still get close up photos from a distance.

See the Photo Location

Okemos mini session photo locations
outdoor field photo locations in Lansing, Michigan (Lansing photographer, Allie and Co. Photography)
three boys in a field, family photographers in Lansing, Michigan (Allie Siarto & Co. Photography)
portrait of a boy in a field with light coming in behind him; family photographers in Lansing, Michigan (Allie Siarto & Co. Photography)
pet dog photography in Lansing, Michigan (Allie Siarto & Co. Photographers)
pretty nature photo locations in Okemos, Michigan (Lansing family photographers, Allie Siarto & Co. Photography)
outdoor nature photo locations in Lansing, Michigan (Lansing photographers, Allie & Co. Photography)
maternity photography in Lansing, Michigan (Allie & Co. Photographers)

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