As the graduation day clock ticks down and the familiar sound of “Pomp and Circumstance” seems to grow louder every day, it’s time for App State’s 2026 graduates to begin thinking about how they intend to capture this important moment in their lives.
If you are at a loss, here is a spotlight on two of App State’s very own class of 2026 photography majors and their thoughts and suggestions as you plan graduation photos.
Meg Previe fell in love with photography while documenting her journey with her make-up style, and after taking a photography class while pursuing her associate’s degree in fine arts in visual arts, she doubled down. She transferred to App State, where she began studying photography, leading her to start her own photography business called Meg’s Media.
Previe started picking up grad photos in 2023 and does about three to four sessions each semester, despite her main interest being fashion and editorial photography.
“Lifestyle photos don’t usually compel me, but there is just something about grad photos,” Previe said.
Meg Branning fell in love with photography in seventh grade when she commandeered a camera that was originally a Christmas gift for her mom. She was largely self-taught prior to coming to App State and started a small portrait business in high school that she continues to operate, called Meg Branning Photography.
Currently, Branning does portraits and grad photos exclusively, but she is hopeful about expanding her portfolio after graduation. Branning started taking grad photos her sophomore year of high school and still enjoys doing these photo shoots each semester.
The two photographers’ journeys at App State have been a whirlwind of discovery and growth through the art form that they love. Coming from a self-taught background, Branning expressed gratitude for her mentors in the photography department.
“They have been such a helpful resource, and I have learned so much,” Branning said. “That’s been such a blessing being here at school.”
She also appreciates the variety of the photography program and the many things her courses have taught her. She is happy to take all she has learned into her small business and her eventual career post-graduation.
Previe has been able to really define her photography style and explore what speaks to her through her time in the photography department. However, Previe said that, being a smaller department, limited resources and equipment sometimes make artistic exploration difficult, but she is not discouraged.
“We make do,” Previe said. “We definitely make it work.”
According to these graduation photo veterans, there are a few locations in Boone that always make the top of students’ lists during their photo shoots. Whether it is for iconic resonance or scenic views, these places, according to Previe and Branning, are tried and true.
On campus, the App State sign by the Holmes Convocation Center, the Founder’s Bell and Kidd Brewer Stadium make their way into almost every photo shoot. On the Blue Ridge Parkway, Moses Cone is a fan favorite.
“I really do love Moses Cone,” Branning said. “Not everybody wants to go to the Parkway, but it’s so beautiful over there; it’s so worth it.”
Other hits that make fewer appearances — but make an equally great picture — include Thunder Hill Overlook, academic buildings and even Durham Park.
“A lot of people don’t take advantage of Durham Park,” Previe said. “Especially in the fall and spring with the trees and the little creek, beautiful.”
Aside from location, these photographers had some general dos and don’ts they suggest you consider when preparing for and heading to a graduation photo session.
Some of the don’ts include wearing stripes, forgetting to steam your dress and stole the night before, and aiming the champagne bottle directly at your photographer.
“It’s fine; it all works out. You just smell like champagne for a bit after,” Previe said.
The dos include the inverses of the don’ts, as well as bringing flip-flops for moving locations and keeping a positive attitude.
“Be kind and conversate; you’re spending an hour with this person, and it can be fun,” Previe said. “You can make it fun.”
