What (and who) do you want to remember years from now?
Once you've reached your senior year, most students are ready to graduate- they're ready to leave campus and go out on their own. Unfortunately that also means saying goodbye to dear friends and the beautiful campus that's become home. We will help you capture both in beautiful photographs you'll take with you and look back on for years to come- whether your favorite times are hanging out in the Buttery or in the stacks, we've got you!
CLUBS / TEAMS / CLUBS
SOCIETIES / GREEK LIFE / SOCIETIES
FRIENDS / ROOMMATES / FRIENDS
We've been working with Yale students for nearly 15 years and have a lot of experience with graduation photos. We know the campus well, the best time of day to shoot in specific locations, when graduation robes generally arrive, and how to help you prepare for your photoshoot. Your session can take place in our New Haven studio, on Yale's beautiful campus- or both! Whether you want graduation photos alone, with friends or family, locations on campus, or in the studio, we're here to help you capture it all in photographs you'll treasure forever.
PHOTOSHOOT
Your college experience hasn't been the same as anyone else's- your photographs shouldn't be either! We offer custom photoshoots meaning you don't have to know what you want- and you certainly don't have to have the same pictures as everyone else. Things to consider:
Would you like hair & makeup styling prior to your photoshoot?
Which iconic SCSU locations mean the most to you? Where else have you spent the most time?
your
Do you need a new headshot? If so, we can add that to your session or begin your photoshoot at our New Haven studio!
Do you want to do your photoshoot alone or would you like to add your friends/team mates/ suite mates/ etc.?
When would you like to take pictures? We recommend taking the photos during your favorite season (don't worry- we have caps & gowns for you!).
“Karissa combines creativity & warmth with professionalism, planning and responsiveness. She took beautiful and artistic photos of my daughter that I will forever treasure.”
- Dana
RECENT SESSIONS
WHAT TO EXPECT
Many of our clients are new to professional photography, so here is an overview of our process:
INITIAL INQUIRY
PLANNING CALL WITH KARISSA
GUIDED PHOTOSHOOT
PHOTO REVIEW & SELECTION CALL
PHOTO EDITING & DELIVERY
I've literally spent my entire life on college campuses. My father worked at universities my whole life and I married a professor who teaches Chemical Engineering at Yale. Yale has been home to me for the past 20 years. I am a fellow at Morse and currently have two kids in Hopper. Having been a part of the university community for so long means I can help you navigate the best ways to get the photographs you want. Let me know what you're looking for and we'll get started!
Hi, I'm karissa.
a yale mom & morse fellow.
This for you if:
Your best friends are yalies
You JUST WANT A QUICK PHOTO
there's always someone missing in your pix
YOU never liked yale, anyway!
you suddenly need a professional headshot for job applications or linked in
It's probably for you if...
YOU aren't looking forward to graduation
not
is
"If you are looking for a photographer, stop, pick up the phone & book now! You will be so thrilled you did!"
OUR PACKAGES
We tailor each photoshoot to reflect you and your time on campus. We also carefully edit each photograph by hand to ensure the highest quality and artistry of each image you order. Here is what is included:
Our packages start at $1000 and include a planning call with Karissa, a one-hour photoshoot either on campus or in our New Haven studio, a photo reveal & selection call, and five edited digital photographs of your choice. Each package is designed to give you a set of beautiful photographs that are unique to you.
make it
Special
What can we add on to your session to make it perfect for you? Here are a few ideas- let us know!
- Add professional hair & makeup styling
- Add a friend or group of friends!
- Add an additional location
- Add balloons, a cake or cupcakes
- Add champagne
*Note: There will be a fee for some of the additions- ask us if you're interested.
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pro tips for a great photoshoot
A little advice?
Consider doing your photoshoot before graduation & skip the chaos of the big day!
Pick up your cap & gown as early as possible.
Your gown will arrive wrinkled. If you don't have a steamer, use the shower steam.
Consider asking friends to do a session with you- whether it's your suitemates, your club team or your cohort!
Plan early! Everyone wants the same photos at the same time.
Sign Up Now!
Interested in a session?
Start Here!
If you would like to either learn more about our photo sessions or begin booking a session, please fill in the form at right. We will follow up in the next day or so! In the meantime, feel free to call us at 475.350.7727 or email hello@karissavantassel.com.
Thank you for reaching out! You should receive a response within one business day. Please call us 475.350.7727 if you don't hear from us or if you need information sooner.
Thank You!
"The session was memorable, beautiful & fun.
Karissa is not only gifted & talented but she also creates a delightful and authentic experience that shows in the photographs.
- Bernadette
"Karissa makes sure you are happy & comfortable...
All while taking the most beautiful photographs. It's easy to feel comfortable because she is so much fun. You will have an absolute blast!
- Olivia
"This photographer captures the light within."
I had so much fun I can't even articulate how much I enjoyed it! As a creative person myself I felt totally connected to her throughout the session. It was joyous."
- Dana
client reviews
Graduation may seem a long ways off, but it truly is not. The time to start thinking about graduation photos is now. Remember, you don't have to wait til May for your photoshoot- some of our favorite graduation sessions are in the fall to capture the campus in full color! Reach out today with any questions and we'll get started!
Get Started!
GRADUATION 2025 / GRADUATION 2025
Can you help me figure out what to wear?
Absolutely! The On Campus session includes a digital style guide to walk you through different ideas, while our Signature Session includes a Zoom consultation so we can go over everything together. We don't limit outfit changes, but do recommend limiting it a bit as changing takes away from our time shooting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I include friends in my session?
Of course! Your session is your time however you want to handle it. If you want, you can schedule the session and then divide the cost among your friends. The more people we include the more efficient we need to be. For groups of 6 or more I generally recommend adding more time so we aren't rushed.
Are photos included in your packages?
The session fee includes everything associated with your session which (depending on the type of session) may include the digital style guide, a Zoom consultation, your hair & makeup stylist, access to our library of props and clothes, and the photoshoot itself. Photographs are ordered separately once you've seen the images and decided which ones you love most.
What about the weather?
Cloudy days are actually ideal for photoshoots, but rain (obviously) is not. If rain is forecast, we will cancel the photoshoots about 24 hours out (the weather in CT often changes so we don't cancel sooner). We try to leave time in our schedulefor rescheduled photoshoots, but it can get tricky close to graduation. Graduation Day deposits will be refunded in case of rain as those cannot be rescheduled.
The gift that keeps on giving!
Who do you need gifts for?
Prints make great gifts for parents & grandparents!
