MSU Graduation Photos with a Dog!

Have you ever thought about including your beloved pup in your senior photo session? Because that’s exactly what we had the chance to do.

As a local photographer in Lansing, Michigan, we frequently photograph high school seniors and MSU graduates.

However, this session was a rare and special opportunity—Hayley, an MSU graduate and a proud Spartan, wanted to include her beloved dog in her cap-and-gown photos. She wanted to celebrate not just her achievement but also the companion who had been by her side through the college journey.

Hayley had reached out to several photographers, only to be turned away because they wouldn’t want to deal with a pet during a photo session.

But for us, that was an easy yes! We love dogs—and, honestly, all animals—so getting to photograph a puppy was a delightful bonus to us.

Quick note: If you're considering bringing your pet to a session, we highly recommend having a friend or family member with you to help care for them while we capture photos of just you. It makes the experience smoother and ensures we get the best photos!

A Unique Graduation Photo Session with four-legged pup

We met on the day of the session at the famous Michigan State University campus in East Lansing. MSU campus is full of greenery and beautiful architecture that make it an ideal setting for senior portraits. Our graduate arrived in her green MSU cap and gown along with an adorable four-legged pup proudly wearing a Spartan hoodie in true MSU spirit.

Sparty Statue – A Symbol of Strength, Honor, and Courage of the Spartan Spirit.

We kicked off the session at the Sparty Statue, an essential stop for any MSU graduate. We took a few different photo variations beside the legendary Spartan warrior. And then, of course, we made sure to take some fun photos with her dog.

The Bridge with the MSU Football Sign – A Must Graduation Photo Spot for Spartans

Our second spot for graduation photos was the bridge on the way to the library with the MSU football stadium sign in the background. It is a popular spot for graduation photos because of the ideal background for eye-catching photos. Powerful leading lines naturally highlight the MSU sign, making it an ideal backdrop for dynamic walking photos that showcase Spartan passion, eagerness for the next chapter, and add movement and energy to the photo session.

And of course this was a great spot for some fun photos with her adorable Pug!

Beaumont Tower – A Classic Spartan Backdrop for MSU Graduation Photos

After the bridge, we next proceeded to one of the campus's most recognizable locations, Beaumont Tower.

Here, our graduate had a creative way to celebrate her graduation by popping a bottle of champagne!

This was a fun idea and added a playful and candid touch to the photo session. It created joyful and energetic portraits.

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) College Graduation Photos

To finish up the session, we visited the STEM College, where Hayley earned her major. Including this meaningful location in the shoot was a great way to commemorate her years of hard work and dedication at MSU.

A Fun Bonus – The Squirrel Standoff

As a fun bonus, we captured a hilarious shot of her dog intensely staring at a squirrel, completely focused on its tiny rival. It was a perfect, lighthearted moment that added even more personality to her senior photos.

Client’s Reaction

After receiving her final images, the graduate shared her excitement, saying:

"These look absolutely amazing, Anastasiia!! Thank you so much for such an amazing grad photo experience."

She later left a wonderful review as well:

"I had such a great experience dealing with Anastasiia and her husband Alex for my graduation photos. They were so kind and respectful, and my pup loved them. The photos turned out amazing and they got to me in a timely manner. I would highly recommend AA Studios to anyone in the Lansing area looking for photos."

Turning Ordinary Moments Into Lifelong Memories

This session was a perfect reminder that graduation photos in cap and gown don’t have to be traditional—they can be personal, meaningful, and full of life.

Whether it’s including a beloved pet, a favorite location, or a special theme, the best senior photos are the ones that tell your unique story.

If you’re in East Lansing or Lansing, Michigan, and looking for a local photographer to capture your Highschool Senior or College Graduation photos, AA Studios is here to bring your vision to life.

Let’s make your graduation photos as special as your achievement—BOOK YOUR SESSION TODAY!