Please help me learn to style my hair for grad photos!

So, I was browsing grad photos on Pinterest for inspo. I found this one and love her hairstyle. I’ve had long hair my whole life, but I’ve never really gotten fancy with it on my own. I just curl, straighten or let it be natural. Sleek looks like the front/top part of her hair are a mystery to me. And doing big waves like this seems a little more complicated than what I am used to.

For context, I have a similar hair color and the same hair length as the woman in the photo.

Can anyone please tell me what products I should get (i.e., styling gel, anti-humidity, and texture spray), what hair tools to use, etc.?

I really want to achieve this look for my grad photos. This graduation is incredibly special because I’m fulfilling a girlhood dream and getting my doctorate. 🥹

Thank you in advance! 🫶🏼