But now…well, now, mama Liz had accomplished something new and great, and it was time to celebrate her latest milestone achievement… a Doctorate in Nursing Practice!  What better way to celebrate and document this special moment with graduation portraits… but with a twist… the twist of including the entire family… because including family photos with graduation portraits makes for a unique blend of celebrating academic achievements AND the bonds that tie a family together.  Here’s why this combo is simply perfect.

The Advanced Degree Milestone 🎓

Graduating with an advanced degree is no small feat. It represents countless late-night study sessions, research marathons, and the unwavering dedication to learning. These degrees are more than just pieces of paper.  They symbolize personal growth, determination, and, let's face it… a whole lot of hustle!

Personalizing the Graduation Portrait Experience

In our graduation portrait sessions, we like to create images that go beyond the standard cap and gown shot. We want to capture the essence of the individual and the unique journey they've been on. Here's how we do it:

Location Matters: We encourage our clients to choose locations that resonate with their academic journey and family life. A university campus, library, or any place that has been part of their academic adventure can be a fantastic backdrop.  In Liz’s case, we chose the photogenic Patterson Park in Baltimore, MD.

Show Off the Style: While the traditional cap and gown have their charm, incorporating elements of personal style makes the portraits more personal and reflective of the graduate's personality.

Props and Regalia: Adding academic regalia and related props like books or research materials can emphasize the significance of the advanced degree and add depth to the photos.

Including Family in the Frame 📷

Now, here's where it gets even more special. We encourage our graduates to include family photos in their graduation portrait sessions. Why? Because family is often the cornerstone of support during those challenging academic years, and their contribution deserves to be celebrated!

So go ahead and think about which of your family members you’d like to include in your graduation portraits / family photos.  We’ll capture group portraits, as well as individual portraits, especially of kids.  After all, everyone deserves their moment in the spotlight!

We also love to capture candid moments that document genuine interactions and emotions between family members. These will convey the depth of support and love surrounding the graduate and will be truly heartwarming… portraits that will be cherished for years to come!

Graduation portraits are all about celebrating personal accomplishments, and when you sprinkle in some family photo magic, the photos become timeless treasures. As a professional photographer, I'm thrilled to be part of these moments… to have such an important role in capturing the joy, pride, and love that families share during these special occasions.

Remember, these aren’t just photos.  Rather, I am a storyteller, telling a story of the dedication, growth, and the incredible support system that helped make it all possible. It's truly a privilege to be the one behind the lens, capturing these precious memories!