Sinclair | Concord High School | Senior Session in Concord NC
Concord High School senior Sinclair celebrated graduation from the International Baccalaureate program with a portrait session that highlighted both her accomplishments and the exciting journey ahead as she prepares to attend East Carolina University and pursue a degree in psychology.
Sinclair came to her session with the cutest little dress for her cap and gown and the perfect field dress with these adorable pink flowers. Everything she brought frankly suited her just right!
A graduate of Concord High School's International Baccalaureate Program, Sinclair has spent the last several years balancing a challenging academic schedule while also dedicating countless hours to cheerleading both for her school and as a competitive athlete. I know she’s got a bazillion images of her cheering but for this sesssion we really wanted to focus on highlighting both her cap and gown celebration in front of Concord High School and also her country girl aesthetic out in the fields around Cabarrus County.
One of my favorite parts of senior sessions is seeing how each student's personality comes through in front of the camera. Sinclair brought such a calm confidence to her portraits. Whether she was walking through the fields at sunset or simply enjoying a quiet moment surrounded by golden light, every image felt authentic to who she is.
This fall, Sinclair will attend East Carolina University where she plans to study psychology. It's always exciting to photograph seniors as they begin to transition from high school to college, and including her ECU gear helped tell the story of where her journey is headed next.
The warm summer light and natural surroundings created the perfect backdrop for portraits that felt both timeless and personal. My goal for every senior session is to create images that not only look beautiful today but will continue to bring back memories of this important season for years to come.
Sinclair, congratulations on everything you've accomplished so far. I can't wait to see all that you achieve at East Carolina University and beyond. Thank you for allowing me to help celebrate this exciting milestone!
If you want information on how to book your own senior portraits in and around the Charlotte area, North Carolina, South Carolina, Harrisburg, Concord, Lake Norman and more CLICK HERE for senior session info!
Reagan | Mt. Pleasant High School Senior Session | Farm & UNC Graduation Photos in Concord, NC Senior Photographer
Mount Pleasant High School senior Reagan split her senior portrait experience into two sessions — a country-inspired farm shoot with her horse and dog and spring graduation portraits celebrating her future at UNC Chapel Hill.
Reagan’s senior session was one of those sessions that felt personal from the very beginning.
I’ve known Reagan since she was little, so getting to photograph this season for her and her family felt especially meaningful. As a Mount Pleasant High School senior, she wanted her portraits to feel true to who she is instead of overly styled or trendy, so we decided to split her senior experience into two completely different sessions to tell the full story of this chapter.
For the first session in the fall, we photographed at a family farm surrounded by open fields, fences, and soft golden light. The farm had such a calm presence and the entire evening reflected that. We started with a simple white dress out in the fields before transitioning into jeans and a white top for a more casual country-inspired look that fit her personality perfectly.
One of my favorite parts of the session was incorporating Harley, the horse she’s spent so much time around, along with her sweet dog Luna. Those images ended up feeling less like traditional senior portraits and more like little pieces of real life — the kind of photographs that will mean even more years from now because they captured the things and places that already felt like home to her. The farm session had this quiet, cinematic feel to it that I absolutely loved. Between the tall grass, the warm sunset light, and the connection Reagan has with both Harley and Luna, everything felt effortless and genuine.
Then in the spring, we shifted into a completely different season of life with her cap and gown session in Concord.
This second session focused on celebrating everything ahead of her. We photographed cap and gown portraits, UNC gear, downtown portraits, and a few family images they wanted for wall art before she heads off to college. I loved blending the cleaner college-inspired look with softer garden portraits so the final gallery still felt cohesive with the warmth and emotion of her fall session.
What I love most about Reagan’s full senior gallery is how complete it feels. The fall session captured the grounded, country side of her personality and the life she’s grown up in, while the spring session celebrated all the excitement and possibility of what comes next at UNC.
Reagan, it has been so special watching you grow into the person you are now. I’m so excited to see everything waiting for you in this next chapter and I can’t wait to hear all about your adventures at Chapel Hill!
If you want information on how to book your own senior portraits in and around the Charlotte area, North Carolina, South Carolina, Harrisburg, Concord, Lake Norman and more CLICK HERE for senior session info!
Grace | Cox Mill High School Senior Session | Concord, NC Senior Photographer
Grace’s senior session took us from the busy Concord gardens to city sidewalks and golden sunset fields as this Cox Mill senior prepares to head to West Virginia University on a soccer scholarship.
Some senior sessions just feel easy in the best possible way, and Grace’s session was exactly that.
Grace is graduating from Cox Mill High School where she’s made a huge impact both academically and athletically. After earning an athletic scholarship for soccer from Cox Mill, she’ll be heading to West Virginia University this fall to study nursing, which honestly feels very fitting for someone who carries herself with so much quiet confidence and warmth.
And yes… before anyone says it, she absolutely has a little Dakota Johnson thing going on.
This session also felt especially full circle for me because I photographed Grace’s older sister almost ten years ago. There’s something really surreal about getting to document another season for the same family after that much time has passed. It’s one of the parts of this job that never stops meaning something to me.
We started the afternoon at the Concord gardens on what may have been one of the busiest prom weekends imaginable. Absolute chaos everywhere; dresses, tuxedos, crowds, people everywhere, but somehow we still managed to carve out these calm little pockets that felt soft and cinematic. Grace wore the most gorgeous navy dress that worked perfectly against all of the spring color and greenery, and she had this really natural ability to settle into a moment without forcing anything.
From there we headed into the city sidewalks area for a completely different feel. I loved the contrast between the gardens and the cleaner urban textures. Her WVU outfit gave the session a little more personality and energy before we finished the night the way we almost always do here — out in the fields for the white dress portion of the session. And honestly, the white dresses are one of my favorite traditions!
There’s always something a little nostalgic about those final sunset sets. The light softens, everybody relaxes, and the session starts feeling less like “taking pictures” and more like just existing in the moment for a while. Grace absolutely glowed out there. Barefoot in the grass, soft movement, golden light everywhere. These are the kind of images that feel timeless without trying too hard to be.
What I loved most about this session was how balanced it felt. Athletic but soft. Elegant without feeling overly styled. Calm, confident, and completely age-appropriate while still feeling elevated. It felt very her from beginning to end.
Grace, congratulations on everything you’ve accomplished already. West Virginia University is lucky to have you, and I can’t wait to see where life takes you next!
If you want information on how to book your own senior portraits in and around the Charlotte area, North Carolina, South Carolina, Harrisburg, Concord, Lake Norman and more CLICK HERE for senior session info!
Emma | Class of 2026 | UNC Chapel Hill | Senior Photos
Emma’s senior session in Charlotte was simple, natural, and completely her—capturing this moment before she heads to UNC Chapel Hill in the fall.
Charlotte Area Senior Portraits
I’m always honored when seniors travel to me for their portraits. That’s an immense amount of trust to put in your photographer; hoping that it’s going to be worth all the planning and the drive! Emma drove over an hour for her senior session, and showed up with a gorgeous smile and an attitude full of joy. She approached her session just like I hoped she would - intentional, relaxed, and completely herself.
We kept things simple with a mix of city sidewalks, a quiet path in the woods, and a golden field at the end of the night. Nothing overcomplicated—just space for her personality to come through.
She didn’t overthink it. She didn’t try to be anything other than who she already is. And that’s exactly why this session works so beautifully. As I always say my goal is to make seniors look like themselves on their very best day!
Emma is heading to UNC this fall, and this feels like the right way to mark the end of her high school journey and the start of her next one; honest, grounded, and capturing who she is right now in the middle of everything that’s about to change in her life.
Check out some of her favorites from the session below.
If you want to check out more client stories you can see Sadie’s session. If you want more information about planning your own Charlotte senior photography experience Click Here!
Adrien’s Senior Portraits | Central Cabarrus High School |Homecoming, Prom, Downtown Kannapolis + Cap & Gown in Concord
Adrien’s senior year was full of unforgettable milestones — from homecoming and prom to downtown Kannapolis near the research labs where they worked, and cap and gown portraits in Concord before heading to NC State University.
This post is going to be a looooooooong one so buckle in ha!
Senior year always moves faster than you think it will. One moment you’re signing permission slips, reminding them about deadlines, and watching the calendar fill up… and the next, you’re looking at cap and gown photos and realizing that this version of life is already changing.
For Adrien, our oldest kiddo, senior year wasn’t just a milestone — it was a season full of growth, purpose, nerves about the future and big plans and dreams. So instead of trying to fit everything into one session, we created something more true to who they are: A series of senior portrait sessions that documented the full story. From homecoming and prom, to downtown Kannapolis near the research labs where they worked their senior year, to cap and gown photos in downtown Concord at the memorial garden, this experience became more than just portraits.
It became a time capsule for their father and me.
Senior Portraits That Tell the Whole Story
If there’s one thing I’ve learned as both a mom and a senior photographer, it’s this: Your senior session doesn’t have to be just one day. In fact, some of the most meaningful senior portraits happen when you give the experience room to unfold over time. Different locations. Different outfits. Different energy.
Adrien’s senior year had so many layers worth documenting — personal milestones, academic achievements, and the quiet in-between moments that define this stage of life. So we approached their portraits the same way. A full story. Not just a highlight reel.
Homecoming Photos | A Classic Senior Year Moment
Homecoming is one of those milestones that feels almost like a rite of passage. It’s excitement and anticipation all wrapped into one night. For Adrien, senior homecoming photos were the perfect way to start this portrait journey — polished, fun, and full of personality.
There’s something so special about photographing the confidence that starts to emerge during senior year… the way they carry themselves just a little differently than they did even a year before.
Downtown Kannapolis Senior Session | Near the Research Labs Where Adrien Worked
Adrien spent their senior year working in a lab with a PhD candidate — gaining experience that most high school students don’t even get access to. They were doing real work, in a real environment, and growing into the kind of student they’re becoming. So photographing them in downtown Kannapolis — close to the research labs where they spent so much time — felt like the perfect way to honor that part of their story.
This is what I love about senior sessions: They aren’t just about what your senior looks like. They’re about who your senior is.
And for our kiddo, who started wearing a lab coat at three years old and doing kitchen counter experiments with their dad, science, research, curiosity, and discipline are all part of that identity.
Vintage Thrift Store Stop | A Piece of Adrien’s Real Style
One of the most “Adrien” parts of this senior portrait series was photographing them at a vintage thrift store.
Adrien has always loved thrifting — not just as shopping, but as a way of expressing who they are. They find pieces with history, mix unexpected textures, and create a style that feels completely their own. So it only made sense to include that in their senior photos.
This stop added something different to the story: a little grit, a little edge, and a whole lot of personality. The kind of images that don’t just show what Adrien looks like — but capture what they love, how they move through the world, and the confidence they’ve grown into this year.
Prom Photos | Elegant, Joyful, and So “Senior Year”
Prom is another one of those moments that deserves to be remembered as more than a phone snapshot. These photos were about capturing the feeling — the celebration, the glow, the excitement — and giving Adrien images that feel timeless instead of trendy. And I can’t lie - we blew the budget on the dream dress and built a custom backdrop when the pouring rain forced us inside on prom night. Photographer mom to the rescue!
Prom portraits always become some of my favorites because they show seniors in a really unique way: dressed up, in a whole new light, and stepping into adulthood in real time.
Cap & Gown Photos in Downtown Concord | Memorial Garden
Cap and gown photos are emotional no matter what. But this session hit differently obviously.
We chose the memorial garden in downtown Concord because it felt calm, classic, and meaningful — a location that allowed the focus to stay on Adrien and this milestone without distraction. The flowers here in the spring are just gorgeous!
There’s something about cap and gown portraits that feels like a pause in the chaos of senior year. A deep breath. A marker in time. And even as a photographer, I’ll be honest; it’s hard not to look through the lens and feel every bit of it.
NC State University | The Next Chapter
The biggest milestone of all? College dreams!
Adrien will be attending NC State University and pursuing a double major in Microbiology and Plant Biology— which feels like the most perfect reflection of who they are: thoughtful, driven, and deeply passionate about the world beneath the surface.
We also captured college-focused senior photos to celebrate what’s next — not just the end of high school, but the beginning of something huge.
That transition is what senior portraits are really about. Honoring who they’ve been. Celebrating who they’re becoming.
Why We Did Multiple Senior Sessions
Adrien’s senior portraits were never going to fit into one session — and honestly, I’m so grateful we didn’t force it.
By photographing multiple sessions throughout the year, we were able to capture:
formal milestones (homecoming + prom)
authentic personality and real-life settings
academic identity and future goals
cap and gown tradition
college excitement
And most importantly… we created images that feel deeply true and very Adrien.
A Personal Note as a Mom
This one is hard to write because it still doesn’t feel real. Senior year is full of celebration and it should be - but it also carries this quiet kind of heartbreak. The kind that sneaks up on you.
You don’t realize how many “lasts” there are until you’re living them. And with Adrien, I wanted to make sure we didn’t rush through this season. I wanted to slow it down long enough to remember it.
That’s what these sessions gave us. Not just photos… but the ability to hold onto this version of life just a little longer.
Adrien, I’m so so proud of you and love you pooks!
Charlotte NC Senior Photographer | Fully Guided Senior Sessions
If you’re planning senior portraits and want something more meaningful than a one-size-fits-all photoshoot, I’d love to help you create an experience that feels intentional and personal.
My senior sessions are fully guided — from styling and location planning to posing, movement, and expression — so your senior feels confident, comfortable, and truly seen.
Serving Charlotte, Concord, Kannapolis, Harrisburg, Lake Norman, Ballantyne, and surrounding areas.
Ready to plan your senior session?
Reach out here →
A Christmas Card Session Filled With Personality, Tradition, and a Little Nostalgia
A yearly Christmas card tradition with a family I’ve photographed since the twins were newborns. This sibling session highlights Jay, Christina, Gabby, and Charlotte—their personalities, milestones, and the joy they bring to every portrait.
Every year, I look forward to this Christmas card session with a mix of excitement, nostalgia, and the feeling that time is moving entirely too fast. I’ve been photographing this crew since the youngest members—twins Gabby and Charlotte—were brand-new babies. Watching kiddos grow up through my lens has always been one of the most meaningful parts of my work. Each year brings new personalities, new milestones, and new reasons I absolutely love photographing them. This session is always about capturing who they really are: siblings who all have their own personalities, yet somehow fit together perfectly.
We started with Jay, who has grown from the kid I first photographed into a confident young man finishing his degree at UNC Charlotte. He’s set to graduate next year with a major in computer security, and his calm, grounded presence always brings balance to the group. He also runs collegiate track—something he’s incredibly disciplined and talented in. Jay is always easy to photograph because he’s so easy going!
Next up: Christina, who somehow gets more photogenic every single year. She’s currently a student at Cannon Schooland a total force on the track—fast, focused, and already decorated with national titles. She slips effortlessly between fierce athlete and effortlessly chic in front of the camera. Christina has this natural elegance that makes shooting her a breeze. She gives me THE LOOK perfect. Every time.
And then there are the twins—Gabby and Charlotte—the babies and, dare I say, the funniest of the whole group. They are identical in age but completely unique in personality. It’s always so fascinating to meet them where they are at every year and try to get the smiles that mom wants the most. This year we got great smiles out of everyone and it didn’t even require bribes!
We kept the Christmas card theme fresh this year with a more casual vibe and earth tones in the background to set off the bright pink the girls chose. I did a custom design with a burgundy background to bring a crossover of tones from the trees to the sweatshirts and mom loved it! Each of these kids has grown and changed so much, but the magic of photographing them together like this every year has created a visual time capsule, capturing not just what they look like, but who they are becoming. I adore this family, and getting to create their Christmas card images each season is truly a highlight of my year. If you want more information about booking a family or milestone session anytime of the year, visit the Family Info Page.
Sadie| Davie County High School Senior
Sadie’s senior session was the perfect blend of small-town charm, natural beauty, and heartfelt celebration. From downtown Concord to the fields at sunset, and finally her UNC Chapel Hill gear, her session captured every part of her personality and the exciting new chapter ahead.
A Senior Session Filled With Heart, Charm, and a Glimpse of What’s Ahead
Every once in a while, I get to photograph a senior who radiates joy from the moment they step in front of the camera—and Sadie was absolutely one of those people. An accomplished student and cheerleader from Davie County High School, she brought the perfect mix of confidence, kindness, and excitement for what’s ahead. I photographed her sister, Skylar, the year before, so spending the afternoon with their family again felt incredibly special. There’s something so meaningful about getting to follow siblings through this milestone season.
We started her session in downtown Concord, NC, where Sadie wanted that small-town charm woven into her images. She loved the blend of brick textures, storefronts, and quiet side streets—urban enough to feel stylish, but still cozy and familiar. She settled into posing effortlessly, and her natural smile made every frame easy.
From there, we headed to Spring Street Memorial Gardens, which was showing off that day with lush green trees, soft light, and bursts of spring flowers everywhere. Sadie wore the sweetest white dress paired with cowboy boots, which looked beautiful against the garden paths and created such a timeless, Southern look. The mix of elegance and personality fit her perfectly.
After we left the gardens, we made a quick stop to capture a few portraits with Sadie’s letterman jacket—one of my favorite ways to honor the years of hard work that led to this moment. She also pulled out her first round of UNC Chapel Hill gear, and the excitement on her face said everything. Those early Carolina-blue images were the perfect bridge between who she is now and the next chapter she’s about to step into.
After we wrapped up in downtown Concord, we made our way to a nearby field and wooded path. The soft evening light was perfect for the long white dress Sadie chose—romantic, airy, and such a beautiful contrast to the urban backdrop we started with. Once we finished those dreamy, nature-filled portraits, she slipped back into her UNC Chapel Hill gear to capture a second set of college images in this outdoor setting. She wanted a variety of looks to celebrate her next chapter, and the mix of locations gave her such a great range of options.
Sadie’s session was the perfect mix of personality, style, and genuine joy. She brought so much heart to every location we visited, and watching her step confidently into this next chapter was truly special. Congratulations, beautiful girl—UNC is gaining someone incredible, and I can’t wait to see all the good things ahead for you.
Sadie’s session is also a perfect example of how a senior session can feel relaxed, personal, and completely true to who you are. If you’re starting to think about your own senior photos and want something that feels elevated but natural, you can learn more about what a senior session experience looks like HERE.
Sunee | Fall Color For a Senior Session in Charlotte
A stunning fall senior session at UNCC Botanical Gardens and a Harrisburg field, filled with rich autumn color. Sunee incorporated her artwork, celebrated her mid-year graduation, and wrapped with Bowling Green State University college gear.
Fall in Charlotte is always a bit of a wild card. Some years, the leaves turn in early October… and other years, we’re all waiting until November (or even December!) for that perfect autumn color to finally show up. So when a senior tells me that rich fall color is their number one priority, I know two things:
we’re going to need to stay flexible, and
when it all lines up, it’s going to be magic.
That was exactly the case with Sunee’s senior session.
This year’s color did not disappoint. We planned carefully, watched the trees week by week, and when the moment was right, we headed to the UNCC Botanical Gardens, which absolutely exploded with oranges, reds, and golds. It was the kind of fall palette photographers dream about — warm, vibrant, and glowing in every direction. Sunee was a natural in front of the camera, and the gardens gave us an endless variety of backdrops to bring out her personality.
One of my favorite parts of Sunee’s session was watching her slip into her true creative zone. She’s an incredibly talented artist, so we made sure to capture a few portraits of her sketching and working on her artwork. Those moments felt intimate, honest, and so reflective of who she is at this stage in her life.
After exploring the gardens, we traveled to a nearby field behind my Harrisburg studio to catch that soft, warm evening light. The contrast between the structured botanical paths and the open, airy field gave her gallery so much depth and variety — a perfect fall-inspired combination.
Because she’s a mid-year graduate, we also added on a college gear session to celebrate her next chapter at Bowling Green State University. And honestly? The warm orange and brown tones of BGSU gear could not have been a more perfect aesthetic match to her fall session. It felt like a full-circle moment — beginning with autumn color and ending with the colors of her future.
Congratulations, Sunee! Your talent, creativity, and warmth made this session a dream. I can’t wait to see everything you create in the years ahead.
Colin’s Senior Pictures | From Family Friend to Final Season
Colin’s senior session was a mix of personality, humor, and varsity soccer pride. From relaxed lifestyle images to athlete portraits and moments that show who he is on and off the field, this one felt especially meaningful.
A Senior Session Filled With Personality, Laughter, and Plenty of Soccer
Every once in a while, a senior session feels less like work and more like spending time with people who feel like family—and that’s exactly what photographing Colin was like. I’ve known him literally since the day he was born. His mom and I grew up together back in Illinois, and our kids have spent their whole lives thinking they’re basically cousins. Getting to photograph Colin after photographing his older brother, Will, last year made this session especially meaningful.
Colin is one of those high-energy, genuinely funny, quick-witted kids who keeps everyone around him laughing. He’s got this mix of confidence and lightheartedness that makes him incredibly easy to photograph—even though he walked in insisting he wanted to keep things “pretty simple” and not make too big a fuss. Classic senior boy energy. Of course, his mom wanted something beyond soccer that showed who he is off the field. So we mixed in portraits of Colin in his regular clothes, relaxed and comfortable, giving her the images she’d treasure and him the images he’d tolerate with minimal eye rolls. Thankfully, he has the kind of personality that shines no matter what he’s wearing.
But there was one thing that absolutely was non-negotiable: soccer.
Colin is a varsity player for Mount Tabor High School, and the field is where he feels completely in his element. We made sure to capture a full set of soccer portraits: action-inspired poses, clean shots in his uniform, details of his gear, and moments that felt authentic to the athlete he is. These quickly became his favorites.
This session was full of genuine smiles, sarcastic comments, and easy laughs—exactly what I’d expect from Colin. He’s headed off to Appalachian State University in the fall, and I have no doubt that he’ll bring that same energy, humor, and drive with him. I love this kid and his entire family, and it was such an honor to capture this milestone for him.
Senior Studio Portraits for Performers | Lucia’s Drama-Inspired Shoot
I loved photographing Lucia’s senior studio session — this theatre kid brought personality, expression, and pure magic to every shot. Studio portraits are such a powerful way to celebrate who a senior truly is.
I wasn’t a theatre kid in high school — I was a dancer and performer in a different way but it was a long while before I ever stepped onto a stage with a script. But after graduation, the theatre bug hit me hard. I started performing in regional theatre, eventually moved to Los Angeles for five years, helped launch a theatre troupe, produced shows, and did a little bit of everything while studying acting. Those years shaped so much of who I am today, and that creative energy has never left me. They also left me with a deep love and appreciation for all of the theatre kids that come my way.
Whenever I get a “theatre kid”, like Lucia, in front of my camera for a senior session, I know we’re going to have the best time. Performers understand movement, expression, and emotion in a way that makes photographing them pure magic. They catch onto posing faster than anyone else and bring such a natural flow to every shot.
Lucia was absolutely one of those seniors — a total dream to work with.
Starting in Historic Downtown Concord, NC
We kicked off her session in downtown historic Concord, and it could not have been a more perfect choice for her personality. The area has so much charm — brick textures, narrow alleys, old storefronts, and doorways with character. Lucia stepped right into the space like she’d been performing there for years.
As we walked through the alleys and down the sidewalk, she absolutely killed it with her natural expressions and effortless smile. Every direction I gave her clicked instantly. She moved with confidence, played with angles, and brought so much authenticity to the images. The energy, the colors, the textures — downtown Concord gave us that editorial, creative vibe that fit her style so well.
It was the perfect warm-up and set the tone for the rest of her session.
Finishing the Session in the Studio
After exploring downtown, we headed back to the studio to create a completely different kind of look. Studio portraits aren’t always the first thing seniors think of, but I wish more of them would consider it. There’s something powerful about stripping away distractions and letting personality take center stage.
And wow — Lucia showed up for these.
The clean backgrounds and controlled lighting allowed us to highlight her expressions, movement, and confidence in a way that felt both modern and timeless. She brought humor, intention, and just the right amount of drama (in the best way), and the images we created together feel so true to who she is.
A Senior Session That Celebrates Who She Truly Is
Lucia’s session was one of those shoots that reminds me exactly why I love photographing seniors — especially performers. She brought her full personality, creativity, and spark to every moment, and the images show it.
From the textured streets of downtown Concord to the clean, expressive portraits in the studio, we were able to capture every side of her.
Congratulations, beautiful girl. Keep chasing that big dream of yours — the world is absolutely ready for you.
Cale | UNCC College of Engineering Grad
A meaningful UNCC graduation session photographed the day before commencement. We explored the Botanical Gardens and the College of Engineering to capture Cale’s achievements, personality, and the places that shaped his time at UNC Charlotte.
There’s something really special about photographing a college senior. High school seniors are full of anticipation, but college seniors stand on the edge of a completely different milestone — one shaped by years of growth, challenge, late nights, early mornings, and the kind of determination that defines who they’re becoming. So whenever I get the chance to photograph a graduating college senior, it always feels like such an honor.
Cale’s session was exactly that.
We met on the campus of UNC Charlotte (UNCC) the day before graduation — a last-minute pivot after weather forced us to reschedule. In the end, the timing couldn’t have been better. Campus was quiet since students had already left for the holidays. I don’t mind shooting around other people but the gardens were nice and totally OURS for the afternoon! Cale practically had the whole campus to himself to celebrate ha!
He had just completed his degree from the College of Engineering, and he brought such an easygoing, grounded confidence to the shoot. We started in the UNCC Botanical Gardens, a favorite spot for so many students who’ve used it as a quiet escape between classes and long study days. We stopped by Cale’s favorite study spot and grabbed a few images to memorialize the hours he spent there. The greenery and soft light made a perfect backdrop to honor the chapter he was closing.
From there, we walked over to the College of Engineering — the place where he spent countless hours building projects, solving problems, and working toward the accomplishment we were celebrating. Photographing him in a location that holds so much of his story made the session even more meaningful.
I know his family is incredibly proud of everything he’s achieved, and I’m grateful I had the chance to help them mark this huge moment in his life. College graduation deserves to be documented in a way that reflects the journey behind the achievement — not just the cap and gown, but the places and experiences that shaped the graduate.
Congratulations, Cale! You’ve earned every bit of what comes next. It was truly a blast working with you.
Looking for senior portraits before graduation? I photograph high school seniors and college grads throughout Charlotte, Concord, Harrisburg, and Cabarrus County. Click on one of the links below to find out more about portraits, my portrait philosophy or reach out to contact me.