CALE | UNCC COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING GRAD

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.