There are so many things that happen in our lives and so few we celebrate.
Aww, the celebratory toss of the cap! This tradition means so much. Signifying the end of the college career and becoming the new individual that has a place of intelligence within our society. And rightfully so. The amount of dedication and immense pressure a college grad goes through in their career is nothing to scoff at.
Within the trials we find triump
You can't mistake the glowing smile that Claire had on her face during her photo session. Even with tired feet from walking place to place (in super cute shoes I might add).
The final year at WSU wasn't full of just joy, but many other emotions as well, which made for an interesting college experience, to say the least. I have no doubt memories from this will be told many times over in the future. For 2021 that meant commencement (the ceremony that recognizes the graduates) was held virtually rather than having graduates walk along the stage and receive their diploma. Definitely one for the record books.
But through all of the trials, Claire had a brilliant smile and an air of confidence and ease about her during her session.
Claire her Family, Patrick (Claire's long-time Boyfriend), and his family traveled from the west side of the state to commemorate this amazing occasion. It's wonderful when two families come together and can laugh and enjoy one another's company. Even the dogs joined in! Aren't they super cute?
It's no secret that Claire is stunning! One of her best features are her legs and she didn't hesitate to wear something that showed them off. This super cute little black dress was the perfect way to give them the attention they deserve! Smart and beautiful-yes!
The Significance Wasn't lost on her.
From the moment that Claire contacted me for her graduation images, she knew exactly what she wanted from her session. A few with Patrick but mostly she wanted a session that highlighted her. One unique quality about Claire's session is that she made sure to wear a part of her graduating garments in some form or another. So this wasn't just another photo session. She knew that she could have photos taken of herself anytime in her regular clothing. But this was something special...this was her College graduation. She knew going into it how important documenting this time in her life was. The significance wasn't lost on her.
Telling our story is important...extremely important.
My hope for all graduating seniors is that they take with them beautiful memories in the form of images. And not just on their hard drive but in the form of tangible printed art. Something they can hold in their hands, walk by every day, and possibly sit down with future children and thumb through an album and relive the story that makes up who they are. We as individuals upon this planet are contributing to how things change and grow, even if we don't realize it. Like ripples in a pond, small at first but reaching ever outward beyond our own existence. Telling our story is important...extremely important.
How do you want to live with your images?
There are many ways to live with favorite images. So when I spoke with Claire, one of the questions I asked her before we even shot the session was..."How do you want to live with your images"? Now I didn't expect an answer right then, but it helps to ask the question before we shoot so that I can photograph accordingly.
For instance, let's say she wanted a large wall portrait. I would make sure to get some pulled-back shots to show the beautiful surroundings. Think about this; if I only shot close-up images her face would be very large on her wall. On the flip side, if she only wanted smaller prints, a pulled-back shot would cause the viewer to squit to see her in the frame. There are many other things to consider before the camera is even picked up.
I'm glad I could walk her through what the options were and how we should document the day. It just so happens that she choose to do a white framed wall gallery with her decor. I love this grouping because it's easy to pair together or separate if needed. Currently, she has them hanging in the stairwell of her Seattle home, enjoying them every day when she walks by.
Let the celebration begin!
Graduation images aren't just about looking your best. Clearly, we want that. We all want to look and feel beautiful. But we also want to experience laughter and joy. We want to look back on images and remember that we had fun, that the photoshoot wasn't a grind we couldn't wait to be over. in all photo sessions there is a beautiful balance between images where we are looking at the camera and smiling and also having ones that highlight who we are as individuals. Capturing the emotion and joy. Connecting with people on a level that brings out our own joy. Something this past year has shown us all that we need. The need to connect with each other to know we are not alone in our trials and our triumphs. To celebrate the wonderful things this life has to offer.
Congratulations Claire!
Congratulations Clarie for graduating from the Carson College of Business at Washington State University. And for being an amazing individual who is graceful, confident, funny,
one heck of a trouper in heels! And for being the light in so many people's lives! GO FORTH AND MOVE MOUNTAINS!
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