There are two types of clients.

The ones who tell me, “I’ll do whatever you think looks good.”

… and then there are the ones who come in with ideas.

Rashawn was definitely the second one.

Before his session, he told me he wanted to create a couple of composite photos. If you know me, you know I love hearing that because it gives me a chance to get a little nerdy and figure out how we’re going to make it happen.

The fun part? We actually had to shoot with the edit in mind.

One photo was planned so he’d be able to give himself a thermometer while another version of himself look on in complete shock. Another shot had a giant version of him walking away while two tiny versions of him posed underneath him. None of those images happened by accident… we planned every frame before I even click the shutter.

I also loved that we decided to do everything in the studio. Since Rashawn graduated from Stepful, his program was online, so there wasn’t really a campus that made sense for his graduation photos here in Raleigh. Honestly, I don’t think he missed out on anything. I prefer studio grad photos. Studio grad sessions are some of my favorites because you’re not limited by a location. We can focus on creating something that’s actually fun, creative, and feels like you.

We still grabbed the clean, classic graduation portraits because you have to have those. But we also got to mix in creative concepts that made his gallery feel different from everyone else’s.

And I think that’s my favorite part.

Graduation photos shouldn’t feel like you’re checking a box. They should feel like a celebration of everything you worked for. That’s why I love the shot of him holding all of his medical supplies. It highlights all the work he’s put in and everything he’s learned.

Rashawn, congratulations again on graduating! Thank you for trusting me with your ideas and letting me run with them. Watching these concepts come together was honestly one of my favorite parts of this session, and I think we absolutely nailed it!

If you’re graduating soon, whether your school has a campus or your program is completely online, don’t sleep on a studio session. We can create something that’s completely customized to you.

Ready to plan your grad photos? Let’s chat, I’d love to help you dream up something creative.