Some sessions feel extra special from the start, and this was one of them.
This one came through a sweet referral from a good friend, which already felt more personal. When Carmen reached out to book a session for her daughter Karen, she mentioned she was graduating from Yale University in New Haven. She also mentioned missing her, since they’re from Massachusetts. I knew it was going to be meaningful, but I didn’t realize just how layered and beautiful it would be.
Karen is graduating from law school, which is such a huge milestone, and also makes her my second future lawyer this season (I’m obviously in my “documenting powerful women” era and I’m here for it!).
From the moment I met her, she was the sweetest. One of those people who just feels familiar. She reminded me so much of a younger cousin of mine, to the point where I couldn’t stop thinking about it the entire session. It gave everything this extra layer of warmth, like I wasn’t just photographing a client, I was documenting someone I’ve known forever. And it also gave me the reminder to message my cousin and see how she’s doing lol
Carmen and her husband weren’t only there to celebrate their daughter but also their 30th wedding anniversary. So this was a double celebration, and I made sure to treat it that way. We captured all the classic graduation moments, like the cap and gown, proud smiles, the “we did it” energy. But I also guided them into something more, something they weren’t expecting, like a mix of family.
Something else that meant a lot during this session was that Carmen and I were able to communicate in Spanish. And I’m always happy when that happens because I know how much more comfortable it can make people feel to fully be themselves.
Si no sabias, aqui también se habla español, and I love being able to connect with families in a way that feels natural and easy, not forced or transactional.
At the end of the day, this is what I care about the most, creating sessions that don’t feel stiff or overly posed, but instead reflect your life, your milestones, and the people who matter most to you.
Whether it’s a graduation, an anniversary, or even both at the same time, I’m always thinking about how to make your session feel like you, while giving you images that you’ll actually want to live with, print, and come back to years from now.
Candid. Bold. Unforgettable. Para Siempre.
