Graduation Portrait Session at Mission Trails Regional Park in San Diego, California
So, picture this: It's a crisp morning in San Diego, the sun gently kissing the lush greenery of Mission Trails Regional Park. I'm on a mission (hehe), eyes peeled for the perfect spot for Olivia's much-anticipated graduation portrait session. And let me tell you, when I stumbled upon the lushest, greenest field Olivia dreamed of, I knew we were in for something truly magical.
A Fairytale Vision
Olivia's email landed in my inbox like a breath of fresh air. Her vision was clear: a whimsical setting featuring the colors of spring in San Diego. She is going to study ancient history in college and tends to gravitate toward anything classic and fairytale-like. She was drawn to my work after seeing another graduation session of mine in Boulder, Colorado at Chautauqua. She wrote, "I love the way you edit your photos and still make them look natural; it would be a pleasure to work with you!" What a compliment! I was beaming behind my computer screen.
From “Awkwardness” to Elation
When we first met, Olivia confessed her discomfort in front of the camera. "I feel awkward having my picture taken," she admitted. "I don't have many pictures of myself so you have a challenge on your hands." With those dimples?! That’s a crime.
As we delved into our photoshoot, Olivia broke out of her shell with each click of the shutter. Seeing her warm up to the camera and witnessing the build up of confidence was overwhelmingly lovely. My favorite moment was when I prompted Olivia to release her inner child and dance around like she’s having the best time. Hearing her say, "I AM having the best time!” was music to my ears. That sentiment is exactly why I love what I do.
What’s next?
In the fall, Olivia will embark on a new adventure, studying ancient history at the University of St Andrews in Ireland. Being there to capture such a momentous event in someone’s life before they start a new chapter is a responsibility I do not take lightly.
Photography has the power to transcend mere images and capture fleeting moments of joy, vulnerability, and hope. With this photo experience under her belt, Olivia and her family will be able to look back on this time when her future was unknown and the anticipation was building. Ten, twenty, fifty years from now, when Olivia has had many more life experiences, she can peek at these images and reminisce.
Whether you are graduating high school or college and getting ready to enter the adult world, it will go by in the blink of an eye. With a graduation portrait session, you will walk away with confidence, memories, and stunning images. I'm here to capture your story, one click at a time.
