Greatness Through Adversity

A few years ago, I had the opportunity to photograph this young lady as she celebrated one milestone: graduating high school. I was glad to be trusted again to photograph her college graduation, especially knowing I had been trusted with her high school pictures back when I was just starting out, more experimental than intentional in how I approached photography. Her mother and I go back to high school together, which made being asked to document another important chapter in her life feel especially meaningful. Seeing someone continue to grow, push forward, and stay committed to their goals is always something special to witness.

This session carried a little more weight than most. In a first for one of my graduation shoots, she brought along a support animal, a reminder that strength sometimes comes with support beside us. Even more moving was the graduation cap she carefully decorated with photos of loved ones she lost during a short span while completing school. Grief has a way of testing even the strongest people, and finishing school through that kind of loss is no small thing. I hope she continues to reach every educational goal she sets for herself. I have no doubt the people she carries with her in spirit would be proud to see how far she has come, and I congratulate her for fighting through the difficult moments to make it here.