When Najada reached out to schedule her VCU graduation session, we knew Richmond winters could be unpredictable. What we didn't know was just how cold it would be on her big day, but that didn't stop her from getting the graduation photos she'd been dreaming of.
Graduating from the VCU School of Humanities and Sciences is a major accomplishment, and Najada wanted photos that would do justice to this milestone moment in her life.
Braving the Elements at VCU
Najada showed up ready to go in a beautiful dress that was absolutely perfect for photos, but definitely not built for a freezing Richmond winter day. Despite the cold, she was a complete trooper. Between shots, she'd duck into her car to warm up, and her mom was right there as her hype woman, cheering her on and making sure she was okay.
Iconic VCU Locations
We hit all the classic VCU spots: the prominent VCU signage that screams "I did it!", and the stunning Cabell Library, one of the most recognizable buildings on campus. These locations are meaningful to every VCU graduate, and they make for powerful backdrops that instantly tell the story of where this chapter of life took place.
The Studio Session Advantage
Here's where Najada's session really stood out: after braving the cold for those essential on-campus shots, we headed back to the studio to warm up and continue with a professional portrait session.
Najada changed into a sharp professional outfit, and we created clean, polished headshots perfect for LinkedIn, job applications, and her professional portfolio. In today's world, having high-quality professional photos is essential as you transition from student to career professional.
We also did some studio graduation portraits in her cap and gown – beautiful, timeless images with professional lighting that complement the outdoor shots perfectly.
The Best of Both Worlds
This combination approach gave Najada exactly what she needed: authentic, meaningful photos at the locations that mattered to her VCU experience, plus polished professional portraits to launch her into the next phase of life.
As Najada herself noted, this session was "a great way to preserve lifelong memories and have something to help them into the next transition after graduation."
Documenting Your Milestone Moments
Whether you're graduating, getting married, or celebrating any major life event, having professional photos that capture both the authentic moments and the polished professional side of who you are becoming is invaluable.
If you're graduating from VCU (or any Richmond area school) and want to document this achievement with photos you'll treasure for years to come, I'd love to work with you. We can brave the elements together and then warm up in the studio!