Some photography sessions mean a little more to me than others.
Not because the photos are necessarily different, but because of the story behind them.
One of the most heartwarming experiences I've had since starting Marissa Jade Media was getting to photograph one of my very good friends not once, but twice—first for her senior photos when I was just beginning photography, and then again for her college graduation photos after I had officially started my business.
And looking back, it feels like such a full-circle moment.
Where It All Started
When I first started getting into photography, I had the opportunity to take my friend's senior photos.
At that point, I was just beginning to figure everything out. I was learning how to use my camera, learning how to pose people, learning how to find the right light, and honestly just trying to build the confidence to call myself a photographer.
Those senior photos were taken right at the beginning of my photography journey.
I had no idea how much would change in the year that followed.
She went on to continue working toward her degree, while I continued learning, practicing, investing in my photography, upgrading my gear, and eventually turning something I loved into an official business.
Then spring came around.
And she was graduating.
Getting to Photograph Her Graduation Photos
When I got to take her graduation photos, I couldn't help but think about how different everything felt.
A year earlier, I was photographing her as a college senior who was still working toward that finish line.
Now, she was standing in front of my camera with her degree completed.
And I was standing behind that camera, I had grown too.
I had better gear.
I had more experience.
I had more confidence.
And most importantly, I had officially built a photography business.
We had both grown so much in that year.
She graduated college.
I grew a business.
And somehow, I got to document both chapters.
That is something I don't think I'll ever take for granted.
Watching You Reach This Moment
Graduation sessions have a special feeling to them.
There's so much excitement, but there's also this sense of “I actually made it.”
When I'm photographing graduates, I love seeing the pride on their faces and knowing that there is so much work behind that moment.
Late nights.
Long assignments.
Exams.
Work.
Trying to balance school with everything else life throws at you.
I understand that feeling because I graduated in 2025 myself.
I know how difficult it can be to balance school and work while also trying to make time for everything else. And on top of all of that, you're somehow supposed to find the time to plan graduation photos, choose outfits, figure out locations, and actually enjoy the experience.
So when I photograph your graduation, I don't just see a cap and gown.
I see the work that got you there.
And Then It Came Full Circle Again
One of the sweetest parts of photographing my friend's graduation was what happened afterward.
That session helped me book more graduation sessions.
Suddenly, I was getting to meet other graduates and photograph them during this huge milestone in their lives.
And that was such a special feeling.
The person I photographed when I was first starting photography had unknowingly become part of the beginning of something much bigger for me.
Her senior photos were part of the start of my photography journey.
Her graduation photos became part of the growth of my business.
And then those graduation photos helped lead me to even more amazing graduates.
It really felt like everything had come full circle.
To Every Graduate I've Had the Honor of Photographing
I want you to know that I genuinely love getting to photograph this chapter of your life.
I know how hard you worked to get here.
I know how quickly those college years can pass.
And I know how much this moment means—not just to you, but to the people who supported you along the way.
Your graduation photos are more than just pictures in a cap and gown.
They're a reminder of everything you accomplished.
So whether you're graduating college, finishing high school, or celebrating another huge milestone, I hope you get to look back at your photos years from now and remember exactly how proud you felt in that moment.
I'm so thankful that photography has allowed me to be a small part of those stories.
And I'm especially thankful that I got to experience this particular full-circle moment with one of my closest friends.
She graduated. I grew. And I got to capture it all. 🎓🤍
Here's to every graduate who worked incredibly hard to get here.
You did it.
