From campus to the beach — a lifestyle graduation session with a purpose
April 26, 2025
There’s something really special about photographing someone at the place where they’ve grown, studied, and built friendships over the last four years. That’s exactly what it felt like working with Maia on a beautiful spring afternoon at Lake Forest College — and just down the road at the Lake Forest beach.
This session was extra meaningful because Maia’s mom had a clear vision: she wanted natural, lifestyle portraits — no studio, no stiff posing — just Maia being herself in the places that shaped her college experience. And there was a timeline, too. These photos needed to be captured before Maia’s celebration party, because mom had big plans for them — gift prints, custom cookies, decorations, and party decor. Well deserved!
I want to take you behind the scenes of — how we made the most of our time, why lifestyle portraits work so beautifully for milestones like this, and what you can expect if you’re thinking about booking your own.
Location One: Lake Forest College Campus
We started right on campus the day was perfect!
Since mom wanted a lifestyle feel, we kept things natural and relaxed from the very beginning. No stiff “stand here and smile” moments. Instead, we walked around together, found the spots that felt most like Maia’s college experience, and let the photos happen organically — walking paths, favorite buildings, quiet corners she’ll remember years from now.
When a mom tells you she wants the photos for gift prints, party decor, and even custom cookies — you know these images need to be something truly special.
Location Two: Lake Forest Beach
After wrapping up on campus, we drove just a few minutes to the Lake Forest beach — and the whole energy shifted in the best way. The lakefront gave us a completely different backdrop: open sky, natural light bouncing off the water, and a relaxed, airy feel that was a perfect contrast to the classic campus setting.
And then Maia pulled out a glass and a bottle of champagne — because what’s a graduation celebration without a toast? Those moments are the ones I live for as a photographer. You can’t plan that kind of joy. She was glowing, the light was perfect, and it all just felt so real and celebratory.
We also captured the cap toss at the beach — graduation cap in the air, open sky, lakefront behind her. It’s one of those shots that just works every single time.
This is one of my favorite things about two-location sessions. You get variety without feeling rushed. The campus photos feel grounded and nostalgic. The beach photos feel free and celebratory. Together, they tell a fuller story — and they give you so many more options when it comes to prints and gifts.
Maia was an absolute dream to work with. I guided her through everything — where to stand, what to do with her hands, how to move — so she never had to guess or feel awkward. The lifestyle approach meant we kept things real: walking, laughing, toasting, tossing caps in the air. No stiff studio poses.
More Than Just Photos
Here’s something I loved about this session: it wasn’t just about pretty pictures. Maia’s mom had a whole vision for how these images would be used — framed gift prints for family, custom cookies decorated with Maia’s photos for the celebration party, and printed decor throughout the event. Every detail was thought through with so much love.
This is exactly why I’m such a believer in lifestyle sessions over studio. When photos feel natural and real — not overly posed or produced — they work beautifully in all of those contexts.
And because we knew these photos had a deadline (the party!), we planned ahead to make sure everything was delivered on time. If you have an event or celebration coming up, that’s something we can absolutely work around — just let me know when we chat.
What to Expect at Your Session
01. A planning conversation — We’ll talk about your vision, locations, outfit ideas, and how to you plan to use the photos — prints, party decor, gifts, social media, all of it.
02. Lifestyle, not studio — We shoot on location in the places that matter to you. Natural light, real expressions, no stiff posing.
03. Full guidance, total comfort — I direct you through every moment so you never feel lost or awkward. You just show up and be yourself.
04. Images delivered on your timeline — Have a party or event coming up? We’ll plan around your deadlines so your photos are ready when you need them.
Maia, congratulations on this incredible milestone. It was such a joy to document this moment for you — and I know the best is yet to come.
Your Turn to Celebrate
Graduating soon? Whether you want photos for prints, party decor, or simply to remember this chapter — let’s create something beautiful together, your way.
