Celebrating Milestones: A Graduation Photo Session to Remember

As a photographer, there’s nothing more rewarding than witnessing and capturing life’s most meaningful moments for my clients. When this couple first stood before my camera, it was on one of the most significant days of their lives—their wedding day. Fast forward, and here we are again, celebrating another monumental occasion as they receive their master’s degrees together. It’s a testament to their shared journey, resilience, and commitment to growth, both as individuals and as a couple.

Capturing Love and Achievement

This photo session was about more than just documenting a graduation; it was about honoring the journey they took to get here. Graduating with a master’s degree is no small feat, but achieving this milestone side by side is incredibly inspiring. In each frame, we aimed to capture not only their academic accomplishments but also the love and support that has fueled their journey. From tender embraces to the proud moments in their caps and gowns, every shot reflects a unique blend of joy, pride, and unwavering partnership.

Styling and Setting the Scene

The choice of attire added an elegant touch to the session. The sleek, modern style of their outfits paired beautifully with the natural backdrop, creating an ideal setting that blended sophistication with a touch of warmth. This wasn’t just a typical cap-and-gown shoot; it was a celebration of the harmony they share and the future they’re building together.

A Shared Vision

Having documented their wedding, I already knew the essence of their story and relationship. This prior connection allowed me to create a seamless experience for them, capturing moments that genuinely represented who they are. Each photograph is a chapter, from the joyous smiles to the quiet, intimate gestures that speak to their bond and shared accomplishments.

Reflecting on the Journey

It’s always an honor to be invited back into a couple’s life to capture another chapter. For this session, my goal was to create images that will remind them of this incredible time in their lives, a period of dedication, perseverance, and love. These are the photographs that they will look back on and remember not only what they achieved but also how they did it—together.

For those looking to document their milestones, whether it’s a wedding, graduation, or family portrait, know that each session is a story waiting to be told. It’s my passion to capture these stories in their most authentic form, allowing you to relive these beautiful memories every time you look at your photos.

Here’s to love, to hard work, and to the moments that define us. Congratulations to this amazing couple on their new chapter!

Celebrating Eric Lerma: An Aggie Engineering Graduate with a Deep Family Legacy

Graduation season is a time of celebration, pride, and reflection, especially when it’s not just an individual accomplishment but a family legacy. For Eric Lerma, graduating from Texas A&M University with a degree in engineering represents more than just the culmination of years of hard work. It’s a tribute to the values and traditions that Texas A&M embodies—values that Eric and his family hold dear.

Eric is one of three brothers, all of whom proudly call themselves Aggies. Growing up in a family that cherished the traditions of Texas A&M, each brother followed the path to College Station, inspired by the university's legacy and the spirit of the Aggie family. For the Lerma brothers, Texas A&M isn’t just their alma mater; it’s a symbol of their shared journey, a testament to the family bond that drives them to achieve excellence together.

The idea of an “Aggie Family” holds a special meaning for Eric and his brothers. Texas A&M is known for its commitment to community, camaraderie, and the Aggie Network, a powerful support system that reaches across generations and professions. Eric’s journey through the engineering program taught him more than just technical skills; it instilled in him a sense of responsibility and integrity that defines the Aggie spirit. His graduation represents not just his achievement but a shared milestone for his entire family, who stood by him, encouraged him, and reminded him of the values they all uphold.

As Eric dons his graduation gown and steps forward to receive his diploma, he carries with him the pride of his family, the lessons of his professors, and the friendship of his classmates. His success story reminds us that Texas A&M is more than a university; it’s a family, a legacy, and a tradition that binds people together.

For the Lermas, being an Aggie isn’t just about where they went to school. It’s about who they are. As Eric joins the ranks of Aggie alumni, he becomes part of a legacy that he, his brothers, and future generations of their family will continue to uphold. Congratulations, Eric, on this incredible achievement! The Lerma family—and the Aggie family—couldn’t be prouder.

Elevating Tradition: Capturing the Spirit of Ducks Unlimited at Texas A&M

As a photographer, capturing the essence of an organization is a delicate balance between honoring tradition and adding a modern edge. When Texas A&M’s Ducks Unlimited club approached me, their goal was clear: they wanted images that celebrated their passion for waterfowl conservation and hunting, but with a cinematic quality that would make anyone stop scrolling and take notice. These students are deeply committed to their craft and conservation efforts, and they wanted their visuals to reflect that commitment.

Setting the Scene

For this shoot, we embraced the rustic charm of the Texas landscape at dusk. The setting sun provided a warm, golden backdrop, creating an atmosphere that matched the club’s spirit—bold, unwavering, and grounded in tradition. The tall grass and rich texture of the marshland became a natural stage for the group, and it framed them beautifully, adding layers and depth that helped convey the rugged nature of the hunt.

The Composition: Bringing Personality to Life

In the first shot, I aimed to showcase the strength and unity of the club members, standing side by side in a formation that felt almost like a movie poster. Their expressions and stances exuded confidence, and the use of camouflage attire added authenticity to their personas. The poses were deliberate, reflecting their roles in the hunt—each person bringing a unique energy to the shot, from poised readiness to fierce determination.

The second image offers a more personal moment, focusing on one member gazing out over the marshland with a quiet intensity. His stance, combined with the shotgun in hand and the natural light casting shadows across his face, speaks to the respect and reverence that hunting demands. It’s a testament to the mindfulness and tradition that drives each member’s participation in the club.

Finally, the third shot captures the action and anticipation of the hunt, with members readying their rifles and looking skyward, eyes tracking an unseen target. This dynamic composition not only adds movement but also conveys the excitement and camaraderie of the experience—a moment of connection not just with each other but with the environment around them.

Crafting the Look: Lighting and Tones

To enhance the drama, I opted for warm, muted tones, emphasizing the natural colors of the landscape while giving the images a timeless feel. The color grading was essential in creating that cinematic quality, evoking both nostalgia and intensity. The choice of lighting was strategic; by working with the golden hour light, I could cast long shadows and accentuate the textures in their gear and faces. This lighting setup underscored the narrative—showing these students as both hunters and stewards of the land, deeply connected to the natural world they aim to preserve.

Why It Matters

For Ducks Unlimited at Texas A&M, these photos are more than just images; they’re a visual representation of their mission and values. Conservation is at the heart of what they do, and hunting is intertwined with a respect for the wildlife and habitats they work to protect. By elevating their visual content, we’re helping to tell a story that might resonate with others who share that same respect for tradition and nature.

Final Thoughts

This project reminded me of how powerful photography can be when it reflects the authenticity of its subjects. Working with Texas A&M’s Ducks Unlimited was a chance to blend art with storytelling, capturing moments that speak to the soul of their organization. In every frame, I sought to encapsulate not just an activity but a way of life—a commitment to conservation, camaraderie, and the enduring spirit of the hunt.