Another fun and beautiful college graduation session! This was my first time having a session at Montclair State University and I was so excited to go to a new campus! I have been there in the past when looking at colleges for myself but I never had a session there until Heidi's inquiry.
First off, she was so sweet, relaxed and trusted me and my vision. That is always appreciated and a great step for a successful session! For every college graduation session I ask my clients if they have specific areas of the campus they want to focus on. Heidi's requests were to take photos in front of the Montclair State sign and by the Hawk.
We started off by the sign.. we did get a couple of shots where Heidi was in front of it and you can read the words clearly but my favorite shot is the first one you see below. I angled her towards me so she was fully in focus but situated purposely so the wording behind her is blurred. It's a more interesting and visually pleasing shot! With her cap and sash on and the out-of-focus wording in the background you still get the whole story of this portrait.
Near the sign there was a beautifully lit patch of grass that I wanted to use for simple portraits before we headed our way to the Hawk. I love the simplicity of those portraits because they focus solely on Heidi and this amazing milestone in her life!
Another stop we made (because I easily get inspired by my surroundings.. IYKYK) on our way to the Hawk, there was this small bridge with Montclair banners that read "together we soar". I envisioned Heidi walking up and down the path with the sign included and it was one of my favorite shots and one of hers, too! Before we wrapped up with that shot we got so scared because all of a sudden there was a loud BANG.. turns out my little step ladder just fell and knocked into the metal fence, haha!
Once we made it to the Hawk we did a variety of images next to it but just like the first shot, having Heidi away from the Hawk so it's in the background is a stronger image. + Look at her confidence in that image (well, all of them really)!
Wishing all of the college grads out there luck and positive energy as they enter this new chapter in their lives <3
