Graduation is a milestone in one’s life, signifying the completion of an academic journey and the beginning of new opportunities. It’s a time to celebrate accomplishments, cherish memories, and capture the joy of this significant moment. Back in June, I had the pleasure photographing a special graduation session for Brandon, who achieved his Masters of Science in Nursing. His girlfriend (At the time… more on that in a moment!) organized the session as he finished his schooling all while they both continued working.
In today’s blog recap, I’ll take you through the highlights of Brandon’s graduation photos on the National Mall.
From the crazy weather conditions to the stunning backdrops, I can’t wait for you to hear the full story behind this session! But first… a little more about Brandon and his accomplishments!
Brandon’s journey to becoming a Nurse Practitioner was filled with dedication, hard work, and countless hours of studying. Graduating with a Masters of Science in Nursing, he is now equipped with the knowledge and skills to make a significant impact in the healthcare field. With his degree, he embarks on his new career path to serve as an NP in an ICU!
On the morning of Brandon’s grad session, I met Brandon and Christine on the National Mall, ready to capture their joy and excitement! However, I was surprised when we were greeted with unexpected clouds, despite no mention of rain or an overcast day in the forecast. Little did I know, the haze and clouds were caused by smoke from forest fires in Canada… something I didn’t realize until later in the day! Fortunately, we were able to continue with the session before the smoke thickened, grateful for the unique and slightly overcast ambiance it created (And that all of our lungs felt okay when we got home!).
We began Brandon’s session near the Reflecting Pool, before exploring beyond through all of the iconic spots around the Lincoln Memorial.
Timing is everything, and Brandon’s session actually took place after the bustling graduation season, allowing us to enjoy a relatively quiet National Mall. With most university grads having left town, we had the luxury of having the space nearly to ourselves, creating a serene atmosphere that perfectly complemented the celebratory mood. It was a welcome change from the hustle and bustle of May, providing Brandon and Christine with a truly personalized experience and the ability to explore SO many of the iconic spots on the Mall.
Throughout the session, we focused on capturing Brandon’s graduation while also incorporating Christine, who was his girlfriend at the time. Little did Christine know that by the time their session would be shared on the blog a few months later, they would have actually been FIANCES for a few months! These two were engaged at the end of the summer, and after spending just a morning with them, it is SO evident that they are meant to be. The joy and love shared between them is evident, and they are just the sweetest couple together. 2023 was a BIG year for them— I can only hope that they have been celebrating A LOT!
I can’t wait for you to scroll through and see just how sweet these two are and how EXCITED Brandon was to celebrate his graduation!
PS Future grads dreaming of a session at the Lincoln Memorial should note that it’s currently under construction until 2026. Don’t worry, though! There are plenty of alternative locations in DC that offer equally stunning backdrops. This session features one of my recommended itineraries for grads to use throughout construction. You can check out the project details and explore other options here.
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LAW SCHOOL GRAD PORTRAITS ON THE NATIONAL MALL | BRITTANY
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ALTERNATIVE LOCATIONS TO THE LINCOLN MEMORIAL IN WASHINGTON DC
