Black Lawyers Matter; Rachel’s UNC-CH Graduation Session
Spring Graduation Season in Raleigh, NC: A Time to Celebrate Big Dreams
As I prepare for the upcoming spring graduation portrait season in Raleigh, NC, I find myself reflecting on last spring when I had the absolute pleasure of photographing Rachel—a remarkable graduate of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. A newly minted attorney from the UNC School of Law, her story, spirit, and purpose embody what Black excellence truly means.
Graduation season is more than tassels and diplomas—it’s the celebration of resilience, sacrifice, and the courage to step boldly into what’s next. Rachel’s session was the perfect reminder of why I love being a graduation photographer.
The Consultation: Where Vision Meets Connection
After exchanging a few emails, we scheduled the complimentary phone consultation I include with all of my Raleigh graduation photography sessions. Within just a few minutes of chatting, I knew we were a perfect fit and that her UNC Chapel Hill graduation photos would be an absolute joy to capture.
That initial conversation is about more than logistics. It’s about understanding personality, style, and story. I want every graduate to feel heard, seen, and genuinely excited before we ever step on campus together.
Choosing the Right Graduation Photographer
When choosing a graduation photographer, it’s important to select someone you feel completely comfortable with. Beyond having your questions answered, you should feel confident that your photographer understands your vision and can bring it to life.
My goal with every client is to ensure the entire process—from booking to final gallery delivery—is seamless, enjoyable, and stress-free. Your graduation day is a milestone. Your portrait experience should feel just as meaningful as the achievement itself.
The Beginning of a New Chapter
On the day of Rachel’s session, we met on the UNC-Chapel Hill campus near the Nelson Mandela Auditorium. As we walked to our first location, Davis Library, we took time to get to know each other and talk about her future plans.
When we arrived at Davis Library, I shared a few posing tips before we began capturing her UNC graduation portraits. Just before we started, I asked about her favorite music—I’m a firm believer that sessions are always better with a soundtrack playing in the background.
Once we began, Rachel was effortless in front of the camera. Her smile radiated confidence as she transitioned seamlessly from one pose to the next.
We started with her first outfit, featuring her mortarboard cap and hood, capturing classic and timeless portraits—images that will look just as beautiful decades from now.
Next, we photographed her in full regalia. During every graduation photo session in the Raleigh-Durham area, I make sure we capture a variety of looks—both with and without regalia—and allow time for outfit changes if desired.
Many graduates bring meaningful additions like:
Jerseys honoring their athletic journey
Scrubs for future medical professionals
Military uniforms for commissioning ceremonies
Cultural stoles and honor cords
Custom pieces that represent their story
If you choose multiple outfits, I provide a portable changing tent for privacy and convenience—especially helpful when photographing on busy college campuses like UNC-Chapel Hill. Thoughtful preparation makes the entire experience smooth and stress-free.
The Champagne Pop: Celebrating the Moment
Before wrapping up at Davis Library, we captured Rachel’s champagne pop photos—one of the most exciting parts of any college graduation session.
Champagne pops are celebratory, energetic, and filled with personality. I always provide clear guidance on how to hold and aim the bottle for the best action shots while keeping everything safe and fun. The result? Joy frozen mid-air. Pure accomplishment in motion.
Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower: An Iconic UNC Backdrop
After Davis Library, we headed to our second location: the iconic Morehead-Patterson Bell Tower. The Bell Tower is one of the most sought-after locations for UNC Chapel Hill graduation photography and a favorite among Chapel Hill seniors.
It offers stunning backdrops both outside the tower and inside beneath the historic Guastavino tile arches—creating portraits that feel both grand and intimate at the same time.
Rachel changed into her second outfit—a black dress that was elegant and timeless. Beneath the arches, we captured portraits with and without her mortarboard and incorporated her Black Lawyers Matter stole. That stole added powerful symbolism and depth to her images—visually representing her commitment to advocacy and justice.
Closing One Chapter, Stepping Into the Next
As we concluded the session, I answered Rachel’s final questions and thanked her for trusting me as her UNC graduation photographer. It is always an honor to document such meaningful milestones and help graduates bookmark pivotal chapters in their lives.
If you’re graduating this spring and searching for a graduation photographer in Raleigh, NC, Chapel Hill, or the greater Triangle area, I would love to help you celebrate this achievement. I offer multiple graduation photography packages for both solo and group sessions, customized to fit your vision.
Let’s capture your story—your hard work, your resilience, your excellence—and celebrate everything you’ve accomplished.
