Happy first day of the 2016-2017 school year! As its the first day of classes, I thought it appropriate to look back at a commencement shoot from last year, celebrating graduation even if its still years away for some students. (Sorry - am I rubbing it in too much?)

While many students seem to prefer solo graduation shoots to have some 1-1 time with the camera, for these three [former] UNCA volleyball players who had studied, competed and grown up together for the past four years, it only made sense to have their graduation photos taken together as well. This proved to be great fun and we spent an hour giggling with a few minutes of photography thrown in. 

We wanted to take a mix of individual and group shots showcasing the beauty of UNCA's campus, these women, and their friendship. Rather than include any props or momentos from their time in college, we opted for a more simplistic "pose, interact and smile" approach with quite a few candids thrown in as they laughed at their own posing. They even managed to pull off the wholly unflattering caps and gowns; perhaps the greatest achievement of already illustrious college careers! 

The yearly flow of my work follows both the seasons and the school schedule, so for now its time to focus on athletics - both action shots and promotional material - and weddings, but before we know it it will be right back to senior photo season with a whole new batch of graduates. I'm already looking forward to capturing this graduating class's special moments!