Jessica | Graduation Session | Cleveland TN Senior Photographer

One of the coolest things that Jessica did to celebrate her graduation this spring was decorate the top of her cap. I did some research and found out where her quote came from. When a phoenix rises from the ashes, she is clothed in strength and is more beautiful than ever before. This is very true of Jessica and all that she has accomplished.

When Jessica reached out to me, she said that my style was exactly what she was looking for! Once we started chatting about her session, I learned that she was receiving a diploma for education. Jessica is a mom of two and has worked hard to earn a diploma she and wants to teach special education. Going back to college while being a full time mom is not an easy task. Just being a mom is hard enough. She has had so much support from her parents and her husband and children that I was cheering for her during her session just as much as she was cheering for herself.

One of the other sweet touches she wanted during her session was to honor the members of her family that she has lost this past year. She printed out photos of them and taped to the inside of her stole, so I made sure to capture that tribute as well.

I went to Cleveland State the week before her session to do some location scouting so we could plan where to shoot. The weather could not have been more perfect! As I started taking photos of Jessica at the beginning of her session, I noticed her regalia and cords on her graduation gown. She was a member of the international academic honor society, Phi Theta Kappa, just like me. She has served as president of Cleveland State’s chapter and has been actively involved as a member.

When Jessica changed into her second outfit, I wanted to get some shots of just her without her cap and gown because she needed to show herself off and just have some fun pictures from her session! If you can’t tell from her amazing shoes, her favorite color is red. So we made sure to also get some pictures of her posing with her red Chevy Camaro.

After graduation, Jessica plans on obtaining a doctorate in education with a minor in special education so she can help children in the classroom with special needs. As someone who also has a degree in education, we need more devoted teachers in the classroom who have a passion for working with special needs kids. Jessica is one of those teachers who will make a difference in so many children’s lives.

By the end of her session, I felt like I had just hung out with one of my good friends!

Congratulations, Jessica! You will be an amazing teacher!