A Hokie Graduate

Hey there! Considering this session is one of my all-time favorites, I figured this would be a good opportunity to kick-off this blog! 

I can’t believe this girl is graduating! I know I’ve said this already, but what an honor to shoot her graduation pictures… she has played such an important role in my college experience. From the very beginning of my time at Virginia Tech, she has been there to guide me and lead me through my time here so far. So when she asked me to take her grad photos, of course I said yes!

At Virginia Tech, there are several “classic” locations, as well as a few hidden gems. Due to some weather issues, we had to reschedule her session last minute, and even then we were risking it, but it worked out perfectly! When we got to the Pylons, one of the “classic” locations I mentioned, there was nobody else there and we were even surprised by a visit from the Hokie Bird!

The Pylons also provide a beautiful and meaningful location to take any photos because of the clean and clear backdrop they provide, as well as the fact that they represent what Virginia Tech strives to instill in each and every one of us. For students, this is what the course of our college education has taught us, so highlighting this in graduation photos is a great reminder for years to come of everything that is important to us. 

Next, we ventured over to Burrus Hall. Once again, because the weather was about to turn, it was much less crowded than usual, which gave us the perfect opportunity to use the location to its fullest potential. Burrus Hall is such a symbolic building to Virginia Tech students. It is where your journey as a Hokie starts, as this is where sessions are held for open houses and tours as well as orientation. During fall and spring every year there are concerts and other events held in the auditorium. In the fall of a student’s junior year, they venture to Burrus Hall for the premiere of their class’ individual and unique class ring design. And all of these events don’t even put a dent in all of the reasons a student visits Burrus. As the center of campus, it is a daily reminder of Hokie pride and tradition.

One of Virginia Tech’s hidden gems is the Hahn Horticulture Garden. While it is located on the opposite side of campus, it was well worth the journey! Every year, the garden is redesigned with gorgeous flower displays, and this year features a collection of orange and maroon tulips, providing a perfect backdrop for graduation photos, as a subtle reminder of Hokie spirit.

The gardens, however, are much more extensive than just the tulip displays. Just by walking through part of the gardens, we found multiple other locations for photos!

And to top it off, Anne’s younger sister showed up at the end of the session to jump in some pictures also! As both sisters are students of Virginia Tech, their bond has become incredibly strong over the past few years, so it was a beautiful opportunity to capture this relationship!

Thank you so much Anne for reaching out about your graduation photos! I am so honored to have known you and captured some of these last moments of your time on campus!