A Creative Graduation Session at Northwestern State University of Louisiana’s CAPA Courtyard
Some graduation sessions are extra meaningful because of the connection behind them — and this NSULA grad sessionwas one I’ll always remember.
Eileen is not only one of my close friends, but also one of my sisters in Phi Mu, so getting to photograph such a huge milestone in her life felt incredibly special. She graduated as a Music Education major at Northwestern State University of Louisiana, and I loved how we were able to make her session feel personal to her college experience and future career.
One of my favorite things about graduation photography is when sessions reflect who someone truly is — not just the cap and gown, but the story behind the degree.
Because Eileen studied music education, we incorporated locations around the Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) building at NSULA that were meaningful to her. We took photos inside the music practice rooms and throughout the CAPA courtyard, which gave the gallery such a unique and artistic feel.
The practice rooms added a personal touch that made the session stand out from traditional graduation photos. They represented the countless hours of rehearsals, studying, and hard work that helped shape her college journey.
The CAPA courtyard at Northwestern State University of Louisiana quickly became one of my favorite places on campus to photograph.
Between the architecture, greenery, natural light, and quiet atmosphere, it created such a beautiful backdrop for portraits. Every angle felt creative and timeless, especially paired with Eileen’s music-inspired session details.
Honestly, this session completely opened my eyes to how much potential the courtyard has for future shoots. I definitely want to photograph more sessions there — whether it’s graduation photos, branding sessions, couples, or even creative portraits.
What made this session so memorable wasn’t just the beautiful location — it was getting to celebrate someone I care about stepping into a brand-new chapter of life.
Watching friends accomplish their goals is always inspiring, and being trusted to document those moments is one of the things I love most about photography.
This NSULA graduation session reminded me that the best galleries come from combining meaningful locations, genuine connection, and a story that feels personal to the person in front of the camera.
