I can’t put into words the feelings of finally ending this journey. All of the blood, sweat, and tears of the past 6 years are finally worth it! As of Nov. 1st, I’ve officially graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, with a concentration in child and adolescent development! I can’t believe that I’ve finally reached this milestone, and I’m so proud. I’ve busted my butt for the past few years managing full time classes, a growing photography business, and multiple jobs to make tuition happen. I can definitely say that the hardest thing I’ve ever overcome in life has to be getting this degree! As proud as I am, I know that I would have never accomplished this without the love and support of so many others.
As a little treat to myself, I finally decided that I was going to have graduation portraits done. It pains me as a photographer to say this, but I never had senior portraits done in high school. I took my senior drape portraits with a tripod in the school’s photography room! I really wish that I had any photos of myself in that time that weren’t just selfies. I decided that this time around I was able to invest in the experience, and really commemorate all the hard work that I’ve put in over the years. I also really wanted my parents to change the 6 year old photos they have framed of me in their houses! I wanted to make my graduation photos a real celebration, and Emily Steele MUA and Amber Kay Photography did an amazing job of making that happen for me!
I’ve worked with Emily at weddings before, and I’ve always loved her work! I was so excited when I reached out and she was available. She came over to my apartment, and we had a great time chatting while she did my hair and make up! The rainbow has never looked so good, and I’m so glad that I decided to hire a professional hair and makeup artist.
I’m always nervous on the other side of the camera, so I really wanted to find a photographer that gave great direction and kept things fun. Amber basically made all of my photographer dreams come true! It was fun and upbeat, and I really felt celebrated. I’m beyond grateful that I was able to work with Amber and Emily, and so thankful for the amazing experience they gave me! I couldn’t help but share just a few of my favorites, and I hope that if you’re considering treating yourself with a celebratory photo session, that you go for it!
It’s really hard for me to share about myself and post photos of myself like this, but it really was a great opportunity to focus on myself a little. I rarely treat myself, and sometimes everyone needs a little bit of that!
Photographer: Amber Kay Photography
Insta: @amberkayphoto
Website: http://amberkayphoto.com/
Hair and Make up: Emily Steele
Insta: @emilysteeleMUA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/emilysteelemua/
It was also SUPER cool to be able to professional photos of myself skating!! Skating is a love that I picked up after working at the Sonic in Shortpump for a few years.