Emma asked me for not just one, but TWO sessions to celebrate her graduation. This wasn’t just about her, but her whole family, and she wanted them included!
We started on her college campus. Emma wrote, “USD was named the most beautiful campus in the country for a reason. The professors were absolutely amazing, and the community was welcoming and warm. COVID really complicated my college journey, and after taking a year and half off, I transferred to USD. I spent 3 years at the school catching up, making new friends, and opening myself to all of the opportunities the school had to offer. My senior year was stressful and long-awaited. I was studying for the law school entrance exam in between classes, and I was ready to be done so I could move onto the next chapter. However, when the final week of classes arrived, I was surprised by how much I would miss it all, and felt overwhelmed with gratitude for everything that brought me to that point. If I could do it all over again, I would in a heartbeat.”
Emma’s favorite shot at USD was by the fountain near the library where she spent many hours studying. Cap and gown photos on campus are always triumphant, and the backlit water spray made this shot even more impactful. Speaking of spray . . . things got festive fast when she popped a champagne bottle on the beach half an hour later. My only instruction was, “Don’t spray ME,” but that’s exactly what she did! We were both laughing, but Emma’s mom was looking on from the shore and tearing up with happiness as she watched her daughter celebrate the end of one chapter and the beginning of another.
A few days later, we met up for a family session with Emma’s mom, Janna, and sister, Maya, down by the Hotel Del. They laughed together like only a close-knit family can, and the photo of the three of them in front of the Del made the front of their gallery and is one of Emma’s favorites. It wasn’t just about the grad; it was about the whole crew that cheered her on.
Pre-law degree in hand, Emma’s heading into her next chapter with plans to become an attorney. She’s proud of how far she’s come, and she should be. If senior year taught her anything, it’s this: keep pushing forward. Judging by her sessions, she’ll do it with grace, grit, and a lot of fun along the way.














































