Okay, so I admit that I may be a bit biased – but that doesn’t mean that I don’t have my reasons. Not only is the University of Virginia’s Lawn a UNESCO World Heritage Site, but in my humble opinion, it’s also the best place in the world for a graduation sessions. And we have four reasons why we think all Hoos should do a UVA grad photoshoot!

 

1. The Beauty of Mr. Jefferson’s Academical Village.

Am I going to sound like a UVA tour guide in this section? It’s possible.

 

Am I aware that the word “academical” hasn’t been used outside of Charlottesville since 1600? Absolutely.

 

But that won’t stop me from talking about the beauty that the Rotunda and the surrounding architecture lends to photoshoots of the University’s soon-to-be-grads. The unique blend of neoclassical buildings and green spaces give a uniquely American twist to architectural features you’d recognize from Ancient Greece.

 

 

Now of course, I’m no architect, but I do recognize beautiful features for photography when I see them: converging and diverging lines, simple palettes of soft colors, beautiful sunrises, and rich textures. Check, check, check and check.

 

 

2. The Versatility of the Space

Sure, everyone wants the classic “column shot”, but no one has ever hired me and asked for just that. Another beautiful thing about UVA’s Lawn is the sheer versatility of locations that are available to me as a photographer. Photo with the Rotunda in the background? No brainer. Sneak into your favorite garden to laugh with your friend? Consider it done. Rotunda steps? No problem at all.

 

 

But we’re just getting started, and now it’s the fourth year’s turn to decide where to go. You want to fit your entire party on a single bench in Garden II? Let’s make it happen! You really love the look and feel of the red brick along the garden walls? Say no more.

 

 

And that’s when the fun really begins! President of the Outdoors Club – where would you possibly take pictures other than in a tree!? You and all your housemates want to climb into a fountain and splash around? Hey, it’s your grad shoot!

 

 

No matter what the grad or grads are interested in, no two UVA grad photoshoots are ever alike, and all of these dynamic locations are just a few steps from the center of the Lawn.

 

3. Early mornings on the Lawn

When I first began capturing UVA grad photoshoots during my third year as a student at the University, early morning photoshoots were an unfortunate consequence of a busy class schedule and some over-eager grads. But now, we only book graduation photoshoots on the Lawn in the early hours just after sunrise.

 

 

When else can you find such beautiful, warm, golden light bathing the Lawn? Although sunset may give a similar quality and color of light, when was the last time you walked the Lawn on a warm, sunny afternoon? How many dozens of people did you see throwing the frisbee to their dog, eating a Roots bowl on the Rotunda steps, or studying in an Eno? Now compare that to having the Lawn all to ourselves each morning, and you’ll understand what motivates me (and dozens of fourth-years) to be on the lawn before 7:00 am almost every single day.

 

 

4. The Memories

I’m not arrogant enough to claim that UVA students are the best in the world like their Lawn. But with confidence, I can say that they’re my favorite in the world to work with. The sheer number of laughs that I’ve had during these grad photoshoots – watching students jump into each other’s arms on Thomas Jefferson’s Birthday or pop bottles of champagne together – has certainly made my job the best in the world.

 

 

Roughly half of the graduation photoshoots that I do this time of year are with groups. Sometimes it’s a small cluster of friends, and sometimes the entire squad. But the dynamic that these friends share, the way they laugh at each other, and the way that they embarrass each other during test shots will never cease to bring a smile to my face.

 

 

But when it all comes down to it, these UVA grad photoshoots aren’t just about the pictures. They’re about commemorating a time in your life that you never want to forget. For some people, the shoots are for their parents, as a thank-you for all they’ve done to help them get this far. For some couples, it’s a time to celebrate the place and period in their lives when they met each other. And for others, it’s just to commemorate Dear Old U-V-A: the time, memories and friendships that they made during the journey.

 

 

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If you’d like to book your own UVA graduation photoshoot in minutes, click here!