There’s something extra special about photographing a graduation session at Eastern Washington University (EWU). Maybe it’s the energy on campus, the sense of accomplishment in the air, or the way each grad session feels like a celebration of everything it took to get here. This one, though? It had a little extra personality- and honestly, even though I know nothing about sports, this could not have been more fun!!

College graduate in white shirt and red sash stands on tree-lined campus walkway with red university banners.
Young male graduate in white shirt and red sash holds cap and gown beside campus columns outdoors.

From the moment we started planning this EWU grad photoshoot, I knew it was going to be a good one. E wanted something that felt true to him, not just the classic cap-and-gown photos (which we absolutely still did), but something that reflected his life outside of school too. Enter: golf.

And let me just say… incorporating golf into a graduation session might be one of my new favorite things.

Young man in black graduation gown with red stole and honor cords poses outdoors on campus.
Two graduates holding diplomas on stone steps, smiling and celebrating their academic achievement outdoors.
A graduate walks confidently on a brick path at Eastern University, wearing a red stole over a white shirt.
Blurred figure in white shirt and red tie stands outdoors near a tower, viewed through rain-spotted glass.
Young man in traditional attire joyfully spraying champagne outdoors at sunset near a decorated monument.
Young man in white shirt and red sash opening champagne bottle outdoors at sunset near green hillside.


One of my biggest goals as a Spokane based photographer is creating photos that feel authentic and not staged or overly posed. This session was the perfect example of that!! We started on the EWU campus, getting those timeless, iconic graduation portraits- cap and gown photos, walking shots, and those proud, joy-filled smiles (of course with his favorite gal) that just happen when it all sinks in (and always love a champagne pop ;) ).


Then we switched it up.

We headed to a nearby golf course, and everything instantly felt more relaxed and playful. The cap stayed, the gown made an appearance here and there, but mostly? It was about celebrating who they are outside of being a student. Swinging a club, laughing between shots, soaking in golden hour... it just felt effortless in the best way...

Graduate in white shirt with red sash and honor cords holding diploma outdoors at graduation ceremony.
Young man in red vest preparing to tee off with a golf driver on a sunny green course.
Golfer lines up a driver shot on lush green fairway, wearing khaki pants and brown leather shoes.
Golfer completing a full swing on a sunny golf course with lush green fairway and trees in background.
Golfer in white sweater completing a swing follow-through on a lush green golf course on a sunny day.
Golfer in graduation stole holding a golf ball and tee on a sunny golf course.

If you’re planning your own grad session at Eastern Washington University (or anywhere in the PNW), here’s your reminder: your photos don’t have to look like everyone else’s.

Bringing in something personal—whether that’s golf, your favorite hobby, your dog, or even your go-to coffee order—adds so much depth to your gallery. It tells a story. It makes your photos feel like a snapshot of this exact season of your life.

And honestly? That’s what makes them timeless.

Young man in white shirt, khakis, and cap playing golf on a green course at sunset with a red sash.
A couple walks hand-in-hand on a green lawn, the man wearing a graduation stole and cap, the woman in a red sweatshirt.
Golfer walking on lush green fairway at sunset, carrying a golf club, wearing white shirt and cap.

This session was full of movement, laughter, and those in-between moments I’m always chasing as a PNW photographer!! E & H were such a blast to hang out with for a few hours!! The kind of photo session where you’re not thinking about the camera, you’re just in the moment. Those are the photos that end up meaning the most 💛


There’s something about combining a huge life milestone like graduation with something you genuinely love that creates this really beautiful, joy-soaked energy. It’s not just “I graduated!” It’s “this is who I am, and this is what I love, and I freaking did it!!!”

Graduate in cap and gown stands on green grass at sunset, surrounded by sparkling water droplets from a nearby sprinkler.
Graduate in black cap and gown with red stole pours champagne outdoors at sunset.
A couple shares a kiss at sunset, one wearing a graduation cap and gown, the other in a red sweatshirt and white skirt.
Two golfers on a sunny green watching a golf ball roll toward the hole during a golden hour putting session.

This EWU graduation session was the perfect reminder of why I love what I do, and am beyond grateful to do it!! It wasn’t just about documenting a milestone, it was about celebrating a whole person, their journey, and what lights them up!!


To all my upcoming 2026 and 2027 grads in the Pacific Northwest: let’s make your session feel like YOU. Whether that includes golf, tennis, an instrument, mountains, downtown Spokane vibes, or something totally unexpected... I'M ALL IN.


Your story deserves to be told in a way that feels honest, joyful, and completely you 💛