Congratulations to all these wonderful graduates!
With the pandemic wreaking havoc on all the end-of-year graduation parties and activities, I wanted to do something special for the senior students at my children’s school. So, during the month of July I offered a special gift for families at the Ecole Internationale de Geneve. The offer was a free mini-session and complementary graduation pictures in printed and digital format.
About the mini sessions
As I was relatively unknown as a photographer at the school, I was delighted when several students signed up to have their graduation pictures taken. I offered the mini sessions in my studio or outside, with the choice of location given to the student. Since the weather was already quite warm, most opted for the indoor location. None of them had ever done a professional photo shoot before and were understandably nervous, but within a short time all enjoyed themselves.
Throw-back to another place…
The photo shoots with these graduates brought back many happy memories of the senior photography that I did in the US. When a senior (student) graduates from High School in America it is celebrated big time. I’ll never forget watching some of my friends organise and host graduation parties for their children. It was a lot of work but they were a beautiful recognition and celebration of their graduate’s achievements. And having your senior pictures taken is one of the rites of passage for a senior student. Senior photos are normally taken in the autumn so that they’re ready for the school yearbook, which is also something that requires a lot of thoughtful input from the parents!
At the start of something new
Here in Europe, graduation from senior school is a little more low key. Although there are still parties, awards and ceremonies it all happens in the last few weeks of school. It was just wonderful to meet these young people who are at the beginning of a new and exciting stage in their lives. I remember starting college myself (it only seems like yesterday!) and it was one of the most exciting times of my life. Filled with new friends, interesting experiences, new places and steep learning curves. Being out of my comfort zone and growing in self-confidence & self-awareness. Generally going through the process of leaving childhood and becoming an adult.
Diverse nationalities
I’m so grateful to have met these young adults and have the chance to celebrate their graduation with some beautiful photos. It was so interesting too learn about how their native countries each celebrate this achievement differently, and a joy to photograph them in their different costumes.
Until the next time, I’ll leave you with a selection of the photos from the graduation mini sessions.
To all of you pictured above:
Congratulations on your graduation from senior school, especially during a time when there has been so much uncertainty and change. I feel so privileged to have been able to mark the milestone of your achievement by taking your senior pictures.
All the best as you prepare to take the next step on your life journey. Wherever your path takes you, may it be filled with adventure, friends, fulfilment and great promise!
If you are looking to document this time in your son/daughter’s life, please contact me. Each senior session is personally tailored to your young adult and will be an experience that they will love. Contact me to start planning your graduate’s dream photo session and get beautiful portraits that are as unique as they are.
Other graduation photo & senior pictures sessions
Manty: Senior Pictures by the lake
Sophie: Graduation Photos in Minnesota
Kerry: Senior Photos at Raffles Hotel, Singapore
Having lived and worked in the US and Singapore, I’m now based in Founex, Switzerland, located between Geneva and Lausanne. I especially love taking senior portraits and serve all clients in the area of La Cote. Among other places this includes Founex, Commugny, Coppet, Celigny, Crans, Nyon, Prangins, Cheserex, Gingins, Trelex, Begnins. Gland, Rolle, Allaman, Aubonne, Chavannes-de-Bogis, Bogis-Bossey, Mies, Tannay, Grand Saconnex, Versoix, Chambesy, and over the France border into Divonne and the surrounding French towns.