Graduations mark significant milestones in our lives, and capturing these moments through photography is a beautiful way to preserve the memories. Recently, I had the honor of photographing Coco’s high school graduation portrait session, an event made possible through the incredible support of Madi’s Movement, Tory Burch, and Women of Color Golf. The session took place at the picturesque Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park in Tampa, adjacent to the Glazier Children’s Museum and the Tampa Riverwalk.
A Graduation Session Filled with Joy and Hope
From the moment Coco arrived, her excitement was palpable. Coco, a soon-to-be high school graduate, has a remarkable story that adds depth and meaning to every photograph we took. With her imminent enlistment in the Marines, this session was not just a celebration of her academic achievements but also a nod to her future endeavors and the brave path she has chosen.
The session started with Coco in her Senior sash, her smile reflecting both pride and anticipation. The Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park provided a stunning backdrop with its lush greenery, open spaces, and the shimmering waters of the Tampa River. The location was perfect for a session that needed to encapsulate both the joy of graduation and the serenity of new beginnings.
The Impact of Madi’s Movement
None of this would have been possible without the organization of Madi’s Movement. This non-profit is dedicated to helping teens in foster care, providing them with opportunities and support to achieve their dreams. Coco’s journey through the foster care system has been challenging, but with the help of Madi’s Movement, she has found stability and encouragement. The organization’s involvement ensured that Coco’s graduation portrait session was not just a photo shoot but a celebration of her resilience and achievements.
Support from Tory Burch and Women of Color Golf
The session was further enriched by the generous support of Tory Burch and Women of Color Golf. Tory Burch’s commitment to empowering women and providing them with the resources to succeed aligned perfectly with Coco’s story. Her wardrobe for the session included a stunning 2 piece tennis outfit from Tory Burch, which added an elegant touch to the photos. The chic design of the dress complemented Coco’s radiant personality.
Women of Color Golf also played a significant role, sponsoring golf lessons, which usually start as a therapeutic activity and grows into one of love. Their involvement highlighted the importance of community and mentorship, showing how collective efforts can make a true difference in the lives of young individuals.
Capturing the Essence of Coco’s Journey
Throughout the session, Coco’s personality shone through. We took several shots near the Glazier Children’s Museum, where the playful architecture and interactive exhibits added a whimsical touch to the photos. Coco’s laughter was infectious as she posed, bringing an air of light-hearted fun to the session.
Moving to the Tampa Riverwalk, we captured some stunning images with the river and cityscape in the background. These photos symbolized Coco’s journey – the flowing river representing her past experiences and the city skyline signifying her future aspirations. Each click of the camera was a testament to Coco’s strength, beauty, and the bright future ahead of her.
A Bright Future After Graduation
As the session concluded, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by Coco’s story. Her determination to succeed, supported by wonderful organizations like Madi’s Movement, Tory Burch, and Women of Color Golf, is a powerful reminder of what can be achieved with resilience and support. Coco’s enlistment in the Marines is a courageous step, and I am confident that she will continue to make a significant impact wherever she goes.
Capturing Coco’s high school graduation portraits was more than just a professional assignment for me; it was a celebration of a young woman’s journey and the community that rallied around her to ensure her success. I am grateful to have been part of this special moment and look forward to seeing all that Coco will accomplish in the future.
Final Thoughts
At Brandi Image Photography, we believe in the power of storytelling through images. Coco’s session was a beautiful example of how photography can capture not just moments but emotions, journeys, and aspirations. Thank you to Madi’s Movement, Tory Burch, and Women of Color Golf for making this session possible and for supporting such an incredible young woman. Here’s to Coco and all the amazing adventures that await her!
Reach out if you are interested in scheduling your own portrait session, I’d love to capture your story!
