fellow cardinals' graduation photos at Saginaw Valley State University in Saginaw, Michigan

Last week I had the awesome opportunity to do a small session with two amazing girls at Saginaw Valley State University (SVSU). We only had a short period of time together, but we made the best out of it, taking photos in various spots around campus. Both Carrie and Lisa donned their graduation gowns and somehow managed to make the traditionally baggy garb look cute!

Lisa and I have known each other for seven or eight years. We first met working together in The Conference Center at SVSU where I worked for about five years. Since I graduated, Lisa and I have done our best to keep in touch by meeting for lunch or dinner any chance we have. Carrie and Lisa, though, have known each other since HIGH SCHOOL! These girls grew up together as best friends and not only graduated high school together but now from SVSU with their MASTERS degrees! I'm so happy I was able to help capture such a special milestone in their beautiful friendship!

Now, for some fun facts regarding natural light and photography: It was a bright, sunny day with little to no clouds in the sky the day of this session, which was nice because it made the Michigan winter feel not quite so cold (although, it has been unusually warm this year, hasn't it?). While skies like this are pretty, and it is nice to feel that warm sun on your skin, cloudless skies can also create a bit of a challenge for photographers. The sun has such a beautiful, warm light for photos, but its light is also harsh. Not only can it create sun flares in photos, but it also makes for some high contrast between the lights and shadows in photos. This is why photographers often seek out shade during their sessions. Both shade and clouds help create a softer light like a studio soft box would!

Take a look at some of Lisa's and Carrie's graduation photos at Saginaw Valley State University below!