Columbia College Class of 2017 | NASWI | Oak Harbor Photographer

I get teary at weddings....it's just what I do. The pure joy, the heightened emotions, the candid moments...So who knew I'd also be turning on the water works at a graduation celebration?! Photographing Columbia College's graduating class of 2017 at NAS Whidbey Island was such a moving experience.  I loved hearing the students' personal stories of what their degree meant to them, watching the ceremony unfold, and documenting the pride and sense of accomplishment on not only their faces, but also on the faces of their loved ones.  These students not only worked incredibly hard in their academics to get to graduation day, but often juggled studies with full time work and family life.  Everyone was just so happy, and those smiles were contagious. It was an honor to be there, and photograph this achievement.  Congratulations again Columbia College Class of 2017!