These days, I am trying to spend less time online and more time being present. I read a book, suggested to me by a former student, called Digital Minimalism. It was thought provoking and allowed me to acknowledge that I really don’t get much return from social media. It reverberated with what I have long said even on this blog – the best part of photography (and life) are the people I meet. That’s why when Victoria, another former student of mine, asked me if I could photograph her OU college graduation photos, I jumped at the opportunity to spend some time celebrating her win and talking to her about her future plans to become a teacher herself.
We met on a brisk Sunday morning, a few days before her OU college graduation. Oakland University’s campus was quiet and serene. It reminded me a bit of a previous college graduation photoshoot I did on CCS’s campus. Victoria was a fun tour guide, showing me around the grounds and sharing with me her excitement and experiences of student teaching.
Victoria brought with her some of her favorite books. (She was an English major afterall.) As a touching tribute to one of her favorite teachers, she has John Jeffire’s book Motown Burning.