A Senior Grad Session for the Books — Celebrating Tatum at the University of Montana
This shoot?
Bittersweet doesn’t even begin to cover it. Tatum—one of my dearest friends, a fellow University of Montana Advocate, and an absolute light in my college life—just graduated with her degree in Elementary Education. And I had the honor of capturing her senior grad session.
From welcome week to final exams, we’ve been through it all together. Dorm life, late-night drives, laughter-filled coffee runs—you name it. This shoot felt like a full-circle moment, one that made me realize just how much we’ve grown. (Cue the tears.) Watching her walk across campus in her cap and gown brought memories flooding back—of the two of us as bright-eyed freshmen, wide-eyed and hopeful, and now here she is, stepping boldly into her next chapter.
Tatum’s the kind of girl who was born to be a teacher. Patient, passionate, fiercely smart, and always showing up for others—especially the little ones. Her heart poured into every classroom she’s stepped foot in. Her dream? To shape young minds, one smile and spelling word at a time.
She’s the girl who writes encouraging notes on sticky pads, reads children’s books with animation in her voice, and lights up when she talks about her students. I’ve seen how she’s poured herself into her studies, her practicum hours, and her lesson planning. She’s never just going through the motions—she's living with intention, especially when it comes to her calling as a teacher.
We started her grad session in a spot that’s meant a lot to both of us—The Oval. That grassy patch in the heart of campus where we’ve handed out flyers, prepped orientation schedules, and maybe even busted a few dance moves when no one was looking. It’s been the heartbeat of our college experience—where we gathered with other Advocates, swapped stories between classes, and soaked in Montana sunshine.
I snapped some shots of her twirling in her cap and gown, giggling like we just got here again. It felt like freezing a moment we’ll both hold onto forever. That laughter? The pure joy? That’s what college is supposed to feel like. It was magic.
After the Oval, we made our way down to the Education Building, where she’s spent countless hours prepping to be Miss Tatum—the kind of teacher every kid remembers years later. We even caught golden hour on the steps, and if there’s one thing that girl knows how to do, it’s glow. The light hit just right, casting a warm hue over the brick and bouncing off her curls as she beamed with pride.
She brought along her favorite children's books (classic teacher move), and we got some adorable photos of her reading them like she was already in her future classroom. I couldn’t stop smiling behind the lens—this girl is going to change lives, and I got to witness the beginning of that legacy. The walls in there have seen us grow into ourselves, plan events, and laugh until we cried. I grabbed a candid shot of her by the door, and it hit me: we’ve created a whole era of our lives here.
As the sun dipped behind Main Hall and the evening air cooled, we wrapped up the shoot with one last walk across campus. We didn’t say much—just smiled, hugged, and let the weight of the moment sink in. Tatum’s chapter here is closing, but her story is only beginning. The kids who end up in her classroom? They’re the lucky ones.
Tatum, thank you for being a light in my college life. For the car karaoke, the countless laughs, and the loyal friendship that made Missoula feel like home. You’ve taught me that showing up with heart matters more than being perfect. I am so proud of you. Here’s to crayons, classroom hugs, and a future that’s as bright as your smile.
Let’s Go Change the World, Miss Tatum. You’re going to be the kind of teacher who inspires the next generation of dreamers, doers, and difference-makers. I already know it.
Graduating soon? Wanna make magic like this? Let’s freeze your milestone in time.
Book your senior session today—before your cap flies.
