From Chapel Hill to Columbia: A Carolina Photographer’s Unexpected Love Letter to USC | College Grad Feature

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The great thing is that regardless of the settings or occasions, what I love most about my job never changes: when my subjects see their images, they feel FAMOUS, BIGGER than LIFE… and doesn’t everyone deserve to feel that once in a while?

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North-Carolina-Senior-Photographer — I had the honor of making Brysen’s high school senior portraits when she was a part of the LPJ Rep Team 2021. Fast forward four years and we got to do it all again for her college grad pictures.

Anyone who knows me knows that when I say “Carolina,” I mean “North Carolina.” I bleed Carolina Blue, I get chills walking past the Old Well, and the bell tower chimes like music to my soul. But last week? Last week, I crossed the border into “the other” Carolina—and y’all, I’m still buzzing.

I spent the BEST time at the University of South Carolina photographing the amazing Brysen and some of her favorite people in the world as she celebrated her college graduation. As a professional photographer based in North Carolina, I travel for all kinds of shoots—but this one was special. And not just because Brysen absolutely slayed her senior session (spoiler alert: she did).

Let’s just say I got a brand-new appreciation for USC—yes, that USC. The campus is STUNNING. The iconic Horseshoe? Gorgeous. The palm trees and red brick buildings? Picture-perfect. And don’t even get me started on Williams-Brice Stadium. That venue is flipping incredible. I can TOTALLY see how the Gamecocks love the place. It’s electric, even when it’s empty.

As someone deeply rooted in UNC photography, heading to Columbia was a bit like entering rival territory—but what I found was a beautiful, vibrant campus full of energy, tradition, and pride. Brysen made it even more meaningful. Her joy, her friends, her family, and that golden hour light? Magic.

Why I Travel for Graduation Photography

I’m often asked if I shoot outside North Carolina. The answer is YES! Whether you’re a Tar Heel, a Gamecock, or anywhere in between, my goal is always the same: to capture your story in a way that’s authentic, joyful, and uniquely you. Graduation is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, and being invited to document it—no matter where—is the greatest honor.

So, while my heart belongs to Chapel Hill, I’ve got to say: Columbia, you’re a vibe. And Brysen? You’re the reason I’ll never say “Carolina” the same way again… well, sorta! 😉

Planning a Graduation Shoot at the University of South Carolina?

Here are a few quick tips for fellow grads (and photographers!) looking to shoot on USC’s campus:

Bring your people! Friends, family, pets—whoever helped you get to the finish line.

The Horseshoe is a must for classic, timeless portraits.

Williams-Brice Stadium adds bold, dramatic flair—especially for Gamecock fans.

Oh, and plan around golden hour for that soft, glowy light around the fountain. Trust me.

Whether you’re graduating from UNC, USC, or somewhere else entirely, I’d love to help you celebrate. I promise to bring the same energy, creativity, and eye for storytelling—Tar Heel loyalty and all 😉

Looking to book a graduation photographer in North Carolina or South Carolina?
Let’s make some magic together. Contact me here or DM me on Instagram to get started!