 Earning my first Master’s degree was the culmination of countless late nights, moments of self-doubt, and a long series of small victories. Holding that piece of paper in my hand brought a mix of pride and relief. I felt a sense of accomplishment, a moment of validation where all the sacrifices, the missed gatherings, and the challenges finally made sense. I also felt an underlying excitement for the world of possibilities that had opened. As a portrait photographer in Tokyo, I occasionally get the chance to work with clients who want to celebrate their own academic accomplishments. I recently had the opportunity to work with Kelly Ann, who just earned her Master’s degree and wanted to capture this pivotal time with a custom portrait session. Kelly Ann wrote: "I'm graduating with my Master's degree this September and won't be able to attend the ceremony. Still, I would like to wear a hakama and have graduation photos taken to celebrate. I have a campus setting in mind; I’m graduating from the University of Tokyo, and I think the campus has several scenic areas that would be great for photos (the Clock Tower, Akamon Gate, Sanshiro Pond are the places I’m thinking of specifically). I guess that it would fall into the category of environmental portraits – I really like how you incorporate settings in a lot of your photographs. Since I’m leaving Japan for my next adventure, I’d like the environment to stand out as a reminder of my time at Tokyo University." Despite the thick, humid, heat-heavy blanket laid over Tokyo, I met Kelly Ann at the University of Tokyo's main Hongo campus. Though scorching, the late afternoon light was full of golden hues, and as soon as I saw Kelly's beautiful hakama, I knew the portrait shoot was going to go well. The campus provided a perfect mix of architecture and lush greenery, offering us myriad possibilities for environmental portraits. There’s something about special milestones that cuts through the weather. Working with Kelly Ann was a reminder of how meaningful academic victories are, and how honored I felt to be asked to preserve her achievement through my lens.
 
  
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