Lila’s Graduation Photos on the Lawn: A UVA Senior Session with Heart (and a Pup!)


There’s something timeless and electric about spring on the University of Virginia Grounds. Maybe it’s the feeling of new beginnings, or the way the sun catches on the columns of the Rotunda in that soft, golden hour glow. For us as photographers based in Charlottesville, it’s one of our favorite times of year—when the Lawn fills with celebration, the gardens come alive, and graduates don their caps and gowns with pride, joy, and often a few happy tears.

This spring, we had the absolute pleasure of photographing Lila’s graduation photos at UVA, and we’re still smiling about it. Lila brought an incredible energy to her session, confident, radiant, and full of heart. But what made her session extra special? She brought along her sweet dog, who completely stole the show (at least for a few frames!).

Graduation isn’t just about the diploma—it’s about the memories made, the late nights studying, the friendships built, and for Lila, the quiet walks across the Lawn. That’s what we love most about this work, capturing the emotional thread that ties a person to a place and a moment in time.

A sunny outdoor photoshoot featuring a white dress and a friendly dog.
A casual outdoor portrait session with dogs wearing bandanas and a flowing white dress.
A casual portrait session on white marble steps with classical columns in the background.
An elegant portrait session under white columns with brick and garden details.
A dreamy outdoor photoshoot under massive oak trees on a sunny day.
An artistic portrait session on concrete steps with trees in the background.
A playful photoshoot against a brick wall with classical architectural elements.
A joyful portrait session by a brick wall with elegant archways and white trim.
A white brick wall with arched windows and greenery surrounding a pool area in an elegant garden setting.
A white brick wall with arched windows and greenery surrounding a pool area in an elegant garden setting.

A Little Pop of Celebration


As we wrapped up our session, Lila pulled out a bottle of champagne—because what better way to mark the end of an unforgettable chapter? In the fountain garden next to the Rotunda, she popped the bottle with a big laugh and a burst of bubbles. The spray caught the light just right, sparkling in the air as we snapped away. These are some of our favorite shots from the day—joyful, a little messy, and full of life. There’s something about that spontaneous moment that sums up graduation perfectly: it’s a celebration of everything you’ve accomplished and everything that’s still to come.

A dog wearing a graduation cap poses outdoors in a celebratory graduation photoshoot.
A grand white colonial building with red brick columns and wide stone steps leading to its entrance.
A majestic old oak tree spreads its branches over a brick wall and garden area.
A graduation cap shown from behind against a white arched background.

A Note to Future Grads (and Dog Parents)

If you’re planning your own graduation photos at the University of Virginia—or anywhere in Charlottesville—our best advice is to make it personal. Bring the things that matter to you. Wear something that makes you feel incredible. Invite your dog if they’ve been your ride-or-die through your college years (we’re very pro-dog around here in case y'all can't tell). Let your photos tell the best story, yours.

We’re here to help you feel comfortable, confident, and celebrated throughout the session. Whether you’re camera-shy or a total natural like Lila, we promise to meet you where you are and capture your real self. Our job isn’t just to make pretty pictures—it’s to create honest, joyful portraits that reflect the incredible milestone you’ve reached.


Congratulations to Lila and to the entire Class of 2025! You have worn the honors of honor, you have graduated from Virginia. Wahoowa!