Photographing graduates is both challenging and gratifying.  The challenge is that I am photographing someone who has, in many ways, become their own person with their own views, likes and dislikes.  Often times the photographs being taken are to satisfy an audience who view the graduate from a different perspective.  it may be a son or daughter, grandchild, niece or nephew, close friend, classmate, significant other, etc... Understanding this is paramount in creating a portrait that will please both the graduate and the audience. Encouraging the grad to play with their appearance and attempt to see themselves from these different perspectives gives my work variety.  The blending of colors, style, location, props, background, body position and expression helps to make the finished statement about that particular moment in time.  That is the challenge.  The gratification comes in the sharing of time, conversation, opinions and interests.