CSUSM Graduate Session | Andrew

This CSUSM graduate session was a blast because I got to hang out with one of my oldest and dearest friends! Marietta and I have been besties since seventh grade! So, when her son Andrew graduated from California State University San Marcos, I was thrilled to be a part of it. I have watched her adorable son grow from infancy to adulthood. I have also seen his personality blossom from a shy child to an engaging, extroverted adult. Life is truly amazing! I think one of the greatest gifts we have is to live life with our friends. Watching them become parents and raise little, amazing humans, makes life even that much better.

Combining spending time with one of my best friends, walking around a gorgeous university, and laughing with spirited senior can only lead to a great time! Andrew is such a character, just like his father. If you have ever met one of these Minjares men, you understand that they have HUGE personalities. You also undestand that they are incredibly loveable, engaging, and gregarious. Marietta also described her son as imaginative and charismatic. Perfect explanation.

Andrew majored in Communications and minored in Theater but also spent time with the CSUSM choir, Oreientation Team, and Westminster Men’s Chorus! So busy and so talented! He is recognized on campus by many because of his role in helping new students as well.

CSUSM Graduate Session

Whenever I shoot at a university, I try to find the most iconic spots. What makes the university stand out? What will the graduates remember years from now? What buildings were significant to them? These are the types of questions I like to ask my seniors. These sessions need to be personal and the they need to reflect the personalities, characters, and interests of the graduate.

When shooting seniors, I encourage them to always bring their cap and gown and anything else that makes them uniquely THEM. Sometimes these objects can be books, instruments, sporting equipment, pets, letterman’s jackets, etc. With Andrew, what was important to him was theater…so we went to the theater! Singing, music, performance…these were the things most important to him. So, this is what we captured. Andrew singing on stage, sitting in the theater, owning his dominion. The goal was to capture his character, his interests, and his beloved time at CSUSM.

Here are some other blogs where you can see how I chose to capture high school and college graduates.