A Grad Session That Told the Whole Story

For our second Calgary Grad shoot of the 2025 season, Aiden and I had the opportunity to photograph the lovely Livia. We know this grad to be adventurous and free-spirited, while also having a quiet, reflective side. As it turned out, this session unfolded in a way that let us capture both sides of that coin—a celebration as multifaceted as she is.

Starting Soft: Coffee, Flowers, and Personal Touches

In Livia’s questionnaire (yes, we do read these 😊), she shared her love of journaling in cozy coffee shops. She also collects and presses flowers, which she beautifully arranges in a keepsake journal. When she suggested we begin her session at Andsome Flower & Coffee, I hoped it would be the perfect spot to reflect that softer, more creative part of her story. It did not disappoint.

I reached out to the owner, and she kindly let us discreetly photograph during business hours. Livia brought a beautiful branch from a newly blossomed cherry shrub she’d found broken off on her walk to the café. It fit perfectly with the vibe of everything else she had set up on her table, so we had fun finding ways to naturally incorporate it into the photos. I shot this portion with my 50mm f/1.2 while Aiden used the 70–200mm f/2.8 to give us variety in the smaller space.

Bold Color and Big Skies: Calgary Views in a Storm

For the second half, we headed to Mount Pleasant Viewpoint. This location offers the perfect blend of natural beauty and iconic Calgary views. The Bow River and the downtown skyline (especially the Bow building) create a stunning backdrop.

On our way, the skies opened up with a short burst of rain. Watching the weather radar, we could see a larger storm rolling in, giving us about ten minutes to make it count. With help from her mom, she quickly changed into her vibrant pink grad dress (thank you, trusty changing tent!), and we made the most of the diffused light with quick peeks of sun.

As the wind picked up and temperatures dropped, we ducked under a massive tree for shelter while she attempted to get on her cap and gown. It quickly became clear that the elastic on the cap was no match for the wind. Our need for immediate shelter granted us a beautiful, unexpected second location. Livia handled the sudden shift in weather like a total pro. We got a few final shots just before the lightning flashed, the thunder clapped— officially wrapping this grad session.

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3 Ways to Elevate Your Grad Sessions

1. Think Outside the Box—The Answer’s Always No Unless You Ask
Don’t be afraid to contact small businesses or unconventional indoor locations. Livia’s session started in a flower and coffee shop that perfectly matched her vibe—all it took was a simple ask. The right setting can amplify your personality and make your session stand out.

2. Stay Present—The Best Details Aren’t Always Planned
Livia found a broken cherry blossom branch on her walk from the train station to the café, and we used it in several shots alongside her flower journal. Beautiful, authentic moments often come from the unplanned—keep your eyes open and stay ready to pivot.

3. Embrace Flexibility—Magic Happens When You Roll With It
From a quick outfit change in a pop-up tent to dodging storms and shooting under a tree for shelter, Livia’s session was full of surprises. When you trust your photographer’s instincts, you can turn unpredictable moments into powerful images.

Livia’s grad session was a beautiful reminder that the best photos often come from a mix of planning and spontaneity. From cozy coffee shop moments to windswept views of the Calgary skyline, every part of her shoot told a story that felt true to who she is. Let’s make it happen together if you’re dreaming of a grad session that captures your unique personality. Contact us here to start planning a session that feels 100% you.