Taking Sam’s JMU graduation portraits was a unique and unforgettable experience. Why? Because she took my graduation portraits at the same time!

Sam Lucas is another student photographer at JMU and we had been following each other on Instagram for a while. We have similar styles and a similar approach to business, so I was extremely excited when she agreed to swap senior portraits!

After each of us taking dozens of senior portraits for other people, we were both SO nervous to be on the other side of the lens! Neither of us could believe that after years of capturing purple caps and gowns, it was finally time for us to wear them. Where did the time go?

We had the best time running around the Quad, sharing tips, and talking life and business. We compared locations, poses, and opinions about being photographers. It’s so important for us to understand what our seniors feel when they’re being photographed, so it was a valuable experience for both of us. Another bonus: we each got graduation portraits that we both loved.

Thank you Sam for swapping photos and sharing such an awesome experience with me.

Sam painted this cap herself!! She’s an artist with many outlets. Wilson with a purple sky and a Van Gogh backdrop, could it be any better?

Of course we had to get some portraits with Sam’s camera! Can we even call ourselves photographers if we don’t have pictures of us with our gear?

Sam had a previous senior wear a James Madison Alumni sweatshirt at her session, and she loved it so much that she went out and bought her own so she could take pictures with it! Such a great idea!

To see more JMU graduation portraits, the seniors tag!

To have your own session, check out the seniors page!

Check out Sam’s website!