This week I had one of my favorite sessions of all time with a repeat client who is a Midshipman, more specifically, a future Marine Corps Pilot at the prestigious United States Naval Academy! It was an experience I couldn’t wait to share with all of you here on Kelly Eskelsen Photography’s blog!
We began our shoot in none other than Dalgren Hall, You know it is one of my favorites, especially if you have read this post. Dhalgren is renowned for its stunning architecture, Those lights make my favorite backdrops! And I knew I wanted to include the Wright Flyer replica since this is a future Marine Corps Pilots. As luck would have it, we had the most perfect natural light I’ve ever encountered in Dhalgren! It cascaded through the grand windows, creating striking and dramatic shadows, which was exactly the look I wanted for this Midshipman’s photos since she was rocking that tough looking flight suit! It was nothing short of magical.
We also took some in the breezeway before Bancroft Hall and we made sure to get some in her MARPATS too. The Naval Academy was beautiful for this photoshoot and we mainly stayed on red beach! Walking around the yard with this sween Midshipman and taking photos was a lot of fun. There’s something so inspiring about being in the presence of someone who’s committed to serving their country, and capturing that essence was my main goal for the day. We explored, laughed, and, most importantly, created some incredible photographs for her and her family to remember this important time in their lives.
As a photographer, I’m always looking to push the boundaries and explore different lighting conditions to bring out unique aspects of my subjects. For this shoot, we also ventured into experimenting with harsh lighting. The idea was to showcase the toughness of the uniform and the strength of character it represents. We photographed her in her Marpat (Marine Pattern) uniform, and the results were stunning. The shadows and highlights added depth and intensity to the images, highlighting the resilience and determination of our future Marine Corps pilot.
Having her as a repeat client is a joy. It’s a testament to the trust and connection we’ve built over our sessions together. Each shoot brings its own set of challenges and learning experiences, and this one was no exception.
The United States Naval Academy provided a picturesque setting that was both inspiring and humbling. As we moved through the historic halls and across the scenic yard, I was reminded of the importance of capturing these fleeting moments in time.
This photo shoot was not just about taking pictures; it was about storytelling, capturing the spirit of a future leader, and the solemn beauty of the academy. Each photograph tells a story of dedication, courage, and the journey ahead.
I’m so grateful for the opportunity to have worked on this photoshoot at the United States Naval Academy with such a remarkable Midshipman and future marine! It’s shoots like these that remind me why I love photography so much – it’s all about capturing the essence of the moment, the personality of the subject, and the unspoken stories that deserve to be told.
Thanks for following along on this adventure with me. Stay tuned for more stories and shoots from Kelly Eskelsen Photography, where we capture the moments that truly matter.
Kelly is a USNA Midshipman photography specialist in Annapolis, Maryland. She is also a Navy veteran, wife, and mom of 4. She talks way too much and loves to do anything outside! Find more out more about her on her website! Kelly Eskelsen Photography
