Cap & Gown Portrait Session - Barbie Randall

Cap & Gown Sessions: Celebrating College Graduates with Professional Photography

Cap and gown sessions aren’t just for high school seniors—college graduates deserve to celebrate their hard work, too! Recently, Barbie Randall reached out to me for a graduation photoshoot to commemorate earning her Associate of Applied Science in Business Administration – Management Emphasis from Tri-County Technical College in Pendleton, South Carolina. She’s now continuing her education at the University of South Carolina, pursuing her MBA.

Barbie, who lives in Anderson, South Carolina, met me in downtown Kings Mountain, North Carolina, for her session. A fun fact—she’s actually my cousin on my stepdad’s side of the family, and we hadn’t seen each other in over 20 years! It was a great session filled with catching up, laughing, and, of course, capturing amazing images. But even if you’re not family, I promise all of my photography sessions are just as fun!

The overcast skies on the day of our shoot provided perfect, even lighting, and thankfully, it wasn’t as cold as the rest of January had been. Below are a few of my favorite shots from the session.

Book Your Graduation Photography Session Now!

With May quickly approaching, graduation season is almost here! I’ll be taking the entire month of March off to spend time with my wife and our new baby boy, who we’re expecting on March 8th. However, I’m currently booking sessions for April and beyond. My schedule fills up quickly, so let’s get your session on the calendar now!

Click on the Contact tab at the top of my website to secure your session today. Let’s celebrate your achievements with stunning, professional photography!

Mountain Burrito

Mountain Burrito: The Best Spot for Tacos, Nachos, and Burritos in Morganton, NC

After a long hike in the Linville Gorge, a refreshing swim at Wilson Creek, or even just a busy day at the office, nothing hits the spot quite like a flavorful burrito, a plate of loaded nachos, or some delicious tacos. When I need my fix, I head straight to Mountain Burrito in Morganton, North Carolina.

Owner Bryan Drake is a true master in the kitchen. From perfectly seasoned meats to handcrafted salsas, every bite at Mountain Burrito is packed with flavor. One visit is all it takes to start planning your next.

The Mountain Burrito Experience

When you walk into Mountain Burrito, you'll notice the ordering process is similar to an assembly line. Friendly staff members behind the counter build your meal as you select your ingredients.

First, you’ll choose your base—burrito, nachos, naked burrito, or tacos (soft or hard shell). If you're lucky, Bryan might have a daily special written on the blackboard near the entrance. If it’s Tuesday at lunchtime, I highly recommend the fish tacos. And if chili is on the menu, trust me—you need to try it.

Next, you’ll pick your protein: pork, chicken, steak, or chorizo. Vegetarians, don’t worry—there are plenty of meat-free options available too. Then, you’ll choose between black beans, pinto beans, or grilled onions. Occasionally, Bryan offers seasonal ingredients like potatoes, which are always a great addition.

Once your meal moves down the line, it's time for the fresh veggies and salsa toppings. Above the counter, a blackboard lists an ever-changing variety of house-made salsas ranging from mild to spicy, including tomato-based options and unique seasonal fruit and veggie blends.

My Go-To Order

Personally, I always go for steak nachos with black beans, pickled onions, regular chopped onions, cabbage, and shredded cheese—plus the creamy queso already smothered on top. I finish it off with a mix of chipotle sauce and tomato ranch for the perfect balance of smoky and tangy flavors.

Before digging in, I make a quick stop at the large stand-up table in the center of the restaurant to drizzle on some of their famous garlic oil. If you're a garlic fan, you're in for a treat. Even if you're not, Mountain Burrito’s flavors will keep you coming back for more.

Why You Should Visit Mountain Burrito

Mountain Burrito isn’t just a place to grab a meal—it’s a must-visit destination for food lovers in Morganton. The laid-back vibe, fresh ingredients, and creative menu make it a favorite for locals and visitors alike. Whether you eat at the outdoor picnic tables or take your meal to go, you’re in for an amazing dining experience.

So, if you ever find yourself in Morganton, NC, I highly recommend stopping by Mountain Burrito. Once you try it, you’ll be hooked.