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!

Swimming - Draughn High School - 01-22-2021

Capturing the Action at Draughn High School Swim Meet in Valdese, NC

This year, I’ve been doing contract work for TPS Photography, a local photography company based in Morganton, NC, that specializes in yearbook photography for various high schools. As part of my work with them, I’ve been covering sports action photography, documenting student-athletes in action.

On the evening of January 22, 2021, I traveled to the Valdese Recreational Department Rec Center to capture the energy of a high school swim meet between Jimmy C. Draughn High School (Valdese, NC) and Patton High School (Morganton, NC). Covering swimming events is always exciting because of the fast-paced nature of the sport and the challenge of capturing the perfect shot as athletes glide through the water.

The Importance of High School Sports Photography

Sports photography is about more than just action shots—it’s about preserving the intensity, skill, and dedication of athletes. High-quality images provide schools, athletes, and families with lasting memories while also playing a crucial role in yearbook and athletic program coverage. From powerful dives to close finishes, every moment tells a story worth capturing.

Here are just a few of my favorite images from the night’s meet.

Book a Professional Sports Photographer

If you’re looking for a professional sports photographer in North Carolina or Southwest Virginia, I’d love to capture the action. Whether it’s swimming, basketball, football, or any other sport, I strive to deliver dynamic images that highlight the energy and passion of the game. Contact me at BenEarpPhotography@gmail.com to schedule sports coverage for your team or organization.