Susan Pellegrino
July 2026 - The Graduate
About the Image(s)
I took this at a high school graduation recently. I cropped, added a slight vignette and then brightened, all in Snapseed.
6 comments posted
Good scene, Sue. If this were just them, then I might object to the vantage point from behind. But as they're walking into a scene filled with other people, it works. I especially like that they're strolling slowly, and we can see the woman on the left with a handbag walking quickly. Posted: 07/03/2026 14:52:50
The way I thought of it in my head, when I took the photo and then again when I chose to share it, was that here is a graduate and her "people" walking off into her future. Posted: 07/12/2026 18:15:21
Lots for my eyes to wander around any enjoy. I like the UD cap and scene of the people mingling in the background. What do you consider the subject of this photo? If it's the three people walking - then capturing their faces/front would make the image more interesting. If the subject is the larger scene/venue - then view of their backs is OK - but I'd suggest that they should occupy less of the frame. As shot - they are so large relative to everything else that I assume they are the subject and I'd rather have them facing the camera. I appreciate that in street photography - you can't control/stage the scene. Posted: 07/12/2026 11:24:39
These are interesting and useful comments that I will consider in the future.
In this instance, I did consider the graduate and her "people" the subject of the photo. It could have been any graduate which is why I never considered the faces mattered. She's just graduated and now she is walking off into her future surrounded by people who will most likely support her as she moves forward. That's why I had them large, but included all of the other scene.
I could have run up ahead of them and captured their faces. But I didn't want this photo to be about or of particular people. Just what graduation means. Posted: 07/12/2026 18:17:53
In this instance, I did consider the graduate and her "people" the subject of the photo. It could have been any graduate which is why I never considered the faces mattered. She's just graduated and now she is walking off into her future surrounded by people who will most likely support her as she moves forward. That's why I had them large, but included all of the other scene.
I could have run up ahead of them and captured their faces. But I didn't want this photo to be about or of particular people. Just what graduation means. Posted: 07/12/2026 18:17:53
Hi Susan,
Your image is truly an event photography! You have captured the essential details, atmosphere of the high school graduation, and highlights of the gatherings of other graduates in white gowns on both sides. The graduate's cap with UD also indicates the school she is graduated from (I am wondering if it is University of Delaware, Upper Darby or Upper Dublin high school?) Taking shots from behind gives the viewer a stronger story of the occasion, and skipping entirely the traditional "stare and smile" at the camera is the right choice. The shadows behind those 3 people hint that the sun, which is widely used as a metaphor for a bright future, is in front of them.
I'd prefer to see the tent of commencement gifts on the left are more visible. I'd suggest to remove the arm of the lady walking in front of the lady in brown dress and the security sign on the top right. Thanks for sharing your event photography. Posted: 07/14/2026 13:31:27
Your image is truly an event photography! You have captured the essential details, atmosphere of the high school graduation, and highlights of the gatherings of other graduates in white gowns on both sides. The graduate's cap with UD also indicates the school she is graduated from (I am wondering if it is University of Delaware, Upper Darby or Upper Dublin high school?) Taking shots from behind gives the viewer a stronger story of the occasion, and skipping entirely the traditional "stare and smile" at the camera is the right choice. The shadows behind those 3 people hint that the sun, which is widely used as a metaphor for a bright future, is in front of them.
I'd prefer to see the tent of commencement gifts on the left are more visible. I'd suggest to remove the arm of the lady walking in front of the lady in brown dress and the security sign on the top right. Thanks for sharing your event photography. Posted: 07/14/2026 13:31:27
Susan, interesting thoughtful image; walking into the future with support of family. Posted: 07/14/2026 14:15:13