Session Spotlight: Reid Koch | Cap & Gown Grad Session


Reid’s cap and gown session was one for the books—filled with sunshine, laughter, and a whole lot of heart.


We started the morning at my natural light studio in Downtown Edwardsville before heading to the Edwardsville Public Library. The weather? Absolute perfection. The sun showed up in full support of this milestone moment, and Reid brought her calm, confident energy that made the whole shoot feel light and effortless.


This session was extra special because Reid is family. I’ve known her since she was a baby—this blonde cutie with the sweetest curls—and now here she is, a Class of 2025 graduate of Mater Dei Catholic High School in Breese, IL, heading off to chase her dreams. I can’t wait to see where life brings her. I have no doubt she’ll tackle whatever comes her way.


Reid is one of those people who’s just easy to be around. She’s laid back, up for anything, and carries this quiet confidence that shines through in every photo. She’s also a total powerhouse—off to Murray State University to study Agriculture and continue barrel racing at the college level.


In addition to her classic cap and gown photos, she brought along her accolades and a Murray State pennant to celebrate the next chapter. We even tried a confetti cannon (which, thanks to the wind, made us laugh more than anything). Some of my favorite shots were the ones on the bench and inside the library. We had to keep the giggles quiet, but those little moments? Pure gold.


Reid, if I could give you one piece of advice, it would be this: Be fearless. Step outside your comfort zone. College is about discovering who you are as an adult—it shapes you in the best ways. I hope when you look back at these photos, you feel proud of the young, confident woman you’ve become.


And I hope you always remember: you are deeply loved and cheered on every step of the way. 💛🎓



A college student in yellow Murray State shirt sits casually on hardwood floor with university pennant on wall.
Enthusiastic student showing off Murray State Racers t-shirt with school pennant displayed behind.
Graduate in white blouse and gold sash sits on bench holding diploma while posing for outdoor graduation photo.
Graduate in white blouse and gold sash sits on outdoor bench holding diploma with academic building behind.
Graduate in white dress and orange stoles poses outdoors on graduation day at campus with diploma holder.
A graduate in a white dress with yellow sash poses happily with diploma outside a building with arched windows.
Graduate in black cap and gown raises arms in celebration outside historic university building.
Graduate in blue cap and gown with gold stole and honors cords poses outdoors on graduation day.
A graduate in blue cap and gown with yellow honors cords poses outdoors on campus.
Person with surprised expression holds up a navy blue diploma or graduation folder with bright pink nails outdoors.
Graduate in blue cap and gown celebrates with joyful pose outdoors on campus while wearing gold cords.
A graduate in a white dress poses with diploma holder while sitting on stone steps among landscaping.
Graduate in white dress holding Murray State university pennant poses against stone wall.
Graduate in white dress poses in university library with blue diploma holder against backdrop of bookshelves.
Graduate in white dress makes playful shushing gesture while posing in library with bookshelves in background.
Graduate in white dress poses cheerfully between library bookshelves holding diploma.
Graduate in blue cap and gown holding diploma against brick wall with reflective windows and outdoor seating.
Graduate wearing blue graduation gown poses joyfully with diploma roll in front of brick building.
Graduate celebrates in blue graduation gown with gold honors stole while confetti falls against brick wall.
Graduate in white dress and blue gown smiles while posing outside building with glass windows.
Graduate wearing white dress and blue graduation gown with gold honor cord smiles joyfully during outdoor photo session.