Culture | April 21st, 2025

The Culture Behind Grad Pictures at FAMU

By: Auriel Patton

A Visual Tribute to FAMU Graduates’ Journeys 

At Florida A&M University, graduation photos are more than just a tradition; they are a visual tribute to each student’s journey. For seniors, the pressure is real. It’s not just about picking the right outfit; it’s about choosing the suit or dress that best reflects who they’ve become at FAMU. Then comes the decision of where to shoot: the iconic CASS Building, the historic Coleman Library, the eternal flame, or maybe all three. Each backdrop carries its own meaning, and together, they help tell a story years in the making. 

Planning the Perfect Look 

From the moment the spring semester begins, the campus transforms. Photographers are booked months in advance, caps and gowns are ordered and students begin curating the perfect look, for their shoot. For some, it’s a classic green and orange stole paired with a formal dress. For others, it’s a custom robe embroidered with honors, organizations, and personal sayings. Each outfit is a visual story of the student’s experience at FAMU. 

Personalizing the Graduation Experience 

Jayla Royal, a graduating senior majoring in public relations, reflected on the careful thought that went into curating her graduation looks. 

“I changed outfits three times during my shoot,” Royal said. “I wanted to showcase every part of my journey. My sorority, my major, and the campus organizations shaped me. Each one played a role in who I’ve become.” 

Honoring Family Legacy 

For many seniors, graduation photos are also a way to honor the legacy of their families. Ja’Myah Lawhorn, a senior majoring in public relations, is one of those students whose graduation marks the continuation of a cherished family tradition. 

“I’m carrying on a legacy,” Lawhorn said. “My mom graduated from FAMU, and I’m the second generation to walk across that stage. It’s been a dream of hers for me to be here, and now it’s my turn to honor that.” 

For Lawhorn, her graduation photos represent the culmination of years of hard work and determination, but also the pride of knowing she’s following in her mother’s footsteps. 

“Every time I look at those pictures, I’ll remember that I’m part of something bigger than myself,” Lawhorn added. “It’s more than just a moment; it’s a family tradition that I’m proud to carry forward.” 

The Photographer’s Perspective 

While students feel the weight of making these moments perfect, photographers like Usher Williams, a second-year business administration major, also experience their own challenges. Williams, who is shooting graduation pictures for the first time this year, recognizes the importance of capturing these moments. 

“As a first-time grad photographer, I know how much these photos mean to the students,” Williams said. “I want to capture the significance of each moment, not just the smile, but the emotions behind it. It’s not just about taking pictures; it’s about preserving memories they’ll cherish forever.” 

For Williams, capturing these moments feels like more than a job; it’s a responsibility to ensure that the memories of a lifetime are preserved with authenticity and care. 

Reflecting on Legacy and Growth 

As graduation day draws near, each senior will take their final step on a path that shaped them into the person they are today. Their graduation photos will serve as lasting reflections of their experiences, their legacies, and the stories they’ll carry with them for the rest of their lives. 

Whether it’s a nod to their campus achievements, a tribute to their family’s history, or a celebration of personal growth, these photos become a reminder that FAMU is more than just an institution. It’s a chapter in a much larger story.