🎓 Golden Hour Glow & Graduation Joy: Brittney’s Nursing Session at Vanguard University 🌅

Costa Mesa, CA

There’s something truly magical about golden hour… and even more so when you pair it with the radiant spirit of a graduating nursing student who is ready to take on the world! Meet Brittney, a 2025 graduate from Vanguard University in Costa Mesa, CA, whose glow was just as warm and golden as the light surrounding her during this unforgettable session. 💛

This session was extra special because it doubled as a mentoring session with the incredibly talented Ashleigh Magnus Photography! It was a refreshing shift from our usual equestrian work, and such a beautiful reminder of why I love capturing these once-in-a-lifetime milestones.

We met in front of the Scott Academic Center, one of Vanguard’s most iconic backdrops. With its tall pillars, sun-kissed tones, and timeless charm, it created the perfect canvas for Brittney’s session. And let me tell you—Brittney showed up with style! 👗👖🎓

She thoughtfully planned multiple looks for her shoot, each one telling a different piece of her story:
✨ A casual white blouse and jeans for a relaxed, down-to-earth vibe
✨ A dreamy white sun dress that danced in the breeze and glowed in the golden light
✨ Her cap, sash, and gown, symbolizing the hard-earned milestone she’s celebrating
✨ And of course, her white nursing coat and stethoscope—the uniform of her future, full of hope, care, and strength

We moved through each look seamlessly, giving her the space to express all the different facets of her personality—professional, fun, radiant, and confident. 💫

When we first started, Brittney was just a bit camera shy (which is totally normal!). But as the session unfolded and the sun dipped lower, she began to soften and shine. By the end, she had kicked off her shoes, ran barefoot across the sidewalk, and was jumping and skipping through the golden hour like she didn’t have a care in the world. 🙌👣🌞

It was such a joy to witness that transformation—from nerves to total freedom, from hesitation to celebration. These moments are what I live for as a photographer. Her journey to becoming a nurse wasn’t easy, but the way she glowed by the end of this session told me everything I needed to know: she’s ready. 💙

Whether she’s wearing scrubs or her nursing coat, Brittney is about to bring heart, skill, and light to every room she walks into. Congratulations, Brittney! 🎉 The world of healthcare is lucky to have you. And to Ashleigh—thank you for letting me join you on such a special shoot. It was such an inspiring day to capture together.