Braxton…The Graduate

I’ll be honest. I struggled with the title of this post for a second. After typing “Braxton’s Senior Session,” and realizing that he’s no longer a high school senior, it was back to the drawing board. After all, he has been out of high school for three whole weeks. That part of life is ancient history, right? Aafter toiling for awhile, I settled on

“The Graduate.”

Although he is now a graduate, allow me to brag on Braxton’s high school career for a bit before spilling the tea on what’s to come for this handsome young man. After speaking with him and his mom during our time together, I discovered that Braxton has always been a standout. As he matriculated through Louisville’s DuPont Manual High School, he excelled not only in sports but in academics as well. He ran track and played football for the entirety of his high school years and graduated with a 3.7 GPA.

In addition to that, Braxton stood out to the big wigs in the school district. He was selected as one of Jefferson County Public School’s Black Males of Excellence and was featured on the cover of the JCPS Envision Equity Magazine.

BRAVO!!!

The setting for this graduate session was a new place for me to shoot. Braxton wanted something less fru-fru and opted for a more urban look, which landed us at the Dave Armstrong Extreme Park aka “The Skate Park” to locals. This place is a mixture of bars, ramps, tunnels, and stairs-perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages. When it first opened it was a twisting, turning maze of clean, grey concrete; however, that is no longer the case. Local artisans have created some beautiful murals around the perimeter and other artists (of sorts) have filled the interior with graffiti. I guess the grey was just too boring. I’ve never been a fan of defacing property, but I have to admit it does look pretty freakin’ cool.

Although we had to dodge skaters, running kids, skateboarders jumping over things (and falling), and a couple of downtown roamers, it was so worth it. This location was perfect. It definitely stands out among other locations, which is very fitting for Braxton’s session. It was hot, but there was a nice breeze that made it bearable. Or maybe it was Braxton that brought the breeze with his cool, confident persona and assortment of accessories and fashion-forward ensemble choices. This “cool” was apparent in all of his photos, but there are some that you can tell he was feeling like a model. You’ll know which ones…

We are awaiting Nike’s call for their next big ad campaign.

Kim, Braxton’s mom was so proud yet sad to report that her middle baby boy will be leaving Louisville soon for training and then on to attend the Air Force Academy, where he will play football, defensive back to be specific. I’m not sure what that position does (or any other position for that matter), but I have no doubt that Braxton will be a standout. You see, Braxton was scoped out and scooped up by recruiters on a mission to see his teammates. Yes, it’s like in the movies. Recruiters were supposed to be looking at him and him, but were impressed with Braxton to the point of offering him a signing. His story goes to show that when God is on your side, it doesn’t matter who tries to stand in your way or block your blessing, it won’t succeed. Why? Because…

What God has for you is for you!

(insert praise dance if that’s your thing)

Braxton, congratulations on your many successes in life so far. You are a remarkable young man, and I have no doubt that you will continue to be a standout wherever life takes you.

-Shannon