Year in Pictures 2022: Kid City USA Jasper Graduation

In 2019 I was doing some soul searching. I was going through a creative rut and was really feeling the itch for a change. I thought for a brief moment about changing careers to be an art therapist. After taking one overwhelming online course, I decided that path…and the added expense of it…was not for me.

As the year moved on, my oldest son’s preschool graduation approached. I had no idea a little graduation would give me some clarity on the path ahead. I arrived to the event super early, camera gear in hand, to make sure I had a front row seat to my first born’s first milestone graduation. I knew from experience as a newspaper photographer that some of the best moments happen behind the scenes.

The graduates were tucked away in a classroom waiting for the ceremony to begin and getting dressed in their adorable little caps and gowns. I received permission to take pictures and photographing the event filled my heart up. I left the graduation so energized. It made me realize how much I love taking candid photos of children. How hilarious they are and how real…and also how fast they grow and change.

I have had the opportunity to photograph the Kid City Jasper graduations every year since then and it still lights my heart up. It seriously doesn’t get much cuter than four-and five-year-olds in caps and gowns.

Here’s a look back at my favorite photos from the 2022 graduation…