Air Force Promotion at the Military Women’s Memorial
Last month, I had the honor of photographing an Air Force promotion ceremony at the Military Women’s Memorial inside Arlington National Cemetery — a location that carries so much meaning, history, and reverence. This was such a neat and unique location for a military event. The event was intimate and simple, surrounded by just a few close family members and friends who traveled in to witness such an important milestone. The atmosphere felt peaceful and grounded, exactly what the service member wanted — no spotlight, no grand gestures, just quiet celebration and gratitude.
The newly promoted Lieutenant Colonel is a pilot, but what stood out the most wasn’t his rank — it was his humility. He didn’t want the attention on himself. Instead, the focus was on gratitude and the journey that led him here. His family beamed the entire time. You could feel how proud they were. My favorite images were the quiet moments — the hand squeezes, the smiles after the pinning, the tight hugs that said so much without a word.
This session is extra special to me because this isn’t the first time I’ve photographed this family. I captured their maternity session earlier this year, and next month I get to photograph their newborn session. Watching a family move through such big life chapters — promotions, new babies, new beginnings — is why I love what I do. Photos are more than portraits. They’re a story.
Military Event Photography in Washington DC and Northern Virginia
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