Amber: Senior Portraits

She loves the color purple, her dog Simon, and the words that fill a page to tell a story. Meet Amber. She is a Senior at Apple Valley High School and will be graduating in 2009 with plans to go on to college, which you know just warms my heart. She plans to attend Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ and wants to major in English. I am not sure what it is about English majors, but I think I love how eloquent they are. Rachel, Charity and Bonnie were all English Majors at APU whom I have photographed in the past and are now working on their Masters Degrees. Amber was a true joy to photograph, and having her cute dog Simon with us, just added more character to the pictures.

*Thank you Amber for a fun afternoon. It was a pleasure to meet you, your Mom and Simon. Good Luck to you as you pursue your dream at NAU. Blessings, Tira J.

To view more from the session, CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW!

Brian: Senior Portraits

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone! I have a lot to be thankful for this year. Without getting all mushy on you, I will leave you with this. I am thankful for all of my wonderful family, friends, clients, and fellow photographers who frequent this blog, and support my dream of being a photographer. If it were not for you, I wouldn't be here.

Last weekend, David and I made the trek up to Apple Valley High School to meet Brian and his Mom Kerri. Brian was not a huge fan of his senior pictures and wanted something a little more sophisticated and some added character that those traditional pictures can't give you. And, he liked Lauren's pictures so much, that he and his Mom asked me to come up to photograph him. Lauren is Brian's cousin, I think. Brian's Mom is Lauren's Mom's niece, so they are related somehow. Their family is so huge, but after all these years, I haven't figured it out. Sorry Kerri!

Brian brought his dog Sam along for the portrait session, and as you can see in the pictures below, she is a beautiful dog who will definitely miss him when he leaves for college. Speaking of college, Brian is smart, athletic, and will go on to do great things after high school. He plays basketball and baseball for AVHS right now and is hoping to get a scholarship to one of schools he is applying to. Hopefully UCLA, so he is close to home. We had a wonderful time walking around the high school and capturing Brian in his element. His Mom told me that he did not like to have his picture taken. I beg to differ, because look how great he looks below! He rocked this entire session. And, it also helped that he was my first client to be photographed with my new 85 1.2 lens from Powell Camera. I shot this entire session with that lens and it worked like a charm. Plus, Brian was a wonderful model.

Brian, I am so proud of you in all that you have accomplished in high school. Reach for the stars and dream big, it will all be handed to you. Thank you for the opportunity to photograph you for your senior portraits. I wish you all the luck in the world as you embark on the journey we call college.

To view more images from the session, CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW!

Lauren: Senior Portraits

She is all grown up! I can't believe that Lauren will be graduating from high school next year. I first met Lauren almost 9 years ago when she was this cute little girl. Now she has grown into this beautiful young woman who is bound and determined to change the world. After Lauren graduates from Glendora High School, she will spend her first semester of college in Australia, studying abroad. We always thought that Lauren would come to APU for college because that is where her Mom works (with me), but she wants to do something completely different and unique, because that is who she is. We spent last Sunday afternoon roaming around Glendora High School capturing some great images of Lauren and her favorite spots. Gina, Lauren's mom and good friend was tearing up as I was capturing Lauren's images. And while she wasn't tearing up, she was laughing hysterically at Lauren and her funny smiles.

*Thank you Lauren and Gina for a fun afternoon. Lauren, I am so proud of you and can't wait to see what God has in store for you over the next year.

To view more images from our session, CLICK HERE FOR A SLIDESHOW!

*If you are a high school or college senior and are interested in doing senior portraits, please send an email to info@tirajphotography.com

BSOL 117: Azusa Pacific University

A few weeks ago, I was asked by Dr. Dave McIntire to come and take a few group pictures of his current cohort, BSOL 117 and then give them a 5-10 min. pep talk on how I made it through the program, and graduate school. Let me back up a bit for you so you know what the heck BSOL is.

BSOL stands for Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership. It is a major within the (CAPS) Center for Adult and Professional Studies Program at Azusa Pacific University. A few years ago, I started this program, and never thought in a million years that I would ever earn my college degree. The BSOL/CAPS program is designed for working adults, 25 and older who have completed 60 or more college credits and have the desire to complete their college degree. I fell into this category a few years back and went full force into the BSOL program, going to class every week from 6-10 p.m. for 60 weeks. We had a new class every five weeks, and our final project might as well been a mini-dissertation. This program was completely doable since I was so organized. What I will say is that you have to have a serious conversation with your family and friends to let them know your commitment to your education when they begin to wonder where you are, while you are buried in the books or behind your computer. On July 30, 2005, I graduated with my B.S. in Organizational Leadership and I am eternally grateful to Dr. David McIntire for encouraging me along the way.

The individuals in the photo below are going to be graduating on July 25, 2008. They have worked so hard in order to fulfill their lifelong goal of earning a college degree. After we did their mini photo session, we went to their classroom so I could share a little about my journey in the BSOL program, and then how I went on to get my M.Ed. in College Student Affairs. I expressed to them that this program (BSOL) prepared me to be a better leader, writer, friend, and overall person. I would love to have further conversations with anyone who wants to pursue their college degree but never knew how to.

Congratulations BSOL 117! Click here to see more group pictures BSOL 117 - Azusa Pacific University

2008 Undergraduate Commencement at Azusa Pacific University

On May 3rd, at 6 p.m. over 700 undergraduate students began their journey into the Athletic Stadium at Azusa Pacific University which would put to an end, their career as a college student. Each of them has a unique story of how they got into college, the trials and tribulations they went through during college, and now, the story about what their plans are after they walk across the stage, are handed a diploma and shake Dr. Jon R. Wallace' hand.

Getting a college education for many is a requirement in life, and for some, it is a lifelong dream for which this is the final stepping stone. I am so proud of each and every student that graduated on May 3rd! Each of you has brought joy, life, and peace to not only myself, but all of the people you came in contact with at APU, especially your professors.

We (faculty, staff, friend and board of trustees) wish you all the best as you begin your journey in the "real world". Don't ever forget about APU and the tool it has given you to pursue your dream.

To see more of the pictures from the graduation ceremony CLICK HERE for a slideshow! Check back in a few days for all of the photos and a slideshow from the graduate ceremony!

If you are interested in viewing the photos individually and would like to purchase them, you can go here 2008 Undergraduate Commencement Ceremony

Jennifer Stripe, BA in Biology and Dr. Jon Milhon

Amanda: Graduation Portraits

Amanda is a soon to be college graduate who is going to knock her future employers socks off with her intelligence and care for others. She is going to make a huge difference in the field of Social Work.

Amanda was referred to me by my friend Dawn who I did graduation announcements for a few years back, and it was by chance that they had "heard" I was doing grad portraits and announcements again this year. Dawn thanks for the referral! Amanda, thank you for your patience and willingness to be yourself in front of my camera. And finally, congratulations on your upcoming graduation.

I hope you enjoy your slideshow. Click here!

Sonja: Graduation Portraits

Last week, I had the pleasure of taking Sonja's graduation photographs. I had not seen her since she left the APU campus back in December. She flew down from Monterey to have her hair and pictures done for her announcements. I worked with Sonja in the UG Registrar's Office for a few years and I could look out my office and she her bright smile! I am so excited that she will be coming back in May to participate in the commencement ceremony with her friends. Sonja, I am so proud of you and wish you the best, all the years to come.

Enjoy your slideshow!

Bonnie & Brianne: Graduation Portraits

This past weekend, David and I did a graduation photo session or "G" Session for college roommates, Brianne "Bri" and Bonnie. I first met them a while back when I still worked in the Registrar's Office at Azusa Pacific University. I loved it when they were working in the office because they kept life exciting and always served the students who came in with a smile. They are so fun loving that you can't help but enjoy hanging out with them. David and I had a blast taking their pictures and have a lot for you to see as there are three different slideshows.

Click Here to view the slideshow: Senior Year Roommates: Bonnie and Brianne



Click Here to view the slideshow: Bonnie's Graduation Portrait Session




Click here to view the slideshow: Brianne's Graduation Portraits

Haera's Graduation Photo Session

On Sunday, both David and I took Haera's photographs for her Graduation Announcements. It was so wonderful to have David shoot with me yesterday, because he is off in the distance and is able to catch a totally different perspective. Anyone and everyone who knows Haera knows that she is so fun to be around. I am sure that many of you have at least one Armenian friend who is so generous beyond belief and they are just a complete joy. This is Heara. We had a blast taking her pictures and if we would have had more time, we probably could have burned through all of our cards. I loved how she came prepared with her list of where she wanted us to take her pictures, and you have to love how she wanted to have her photo taken with our beloved Cornelius P. Haggard, Th.D. in every outfit. Oh H-A-E-R-A! You are a joy to be around and I am so proud of you for graduating this May. I cannot wait to hear what you will do next in your life. God is going to do some amazing things for you in the years to come. Enjoy your slideshow!

Charity's Graduation Photo Session

On Saturday, I had the opportunity to do a graduation photo session for Charity. I first met Charity a few years ago when I was still working in the Registrar's Office at Azusa Pacific University. She has the greatest personality and is so very smart and talented. Plus, she is extra photogenic with her fantastic smile and gorgeous red hair. Congratulations Charity on all of your accomplishments at APU. I will miss you after May 3rd. Enjoy your slideshow!

Attention Graduating Seniors!

It is time to announce to everyone you are graduating this year!

Tired of those generic Jostens announcements? There is a new alternative out there for you. Why not incorporate a beautiful picture of you into a custom graduation announcement designed by Tira J Photography!

This all started when I graduated with my bachelor's degree in July of 2005 from Azusa Pacific University. I looked at the Jostens announcements and thought none of them expressed who I was as the individual who had worked so hard to accomplish this final goal. I received many compliments on my unique graduation announcements and decided to share them with some of my friends and students who were also graduating from Azusa Pacific University. Soon, this trend has caught on and I have finally gotten to the point where I can now offer these unique graduation announcements to others. Each announcement has a photo done by Tira J Photography and includes all of the appropriate verbiage for your soon to be earned degree. Click here to view samples of previous senior portraits I have taken.

Here are some samples of previous graduation announcements.

For more details about how to order these unique announcements, please contact me through my website.

In a few days, I will post different packages we are offering with the graduation announcements: Portraits, Announcements, Prints, etc.

*note - please be sure you have been cleared by the Registrar's Office before you order your announcements through me.