Some senior sessions are beautiful because of the location. Others are memorable because of the styling. And then there are sessions like Catherine’s—sessions that are unforgettable because they tell the story of who someone truly is.
Meet Catherine, an ASU Graduate and Future Veterinarian
Catherine Campagnolo recently graduated from Arizona State University, and from the moment I met her, it was clear that her future is going to be filled with compassion, purpose, and a whole lot of animals.
I’ve actually had the pleasure of meeting Catherine’s family when they bought Kingsmark Kennels, one of Flagstaff’s most trusted pet care providers. As the owners of Kingsmark, her parents have a strong passion for all creatures and it’s easy to see how growing up in that environment helped shape Catherine’s own love for pets and her passion for veterinary medicine. As a fellow pet parent, I’ve trusted the Kingsmark team with my own dog, Big Joe so it was especially meaningful to photograph this milestone for their daughter.
Currently working as a veterinary technician at High Country Humane, Catherine is already building the foundation for the career she has dreamed about for years. Her next step is veterinary school, with the ultimate goal of becoming an emergency veterinarian. Considering her dedication, intelligence, and natural connection with animals, I have no doubt she is going to achieve that dream.
When planning her graduation portrait session, it was important that we include the things that are most meaningful to her. For Catherine, that meant bringing along two very special companions: her cat, Lola, and her bearded dragon, Miss Glizzard.
But there was another animal who played an equally important role in this session.
The Dog Who Inspired a Career in Veterinary Medicine
One of my favorite images from Catherine’s graduation portraits is a photograph of her holding a framed picture of her beloved dog, who has since gained his angel wings. He was what many of us lovingly call a “heart dog”—that once-in-a-lifetime companion who leaves paw prints on your heart forever. Catherine shared that he was one of the biggest inspirations behind her decision to pursue veterinary medicine. The love she had for him and the desire to help other animals live healthy, happy lives helped shape the path she is on today. That portrait is far more than a graduation photograph; it’s a tribute to a cherished companion and a reminder of the reason behind her future career. Though he is no longer by her side, his influence continues to guide her journey every day.
As a photographer, I absolutely love when clients include their pets in a session because it allows us to tell a much deeper story. In Catherine’s case, including Lola, Miss Glizzard, and honoring the dog who inspired her career made this session uniquely personal. Animals aren’t simply part of her life—they are at the very center of the future she is building.
Watching Catherine interact with her pets throughout the session was one of my favorite parts of the evening. There was such a natural bond between them, and those moments created some of the most genuine images of the day. Whether she was cuddling Lola or proudly posing with Miss Glizzard, her love for animals shined through in every photograph.
One thing I learned about Catherine is that she describes herself as outgoing and girly, and that energy was present throughout the entire session. She brought such a positive attitude and fun spirit to every pose, making the experience feel effortless. Her bright personality combined perfectly with the excitement of celebrating such a major milestone.
As an Arizona State University graduate, Catherine has already accomplished something significant. College is a time of growth, challenges, friendships, and discovering who you want to become. When asked what she would miss most about college, her answer was simple: her friends. I think that speaks volumes about the kind of person she is. While academic achievements are important, the relationships we build along the way often become some of our most treasured memories.
Not surprisingly, Catherine’s favorite class was microbiology. For someone pursuing veterinary medicine, that passion for science makes perfect sense. The curiosity and dedication required to excel in subjects like microbiology are the same qualities that will serve her well as she continues her education and eventually cares for animals in emergency situations.
Of course, no graduation session would be complete without celebrating the achievement itself. We captured plenty of traditional graduation portraits that highlighted this exciting transition from student to professional. Seeing Catherine in her graduation attire was a reminder of just how much hard work, determination, and perseverance it takes to reach this point.
As the evening continued, I found myself thinking about how perfectly aligned Catherine’s goals are with her personality. Some people choose careers because they’re practical. Others choose them because they are passionate. Catherine’s path into veterinary medicine is clearly driven by a genuine desire to help animals and the people who love them.
In five to ten years, Catherine hopes to be working as an emergency veterinarian. After spending time with her, I can easily picture her doing exactly that—providing care during some of the most critical moments in a pet’s life while offering comfort and reassurance to worried families. It takes a special combination of knowledge, confidence, empathy, and resilience to thrive in emergency medicine, and Catherine already demonstrates many of those qualities today.
Catherine, thank you for trusting me to document this incredible chapter of your life. It was such a joy getting to know you, meeting Lola and Miss Glizzard, and learning about the dog whose love helped inspire your future career. Congratulations on your graduation from Arizona State University! I have no doubt that veterinary school is only the beginning of an amazing journey.
The future is bright, and I can’t wait to see all the lives—both human and animal—that you’ll touch along the way.
As a Flagstaff Senior Photographer, I love creating sessions that reflect each graduate’s unique personality. If you’re looking for senior portraits that celebrate your personality, passions, pets, and the things that make your story unique, I’d love to help you create a session that’s authentically you. Fill out our inquiry form and I’ll be in touch soon!