Chatham Hall, Chatham VA

On my recent trip to Chatham Hall to photograph graduation this year, I met up with Jolie and her beloved horse, Beau for a photo session before the graduation festivities began. – You see, Jolie was graduating from high school and her first horse Beau, was going to stay at Chatham Hall for others to learn to ride. What sweeties…both of them. I’ll have to visit Beau next year at graduation to see how his year was. – Best of luck on your new adventures, Jolie and Beau. – Best of luck to you, Jolie (and Beau) in your new…

The class of 2018 and 2019 getting ready to begin the Lantern Ceremony   Hello to the Chatham Hall community, Thank you for another great time on campus. I am working to get all of your photographs uploaded and online sometime early next week. Until then, the slideshow from graduation is now ready for viewing. After 33 years, I still get emotional putting together these graduation-weekend reflections. I move in and out of feeling like a student again,  a parent,  an artist and then sometimes all at once. I truly hope you enjoy it, too. A big shout out of…

I couldn’t be more impressed by the community that she is entering – nostalgic about the community I return to – and excited about the community that we will share. for me was watching the people of Chatham Hall truly come together as a “community” to support these fine women on their special day.

“Know that you are loved. Encode this in your head and heart. You are worthy.” Suzanne Walker Buck, Rector, Chatham Hall Enjoy the slideshow. And remember, it is a show that requires Adobe Flash, so put down your iPhone or iPad and watch it on your main computer or one that supports Adobe Flash. Slideshow link: http://www.lisarichmondphotography.com/SHOWITSHOWS-/2015_ChathamHall This was my 31st year photographing graduation ceremonies for my alma mater, Chatham Hall in Virginia. Every year it’s an emotional event for me and each year I take away something different from my experiences; listening to the student and faculty speakers and…

  Enjoy the slideshow. And remember, it is a show that requires Adobe Flash, so put down your iPhone or iPad and watch it on your main computer or one that supports Adobe Flash.  http://www.lisarichmondphotography.com/SHOWITSHOWS-/2014_ChathamHall   I just finished this year’s Graduation slideshow. I never know exactly how it is going to turn out or even what music I will use, but I have found over the years that if I just surrender to the creative process and let it happen, everything seems to fall into place. I am grateful for that. This year sifting through countless images, I’m struck…

Being back at Chatham Hall, in many ways, can feel for me like time has stood still. Most of the same traditions still exist as when I was a student at this Virginia Boarding school 30 years ago. My French Teacher, Mary Lee Black, (aka: “Madame”) has remained, although retiring this year after more than two decades of service. Even the students looked familiar, a few of them daughters of my own classmates. I was reminded that the school has also retained the same spirit of generosity and kindness that I remember fondly from my time there; Shelley, my assistant…

As many of you know, each year I fly back to Virgina to photograph the graduation events of my alma mater. This year I got an extra treat, and was able to go back twice. Once for the graduation and then again just two weeks later to photograph Hunter and Schay’s wedding held right there on campus. Having gone to school there myself and returning each year for the past 28 years and photographing Schay in 2006 for her graduation, it truly was special to be able to capture Hunter and Schay in the backdrop of a campus I know…

It’s hard to imagine being anywhere else that first weekend in June. This year marked my 28th Chatham Hall graduation: actually 29, if you include my own graduation back in 1984. I truly enjoy heading across country year after year and documenting this beautiful event in the rolling green hills of Chatham, Virginia. Over the years I have also been allowed the honor of photographing many of the faculty and staff as they have been celebrated for their contributions to this school. This year I photographed Dr. Black, my English teacher from junior year, for his retirement and 30 years…