I first spotted Maddy—member of the Navy Spirit Team—across the room at Commissioning 101 in February 2025.


Through a crowd, I pointed at her and said, “YOU need photos with me.”


She simply nodded yes, like it was already decided. Just like that, I had my very first Class of 2026 booking.


Maddy has a presence that is impossible to miss. She truly glows. But as we planned her Naval Academy senior portrait session and spent time together, I learned that what makes her remarkable runs so much deeper.


She is intelligent, free-spirited, energetic, and incredibly thoughtful. Every detail of her USNA session felt purposeful—especially her wish to honor her grandfather, a Naval Officer who is laid to rest in the Columbarium.


Maddy had preselected the submarines for her photos, but what mattered most to this future Naval Officer was incorporating her grandfather’s legacy. With construction underway, we weren’t sure whether the Columbarium would be accessible. Still, we made the trek, carrying hope along with his ring. Thankfully, she got her wish: photos with both his ring and his stone.


It was an honor to document a chapter that held so much meaning—not only Maddy’s time as a Midshipman at the United States Naval Academy, but also the family legacy that helped shape her path forward.


The submarine community is gaining a true leader in Maddy. I’m grateful I got to know her, celebrate who she is, and preserve the beginning of what I know will be a long and successful Naval career.


Congratulations, Maddy. The future is bright—and you are more than ready for it. 💜


Searching for a Naval Academy photographer in Annapolis? I love documenting USNA Midshipmen and their families as they celebrate this meaningful milestone.

Woman in white military dress uniform holding a cap, standing under arched lights of Dhalgren Hall
Midshipman in choker white uniform walking through elegant stone colonnade corridor in black and white photography.
Black and white photo of a young woman in a white uniform in a columned corridor, looking back over her shoulder and USNA Annapolis, Md
US Naval officer in choker white dress uniform saluting near submarine monument surrounded by pink roses.
Midshipman in white naval uniform walking past submarine monument at U.S Naval Academy Annapolis, Maryland
Smiling female naval officer in white dress uniform standing among colorful flowers with blurred building background.
Female naval academy graduate in white dress uniform seated near garden, portrait photo.
Naval Academy Midshipman Portrait in choker white naval officer uniform holds her cap while posing in front of pink flowers.
Smiling female naval officer wearing Navy Spirit shirt, pointing at it outdoors.
Naval Academy Woman in white naval uniform sitting on wooden bridge boardwalk, smiling, holding white cap, wearing heels.
Female naval officer in white dress uniform leaning on wooden pier railing, smiling.
Female naval officer in white dress uniform holds cap while standing on wooden pier at sunset.
Female Navy officer in white uniform stands at attention before military columbarium wall with American flags.
A hand places class ring on a military columbarium wall at Naval Academy with engraved name plaques at a veterans cemetery.
Close-up of military columbarium wall niches with memorial vases at golden sunset light.
Naval Academy Midshipman salutes grandfather's grave
Naval Academy Midshipman leans on columbarium near her grandfather's name
Naval Academy Midshipman leans on columbarium near her grandfather's name
Smiling female naval officer in white uniform displays class ring near military columbarium with American flags.
Female naval officer in white uniform placing grandfathers class ring on memorial wall at USNA.
Close-up of military columbarium niche for Captain John David Peters USN 1936-2021 with memorial vase.
Female naval officer in white dress uniform walks along tree-lined path holding her cap.
Smiling female naval officer strolls down shaded sidewalk in white military dress uniform.
Female naval officer in white dress uniform leans on railing holding cap on tree-lined path.
Female naval officer smiles while leaning on railing holding her cap in white dress uniform.
Female naval officer in white dress uniform poses on bridge at dusk near historic building.
Silhouette of a military officer in dress uniform saluting against a vibrant pink and orange sunset sky.
Female naval officer in white dress uniform stands by bollard at waterfront during sunset.
Smiling female naval officer in white dress uniform holds cap near waterfront at sunset.
Female naval officer in white dress uniform walks through grand arched building entrance.
Female USNA Midshipman in white dress uniform descending stone steps of Mahan Hall