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 with the theme: Time Marches On. We have a brand new class of high school graduates, the Class of 2014: well equipped for the world, confident, and about to embark on their next adventures in life. Time marches on. This year marks my thirtieth year photographing graduation as well as my thirtieth reunion from Chatham Hall. As an extra-special reminder of the ticking clock, my nephew Cam, a recent college graduate and photographer, flew down from the Northeast to help me out this year. How lucky I am not only to have been a student at this fabulous school, but also to be in the position of seeing a place shift and change over time.
This year I lost a friend. In fact, we all lost a friend. Ann Beal, educator at Chatham Hall for twenty-nine years (once my English teacher too), lost her battle with cancer (see “My Friend Ann” http://lisarichmondphotography.com/blog/?p=11528).
I had known Ann since she arrived at the school. We arrived the same time. I have been visiting Chatham every year since my graduation in 1984. During all that time, Ann was kind enough to put me up in her home each year. The mixed blessing of my visit this year is that although I lost a friend, I got to see her the day before she passed. I am grieving her passing, but I am also happy to have been able to say goodbye to her at her home in Hillsborough, NC, to wish her well on the next part of her journey. I am truly grateful for that timing. It’s remarkable, actually.
While it was a tough time to sit back and feel sorrow in the midst of the excitement of graduation, there were unspoken nods and hugs among all of us who were experiencing the dichotomy of emotions of the weekend. I wouldn’t have wanted to be anywhere else. There’s something so heartening about being among those who can share your experience without needing explanation. Even while carrying a sorrow, we could be joyful to do it in each others’ company.
Ann’s passing has made me recognize even more deeply the importance of my Chatham Hall family. All those classmates who I still keep in touch with on Facebook and who, through our common experience, could sit down with me at any time and enjoy a long conversation… It made me realize my continued acceptance by both the staff and students at the school even today, though my own graduation was decades ago. It made me realize the depth at which the staff and faculty care for the school and its students, whether present at the school currently or embarking on their own next adventures.
Time marches on. Good-bye to Gary and Missy Fountain. Through warmth and personality, they have always made me feel welcome at Chatham on my annual visits over the past decade. I remember the first time I heard Gary’s graduation poem in 2004 in which he humorously crafted a verse about each graduate. I thought, “How awesome to have a Rector recite something so personal and funny.” He really had to know each student–he would have had to make it a priority to get to know each student–to write something like that. I instantly felt a connection with him and looked forward to his annual offering.
Time marches on. Whether you’ve been associated with the school for half a year or half a century, doubtless you feel the same kindred spirit with Chatham that I’m talking about. The cycles of seasons and years and graduating classes continue, shifting and changing with the addition of new faces and the tender parting of others. But Chatham’s sustaining character remains as one of home, family, supportive challenges, and acceptance.
Special thanks to Abbi Plemmons who was my student assistant this year and did a fantastic job, to La and all the CH staff, for being great team players, to Owen for his beautiful image of the old oak tree, to Cameron Held, whose beautiful photography is throughout the show and to Schay and Hunter for their warmth and hospitality!
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
