It is that time of year again: leaves cover the ground, yellow trees lie across the horizon, and anywhere you go in Sackville, you are bound to see clusters of people in black gowns followed by a photographer. Fall is the perfect time to take graduation photos because it is the season when the town is its most beautiful. The grass is still green, but the ivy covering the walls of Flemington Building and Convocation Hall has turned red, and the trees across campus add splashes of yellow and orange.
Sarah Reeder, a student graduation photographer, said that “the most common place [she does photoshoots] is [the] Waterfowl” Park. The Flemington wall, the library, residences, the Breezeway, the Mount Allison sign, and the Purdy Crawford Centre for the Arts are some other popular spots.
Reeder is a 5th year student who is studying commerce with a minor in photography. She “fell in love with the process” of photography because her “grandfather loved [it] and always took [her] out shooting when [she] was a little kid.” When she was in second year, one of her graduating friends asked her to take headshots. This friend told others, “and all of a sudden [Reeder] was taking people’s grad photos.”
As a third year student, I have trouble coping with the fact that I will be one of these people trekking around campus in a graduation cap and heels this time next year. Reeder told me that one of her favourite parts of shooting graduation photos is “hearing ‘Is this really happening?!?’ moments. It happens almost every session.”
One of the challenges of being a photographer, Reeder noted, is that “people are very particular about what they look like.” On the other hand, Reeder loves capturing graduation photos because “every shoot is different.” It was fascinating for her to be the photographer of one group who went to Ducky’s to “get a photo in their grad gowns of them drinking a beer[.] Everyone inside [the bar] loved it!”
I myself love taking photos to remember all the best moments of my life. I often look back on my photos with nostalgia and excitement at the prospect of going on even more adventures. Reeder shared my feelings exactly when she expressed that “photographs are so powerful and document memories [that] are so important. [She] love[s] being part of that process.”
To book a graduation photoshoot with Sarah Reeder, you can contact her by email ([email protected]) or on Instagram (@sarahreederphotography). She usually does hour-long sessions with individuals or groups of 5 people or less, who are free to decide on a route of locations that fit within the time frame.
About Us
The Argosy is the independent student journal of news, opinion, and the arts. Our content is written, edited, and funded by the students of Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick.
I am a fourth-year English major from Halifax, NS. This is my second year as Co-Editor-in-Chief and third year on The Argosy team. The Argosy has been the highlight of my time at Mt. A. I look forward to sharing more stories and making lasting memories with the wonderful team of students at The Argosy this year.

This is my third year with The Argosy and my second editing the Arts and Culture section. From Moncton NB, I study English and drama - aspiring storyteller of SOME kind - and learned how to spell ridiculous three months ago. Say hi and share your story anytime! (She/Her)

As a
news reporter this year I
am excited to learn more
about the people of
Sackville.

Hailing from the majestic Himalayas, I have always been captivated by the breathtaking beauty of the mountains. It is through this admiration that I discovered my profound passion for photography. I am beyond excited to bring my enthusiasm, dedication, and love for capturing moments to The Argosy team.
