As a photographer at Fort Moore, capturing the monumental moments of an Officer Candidate School (OCS) Army graduation is an experience unlike any other. The raw emotion, the sense of accomplishment, and the pride in the air make every photo feel significant. Being chosen to document such a monumental moment in ones career is such an honor.
Fort Moore (formerly Fort Benning) is a sacred place in the military world. It’s where soldiers begin their journey toward becoming officers, where future leaders of the Army are shaped, and where the sacrifices and triumphs of thousands of men and women are honored. As a photographer, it’s my job to preserve these memories and moments in time for new soldiers and officers alike.
The OCS graduation ceremony at Fort Moore is a powerful event. It’s the culmination of weeks—if not years—of intense training, discipline, and self-discovery. Officers who graduate here have passed through rigorous tests, mentally and physically, earning their place as leaders. The feeling in the air is a mixture of joy, relief, pride, and anticipation for the next chapter. It’s electric.
The pride in the faces of family and friends as they watch their loved ones take that final step is something no photographer can overlook. The military precision of the ceremony itself, with its sharp salutes and crisp movements, is just as important to capture. I often find myself planning how to balance the monumental grandeur of the event with the intimate moments between graduates and their families.
Capturing the moment a graduate’s family member pins their new rank or the pride on the face of a commanding officer as they congratulate their candidates is deeply rewarding. These moments are fleeting and profound, and they hold more weight than any formalized picture of the event itself.
One of the most special aspects of photographing an OCS graduation is witnessing the transition from recruit to leader. These men and women have spent countless hours training, enduring hardship, and learning what it means to be a leader in the Army. The moment they’re commissioned is one of the most significant of their careers. It’s not just about the uniform; it’s about the responsibility that comes with it.
Pamela and her husband are active duty, and she decided to pursue being an officer, so the first order was the first salute with her husband. With tears in her eyes and smiles on both of their face, they saluted and then embraced in a tight hug. This was the moment she had held onto through the early mornings and late nights of studying and training.
At the end of the day, my role as a photographer is not just about taking pictures—it’s about telling the story of the event. It’s about capturing the sweat, the sacrifices, the challenges, and ultimately, the triumph. Each photo holds the memory of a journey, one that may have started years ago but reached its climax in the moments I photograph at Fort Moore.
For many graduates, the photos taken at their OCS graduation will be cherished for years to come. They’ll look back at these images, remembering the pride they felt and the determination that carried them through. They’ll show their children, their grandchildren, and their comrades. In that way, my photos become part of their legacy, helping them reflect on this defining moment of their military careers.
Photographing OCS graduation at Fort Moore is more than just a job—it’s an honor. It’s a chance to be a small part of an event that marks the beginning of a soldier’s journey as an officer. The ceremony may last only a few hours, but the memories it creates last a lifetime. For me, capturing those memories through my lens is a privilege I will never take for granted.
If you or your loved ones are graduating from Basic Training or OCS at Fort Moore, it would be the greatest honor to document this moment for you. As a military spouse, I know how special these graduations are, and know the overwhelming sense of pride you feel.
OCS and Basic Graduation sessions begin at $150.
Please fill out my contact form below to book your session.
