The Art of Saying Yes: How a White Coat Ceremony Helped Me Grow as a Photographer


One of the most rewarding aspects of being a photographer is stepping into spaces you never imagined—rooms filled with purpose, pride, and stories that deserve to be told. Recently, I had the privilege of photographing an audiology white coat ceremony at East Carolina University (ECU), overlooking the iconic Dowdy-Ficklen Stadium. This unexpected opportunity became a powerful reminder of the importance of saying “yes.”


Building My Photography Portfolio Through New Experiences

As a creative and a professional constantly looking to grow, I’m always seeking opportunities to expand my photography portfolio and explore new environments. This white coat ceremony was just that. The chance came through networking—shoutout to Meg for trusting my vision and to Liv for reaching out with this meaningful event. These connections remind me how essential community support is when building a creative career.


Capturing Milestones That Matter

The ceremony celebrated 12 future audiologists as they received their white coats, surrounded by friends and family. The atmosphere was filled with emotion and pride. As a musician and visual storyteller, I found a deep personal connection to this moment. The ability to hear, to communicate, and to engage with the world around us—these are gifts we often take for granted. These new audiology professionals will now use their skills to serve others and change lives.


Everyone Has a Role to Play

Photographing this ceremony also gave me perspective. The world needs all of us—doctors, artists, musicians, educators, healthcare providers—to show up, do our part, and work together. Especially in times like these, collaboration and compassion are more important than ever.


Why Saying “Yes” Matters

This experience reaffirmed one of the biggest lessons I’ve learned as a creative: growth comes from saying yes. Even when it’s unexpected. Even when it’s outside your comfort zone. Each new shoot, each new opportunity, each new connection helps shape who I am as a photographer and as a person.



A group wearing white choir robes stands together in a lobby area with orange walls.
Student receives a white coat during professional ceremony on elevated stage with projection screens in background.
Two people stand on a stage in formal attire with a coat rack and presentation slides visible in the background.
Two professionals pose together in front of a presentation slide showing multiple photos and a clothing rack.
Two people stand on stage at a presentation event, with white coats hanging on a rack nearby and a projected slide behind them.
Student in yellow dress receives white medical coat during ceremony on stage with projection screen in background.
Two women pose together on stage, one in a white coat and black dress, the other in a floral navy maxi dress.
A presentation room shows people viewing projected slides with white lab coats displayed on stands on the stage.
Two people looking at a display board with documents and photos in a contemporary indoor space.
Two people pose together at a presentation event with a projection screen and white clothing rack visible in background.
A presentation taking place in a conference room with a projector screen displaying medical or academic content.
Two people in dresses embrace on stage at a ceremony with a presentation projection screen in the background.
Two individuals stand together smiling at an indoor event, one wearing a blue floral dress and one in a purple dress.
A person in white coat receives a white lab coat during what appears to be a ceremonial presentation on stage.
People in professional attire standing together at what appears to be a business presentation or conference.
A white coat ceremony showing a medical student receiving their coat on stage during a presentation.
Professional presentation slide showing audiology interests and specialties with two people standing together at a podium.
Two people standing on stage at a professional presentation with text and photos displayed on screen behind them.
Feet view of two people in contrasting casual outfits - one in colorful floral dress and one in denim blue dress.
A presentation ceremony showing three people in formal attire on stage with photos displayed on screen behind them.
Two people on stage receiving white medical coats during a ceremony with a presentation screen in the background.
Professional ceremony showing two people receiving white medical coats with presentation slides displayed behind them.
Two people on stage during a medical school ceremony with a colorful presentation screen in the background.
Two people in medical attire pose together during a ceremony with presentation slides in the background.
Two people on stage during a white coat ceremony with presentation slides in the background.
Two individuals pose on stage during a ceremony with photos and presentation slides visible in the background.
Two medical professionals in white coats participate in a ceremony with projected slides visible.
Ceremony participants pose together in medical attire during a white coat presentation event.
Medical school ceremony with speakers presenting to an audience in an auditorium setting.
Medical professional speaking at podium during ceremony with orange wall backdrop.
Group photo of students in white medical coats and faculty members standing on a stage during a ceremony.
A row showing legs and feet of different outfits and footwear in a side-by-side collage format.
Medical professional in white coat poses at stadium with goal posts visible in background.
Medical professional in a white coat and blue polka dot tie standing outside a stadium on a sunny day.
Medical professional in white coat and polka dot tie standing on stadium balcony overlook.
Group of people smiling together on sunny outdoor stadium terrace.
Medical student in white coat stands smiling against football stadium backdrop.
A student poses at a medical school graduation ceremony wearing a white coat and leopard print shoes.
Medical student poses in white coat on stadium terrace wearing yellow dress.
Three people wearing summer dresses pose together at a stadium with bleachers visible in the background.
A person in a white medical coat and yellow dress poses at a sports stadium venue.
Three people in colorful dresses pose together on a stadium concourse during a sunny day.
Medical student in white coat poses with supporters for graduation photos outside a stadium.
Three women in summer dresses posing together at an outdoor stadium venue on a bright day.
Three women celebrating at a medical school ceremony, wearing colorful dresses and white coat.
Couple poses together at medical school ceremony with football field in background.
Two medical professionals in white coats pose together near stadium windows.
Group photo of people gathered on stadium balcony with wheelchair user in center.
Medical school graduates in white coats celebrate with family members during commencement ceremony.