United States Naval Academy Midshipman Portraits

A midshipman at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, this young man has reached a life goal few attain, and I was privileged to take his commissioning portraits. The genuine pride and joy in his face stem from his tremendous sense of accomplishment.  

Only 8.5% of applicants are accepted at the Academy. Of the approximately 1100 that start as freshmen, 76% make it to graduation. He worked hard to get an appointment to the Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD, has completed an arduous but rewarding four years, and is being commissioned. Upon graduation, Academy graduates are commissioned as Ensigns in the Navy or Second Lieutenants in the Marines.

I feel uniquely connected to all the Mids I photograph. My husband is in the Navy, and we live on the USNA Yard. Living so close, it was easy for me to meet on campus for this enjoyable photo session. After spending so much of the last four years of his life on the 338 acres of the Academy, we were able to find many appropriate backgrounds he will enjoy remembering from his time here. Some favorite spots for pictures include Memorial Hall, the Tecumseh Monument, the Chapel and the waterfront area by the Annapolis City Dock. Midshipmen are proud of their class rings, so we included a shot of him showing his off.

Commissioning Week is an exciting time in Annapolis, especially for the graduates and their families. Family members come into town to enjoy a week of events and celebrations. It’s a great opportunity to have family portraits taken with their son or daughter (or niece, nephew, brother, sister, grandson, or granddaughter). I have taken many wonderful pictures of families during their visit to Annapolis. 

Whether individual midshipman portraits or family portraits, these pictures will remind everyone of an exciting commissioning week and the pride they felt in a young man or woman.