📷 Matt Canterbury

Pose Setup: Frame a little wider than a head-and-shoulders, placing the subject slightly off-center so the purple gown drapes down into the lower foreground. Have them hold a flower-decorated keepsake high above shoulder level, arm extended upward, so it becomes a bright "headline" that partially crowns the face; keep the other hand tucked near the waist. Angle the chin slightly up, eyes toward the camera, with the face fully visible for an open, confident expression. What To Say: "Give me the moment you're proud of, like you just finished something amazing. Hold that sign up high, show it to the world, and smile like you're sharing good news. Pretend I'm calling your name and you're ready to be remembered." Optional Variation: Rotate the keepsake a few degrees toward me so the text catches the light while the smile stays the focus.