Spartan Proud — A Grad Shoot Across SJSU Campus

We started near the big blue San Jose State University sign on the north side of campus while the sky was still flat and overcast — good, even light that kept things clean. He showed up sharp: navy blue suit, brown leather oxfords, a paisley tie, and two stoles layered over each other — the SJSU blue and gold on top, and a green Forest Systems Fund stole underneath marking his role as CIO. You could tell right away he put thought into what he wore. This wasn't a last-minute outfit.

From the sign we worked our way over to the James F. Boccardo Business Education Center, which is where the session really opened up. The afternoon sun was hitting that warm red brick at a low angle, throwing tree-shadow patterns across the facade in a way I don't always get to use. We did a relaxed lean against the concrete railing at the base of the stairs, hands folded, looking composed. Then I had him turn his back to me so the "2026 — CIO" text on his green stole could face the building — just him and that building having a quiet moment together. That shot is one of my favorites from the whole afternoon.

We looped over to the palm tree promenade as the light dropped closer to golden. Those tall palms lining the wide walkway give a clean symmetry that frames a subject really well, and with the blue sky going soft behind him, the colors in his stoles — green, gold, blue — all popped without any fighting. He was relaxed here, hands in pockets, eyes sometimes closed, letting the last of the warm light land on him. No forced expressions. Just standing in it.

We finished at the arched brick entrance of the old campus building — I believe it's the Student Union — and this is where the cap came out. That Romanesque arch with the decorative tile work is one of the strongest architectural frames on campus, and having him stand centered inside it with arms crossed, cap on, stole draped just right — that's the shot you put on the wall. The warm interior light glowing through the wood and glass doors behind him added just enough depth. He smiled small, like someone who knew exactly what he'd accomplished.