HU Graduation Composite
A Hampton University graduate celebrates their Pirate pride with a multi-look composite combining cap and gown with personal style.
Hampton University Graduation Photography
Hampton University is one of America's most prestigious Historically Black Colleges and Universities, founded in 1868 on the waterfront of the Hampton River in Hampton, Virginia. With approximately 4,686 students and a remarkable 46% enrollment surge in recent years, Hampton University continues to attract some of the brightest minds in the country. Graduating from HU is more than earning a degree — it is joining a legacy of excellence, leadership, and cultural pride that stretches back more than 150 years.
At Motiontography, we understand the profound significance of an HBCU graduation. Our creative graduation portraits and composite sessions are designed to capture every dimension of your Hampton University experience — your academic achievement, your Greek life, your cultural heritage, and the community that lifted you to this moment. We do not just take pictures; we create art that honors the full story of who you are as a Pirate.
Our professional studio in Suffolk, VA is approximately 36 minutes from the Hampton University campus, making it a convenient drive for HU graduates seeking polished, magazine-quality portraits with professional lighting and creative direction that goes far beyond a quick campus photo.
Why Hampton University Graduates Choose Motiontography
HBCU-Centered Artistry: We understand and celebrate the cultural significance of your HU graduation.
Close to Campus: Just 36 minutes from Hampton University via I-64.
5-Star Quality: 36+ happy clients. Professional, fun, and culturally affirming experience.
Divine Nine Specialists: Expert composite sessions for Greek letters, stepping poses, and stole ceremonies.
Iconic Hampton University Campus Photo Locations
Hampton University's historic campus sits on 314 waterfront acres along the Hampton River and is designated a National Historic Landmark District. These are some of the most beloved HU landmarks that our graduates love to incorporate into their portrait sessions and composite designs:
Ogden Hall
Ogden Hall is one of the most recognizable buildings on the Hampton University campus, featuring striking Romanesque Revival architecture with its distinctive stone facade and arched entryways. Built in 1918, Ogden Hall has served generations of HU students and is a symbol of the university's enduring commitment to academic excellence. Its grand columns and stately presence make it one of the most photographed spots on campus, and a natural choice for graduation portraits that convey prestige and accomplishment.
The Emancipation Oak
The Emancipation Oak is one of the most historically significant trees in America. Designated a National Historic Landmark, this massive live oak is where the first Southern reading of the Emancipation Proclamation took place in 1863. For Hampton University graduates, posing beneath the Emancipation Oak carries a deep cultural resonance — it connects your personal achievement to the long arc of Black excellence, freedom, and educational empowerment. There is no more meaningful backdrop for an HBCU graduation portrait.
Hampton Harbor Waterfront
Hampton University's campus stretches along the Hampton Harbor waterfront, offering breathtaking views of the Hampton Roads harbor, the Chesapeake Bay, and the iconic Hampton Roads Bridge-Tunnel in the distance. The waterfront provides a unique and stunning natural backdrop that sets HU apart from any other university in Virginia. Golden hour portraits along the harbor are especially dramatic, with the water reflecting warm light onto your cap and gown.
Hampton University Museum
The Hampton University Museum is the oldest African American museum in the United States, housing an extraordinary collection of African, Native American, and African American art and artifacts. For graduates who want to honor the cultural and artistic heritage that HU represents, the museum entrance provides a powerful and meaningful setting. It is a location that speaks to the depth of education and cultural enrichment that defines the Hampton experience.
Memorial Church
Memorial Church is a beloved campus landmark with its beautiful Gothic-inspired architecture and stained glass windows. For many Hampton University students, this chapel was a place of worship, reflection, and community throughout their college years. Graduation portraits at Memorial Church carry a spiritual dimension that resonates deeply with graduates and their families, making it one of the most emotionally meaningful photo locations on campus.
Harkness Hall Columns
The stately columns of Harkness Hall provide a classic, timeless backdrop that has been featured in countless HU graduation photos over the decades. The tall white columns framed against the brick building create a look of authority and prestige that perfectly complements cap and gown portraits. Harkness Hall represents the academic tradition and architectural beauty that make Hampton University's campus one of the most photogenic in the country.
HBCU Culture & Divine Nine at Hampton University
Hampton University is a place where HBCU culture is not just celebrated — it is lived. From the moment students arrive on campus, they are immersed in a community that values Black excellence, cultural pride, and collective achievement. Graduation at HU is one of the most powerful expressions of this culture, and it carries traditions and rituals that make it unlike any other commencement experience.
The Divine Nine — the nine historically Black Greek-letter organizations of the National Pan-Hellenic Council — have a particularly strong presence at Hampton University. Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Zeta Phi Beta, Sigma Gamma Rho, Alpha Phi Alpha, Kappa Alpha Psi, Omega Psi Phi, Phi Beta Sigma, and Iota Phi Theta are active on campus, and many graduates wear their Greek letters with immense pride on graduation day. Our composite portrait sessions are specifically designed to honor these affiliations by combining your Greek letters, stepping poses, and stole ceremonies with your cap and gown in a single work of art.
Stepping traditions are a hallmark of HBCU Greek life, and Hampton University's step shows are legendary throughout the region. We work with graduates to incorporate the energy, movement, and pride of stepping culture into dynamic graduation portraits that go far beyond the standard posed photo.
Stole ceremonies and the tradition of wearing cultural regalia add layers of meaning to HU graduation. Whether you are honoring your heritage, your family's sacrifice, your Greek organization, or your academic honors, we ensure every stole, cord, and piece of regalia is prominently featured in your portraits. Your graduation photos should be as rich and multifaceted as the experience itself.
Also see our blog post on celebrating Black culture through photography in Hampton Roads for more on our commitment to culturally affirming portrait work.
HU Graduation Ceremonies
Hampton University holds its commencement ceremonies at Armstrong Stadium and the HU Convocation Center, with high-profile keynote speakers who reflect the university's stature and influence. HU commencement is consistently one of the most-watched HBCU graduations in the country, drawing national media attention and thousands of family members, alumni, and supporters.
The Hampton University mascot is the Pirate, and the school colors are navy blue and white. On graduation day, the sea of navy blue caps and gowns against the waterfront backdrop is a sight to behold. We recommend booking your portrait session 3-4 weeks before commencement so your finished portraits are ready to display at graduation celebrations and family gatherings.
Types of Hampton University Graduation Sessions
We offer several session formats designed to honor the unique significance of an HBCU graduation:
Greek Letter Composite Portraits
Our most popular session for Hampton University graduates. We combine your Greek letters, stepping poses, and organizational regalia with your cap and gown and career attire in a single, multi-look composite. The result is a portrait that honors your Divine Nine affiliation alongside your academic achievement.
Heritage Portraits
Heritage portraits celebrate your cultural identity alongside your academic accomplishment. Bring cultural stoles, kente cloth, African regalia, or any items that honor your roots. We create portraits that tell the story of where you come from and where your HU education is taking you.
Campus Landmarks + Cap & Gown
While our studio sessions deliver the most polished results, we can incorporate HU campus imagery and themes into your studio portraits. Popular requests include composites that blend studio-lit portraits with the Emancipation Oak, Ogden Hall, or the waterfront backdrop.
Hampton University Graduation Portrait Gallery
Celebrating HU Pirates with creative HBCU graduation portraits and Divine Nine composites.
Greek & Military Composite
Combining graduation, sorority pride, and military service — a powerful portrait celebrating the multifaceted HU experience.
Graduation to Career
From HU diploma to dream career — this composite showcases academic achievement, professional ambition, and Divine Nine pride in a single frame.
Healthcare Graduate
Hampton University's health sciences programs produce exceptional professionals. This portrait celebrates the transition from HU student to healthcare leader.
Pirate Pride
Professional studio lighting captures the pride and joy of this Hampton University Pirate graduate.
HU Heritage
Warm tones and expert posing honor the rich heritage of a Hampton University graduate.
Legacy of Excellence
Dynamic energy and creative composition celebrate the legacy of excellence at Hampton University.
Home by the Sea
A celebratory portrait capturing the spirit of a Hampton University graduate and their connection to Our Home by the Sea.
What Hampton University Graduates Are Saying
"I drove from Hampton U and it was so worth it! Roger captured my graduation, my sorority, and my military service all in one incredible composite. My family loves it!"
— Jasmine, Hampton University '23
"As a Hampton University education major, I wanted graduation photos that honored my HBCU experience and my calling to teach. Roger understood the assignment completely. The composite with my cap and gown, my Delta stole, and my classroom outfit is my most treasured possession. He truly celebrates Black excellence."
— Danielle R., Hampton University Education Graduate
Hampton University Graduation Photography FAQs
Common Questions
How much do HU graduation photos cost?
Sessions start at $199 for basic cap and gown portraits. Creative composite sessions with Greek letters and multiple looks range from $350-$500+.
Do you photograph Divine Nine and Greek organization portraits?
Yes! We specialize in Divine Nine and Greek organization graduation portraits. Our composite sessions are perfect for combining Greek letters, stepping poses, and stole ceremonies with your cap and gown.
Can you take photos on the HU campus?
We specialize in studio sessions at our Suffolk location, about 36 minutes from HU. Our studio delivers the most polished results. Campus sessions at landmarks like the Emancipation Oak and Ogden Hall can be discussed.
Can I include cultural regalia in my photos?
Absolutely! We encourage bringing all cultural regalia, heritage stoles, kente cloth, Greek letters, honor cords, and organizational stoles. Your portraits should reflect every dimension of your HU journey.
When should I book my HU graduation session?
Book 3-4 weeks before commencement. With HU's enrollment surge, spring graduation season is extremely busy. Early booking is essential.
Session Tips for HU Graduates
Honor Your Greek Life
Bring your Greek letters, paraphernalia, and any stepping or stroll poses you want to incorporate. We will make it look incredible.
Bring Cultural Regalia
Heritage stoles, kente cloth, African prints, or any cultural items that represent your roots. HBCU graduation is a celebration of culture.
Plan 3-4 Looks
The best HU composites combine cap and gown, Greek letters, career attire, and a personal or cultural look. Plan ahead for maximum impact.
Coordinate With Your Line
Line sisters and line brothers love booking group composite sessions together. Celebrate your bond with a shared portrait experience.
Wear Navy Blue & White
Incorporate HU's navy blue and white colors into your outfit choices for a cohesive, Pirate-proud portrait.
Ready to Celebrate Your HU Achievement?
Book your Hampton University graduation photography session today. Let's create portraits that honor your HBCU journey and capture this incredible Pirate milestone!
Contact Us Book Your Session
Also Serving Nearby Cities
Graduation photography throughout Hampton Roads: