Spartan Graduate Portrait
A Norfolk State graduate radiates confidence and pride in this bold, professionally lit graduation portrait celebrating academic excellence.
Norfolk State University Graduation Photography
Norfolk State University is a distinguished public Historically Black College and University (HBCU) located in Norfolk, Virginia, serving approximately 6,053 students across a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. Founded in 1935 as the Norfolk Unit of Virginia Union University, NSU has grown into a vibrant institution known for its strong programs in engineering, nursing, business, and the liberal arts. Graduating from Norfolk State is a milestone that represents not only academic excellence but also the strength of community, culture, and perseverance that define the HBCU experience.
At Motiontography, we bring the same level of excellence and cultural understanding to every NSU graduation portrait we create. Our creative composite sessions and multi-look portraits are designed to capture every facet of your Spartan journey — your academic achievement, your Greek life, your career aspirations, and the cultural pride that comes with earning your degree from an HBCU. We do not just take pictures; we create visual stories that honor who you are and where you are going.
Our professional studio in Suffolk, VA is approximately 35 minutes from the NSU campus, making it a convenient drive for Spartans who want polished, studio-quality graduation photos with professional lighting, creative direction, and the artistic vision that sets our work apart.
Why NSU Graduates Choose Motiontography
HBCU-Centered Artistry: We understand and celebrate the cultural significance of your Norfolk State graduation.
Close to Campus: Just 35 minutes from NSU's Norfolk campus via I-264.
5-Star Quality: 36+ happy clients. Professional, fun, and culturally affirming experience.
Spartan Pride: We capture your green and gold pride with expert lighting and creative composite artistry.
Iconic NSU Campus Photo Locations
Norfolk State University's Norfolk campus features a mix of modern facilities and historic buildings that create meaningful backdrops for graduation portraits. While our studio sessions deliver the most polished, professionally lit results, these are some of the most popular NSU locations our graduates love to reference and incorporate into their composite designs:
Spartan Suites Plaza
The Spartan Suites Plaza is the heart of student residential life at NSU, featuring modern architecture and open gathering spaces where students build friendships and memories throughout their college years. The plaza's contemporary design and clean lines make it a popular spot for graduation portraits, and its central location on campus means every Spartan has a personal connection to this space. For many graduates, this is where the NSU experience truly began.
Dick Price Stadium Area
The area surrounding Dick Price Stadium is where Spartan pride reaches its peak on game days, and it carries that same energy for graduation portraits. Named after legendary NSU coach Dick Price, the stadium represents the competitive spirit and community passion that define Norfolk State athletics. Graduates who were athletes, band members, or loyal fans in the stands love incorporating the stadium's bold presence into their portrait sessions.
Brown Hall
Brown Hall is one of the most prominent academic buildings on the NSU campus, serving as a central hub for classes, faculty offices, and academic resources. Its classic institutional architecture provides a stately backdrop that conveys the seriousness and prestige of a Norfolk State education. For graduates who spent countless hours studying, attending lectures, and pursuing excellence in Brown Hall, it is a natural and meaningful choice for graduation portraits.
Student Center
The NSU Student Center is the social and organizational hub of campus life. From student government meetings to Greek organization events to late-night study sessions, the Student Center is where Spartans come together as a community. Its vibrant atmosphere and central campus location make it a popular backdrop for graduates who want their portraits to reflect the full spectrum of their NSU experience — academic, social, and organizational.
Campus Green Spaces
Norfolk State's campus green spaces offer natural, park-like settings with mature trees, manicured lawns, and walking paths that provide a softer, more organic backdrop for graduation portraits. These green areas are especially beautiful in spring when commencement season arrives, with blooming trees and lush grass creating a vibrant, life-affirming setting that perfectly complements the joy and optimism of graduation day.
Spartan Statue
The Spartan statue is one of the most iconic landmarks on the NSU campus, embodying the strength, resilience, and warrior spirit that define Norfolk State University. Posing with the Spartan statue in your cap and gown is a time-honored NSU tradition, and it makes for a powerful graduation portrait that speaks to the determination it took to earn your degree. We love incorporating this symbol of Spartan pride into our composite designs.
HBCU Culture & Divine Nine at Norfolk State
Norfolk State University is a place where HBCU culture is woven into every aspect of campus life. From the marching band's electrifying performances to the Greek step shows that draw audiences from across Hampton Roads, NSU is a community that celebrates Black excellence, cultural heritage, and collective achievement with unmatched passion.
The Divine Nine has a powerful presence at Norfolk State 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 all active on campus, and Greek life is a defining experience for many NSU students. Our composite portrait sessions are specifically designed to honor these affiliations by combining your Greek letters, organizational colors, and stepping poses with your cap and gown in one stunning work of art.
The cultural significance of graduating from an HBCU like Norfolk State cannot be overstated. For many families, an NSU graduation represents generations of hope, sacrifice, and determination. We approach every NSU portrait session with that understanding, creating images that are not just photographs but visual heirlooms — portraits worthy of being framed, displayed, and passed down through generations.
Stepping traditions, stole ceremonies, and the wearing of cultural regalia are central to the NSU graduation experience. We encourage every graduate to bring all stoles, cords, Greek paraphernalia, and heritage items to their session so we can create a portrait that is as rich and layered as the experience it represents.
NSU Graduation Ceremonies
Norfolk State University holds its commencement ceremonies at Echols Hall (Joseph G. Echols Memorial Hall) and other campus venues, celebrating the achievements of Spartans across all colleges and schools. NSU commencement is a joyous, community-wide event that brings together graduates, families, faculty, alumni, and friends to honor the hard work and dedication that earned each degree.
The Norfolk State mascot is the Spartan, and the school colors are green and gold. On graduation day, the sea of green and gold caps, gowns, stoles, and regalia creates a visually stunning and emotionally powerful scene. We recommend booking your portrait session 3-4 weeks before your ceremony so your finished portraits are ready to display at graduation celebrations and share with family and friends.
Types of NSU Graduation Sessions
We offer several session formats designed to honor the unique significance of a Norfolk State graduation:
Greek Composite Portraits
Our most popular session for NSU graduates. We combine your Greek letters, organizational colors, and stepping poses with your cap and gown and career attire in a single, multi-look composite. Whether you represent Alpha Phi Alpha, Delta Sigma Theta, Omega Psi Phi, or any other organization, we create a portrait that honors your Greek journey alongside your academic achievement.
Career + Graduation Combos
Many NSU graduates are entering high-demand fields like engineering, nursing, business, and education. Our career combo sessions feature your cap and gown alongside your professional attire — scrubs, lab coats, hard hats, business suits, or classroom props — creating a portrait that celebrates both where you have been and where you are going.
Campus Portrait Sessions
While our studio delivers the most controlled, professionally lit results, we can discuss on-campus portrait sessions at NSU landmarks like the Spartan statue, Dick Price Stadium, and campus green spaces. We can also incorporate campus imagery into studio-based composite designs for the best of both worlds.
NSU Graduation Portrait Gallery
Celebrating Norfolk State Spartans with creative HBCU graduation portraits and Divine Nine composites.
Greek & Career Composite
Combining graduation, Greek pride, and career aspirations — a powerful multi-look portrait celebrating the NSU Spartan experience.
Graduation to Career
From NSU diploma to dream career — this composite showcases academic achievement, professional ambition, and organizational pride in one stunning frame.
Nursing Graduate
Norfolk State's nursing program produces exceptional healthcare professionals. This portrait celebrates the journey from NSU student nurse to practicing clinician.
Spartan Strength
Bold composition captures the Spartan strength and determination of this NSU graduate.
Green & Gold
Celebrating Norfolk State's green and gold pride in this polished graduation portrait.
NSU Excellence
Artistic direction and creative vision showcase the excellence of this Norfolk State University graduate.
Behold the Green & Gold
A triumphant portrait celebrating the perseverance and Spartan pride of this NSU graduate.
What Norfolk State Graduates Are Saying
"I graduated from NSU's engineering program and wanted a composite that showed my journey from freshman to engineer. Roger nailed it — my cap and gown, hard hat, and Omega letters all in one incredible portrait. My parents have it framed in the living room. Worth every penny."
— DeAndre J., NSU Engineering Graduate
"As a Norfolk State nursing graduate, I needed photos that celebrated both my academic achievement and my career. Roger created a stunning composite with my NSU cap and gown and my nursing scrubs. The lighting and detail were incredible — every nurse in my cohort wanted to book after seeing my photos!"
— Tiffany M., NSU Nursing Graduate
Norfolk State Graduation Photography FAQs
Common Questions
How much do NSU 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 portraits for NSU students?
Yes! We regularly photograph NSU Divine Nine members and other Greek organizations. Our composite sessions combine Greek letters, stepping poses, and organizational stoles with your Spartan cap and gown.
Where are sessions held?
At our professional studio in Suffolk, VA, about 35 minutes from the NSU campus. Our studio delivers the most polished, professionally lit results. Campus sessions can also be discussed.
What should I bring to my session?
Bring your NSU cap and gown, honor cords, stoles, Greek letters, and any cultural regalia. We recommend 2-3 additional outfits including career attire and a personal or cultural look.
When should I book my NSU graduation session?
Book 3-4 weeks before commencement. Spring graduation season fills up quickly, so early booking ensures you secure your preferred date.
Session Tips for NSU Graduates
Show Your Spartan Pride
Incorporate NSU's green and gold into your outfit choices. Spartan colors photograph beautifully and create a cohesive, university-proud portrait.
Bring Your Greek Paraphernalia
Letters, paddles, stoles, and organizational colors. If it represents your Greek journey, bring it — we will make it look incredible in your composite.
Plan Your Career Look
Bring your career attire — scrubs, lab coat, hard hat, business suit. Showing where your NSU degree is taking you makes your composite even more meaningful.
Coordinate With Your Line
Line sisters and line brothers love booking group sessions. Celebrate your bond with a shared Spartan portrait experience.
Include Cultural Items
Heritage stoles, kente cloth, or any items honoring your roots. HBCU graduation celebrates culture, and your portrait should too.
Ready to Celebrate Your NSU Achievement?
Book your Norfolk State University graduation photography session today. Let's create portraits that honor your Spartan journey and capture this incredible HBCU milestone!
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