Graduation Day

Yesterday was the last day of my first term at the University of Buckingham, and what a day it was. Starting the day at 8 o’clock to film the University's graduation day. The class of 2013.

Everyone was dressed up so beautifully for the occasion. Women in their gorgeous dresses that flattered their figure, hair sticky from hairspray to make it perfect and make –up done and re done again so that they were happy with their appearance. But all of them looked stunning. Men were all arriving in their suits and ties, looking extremely smart. Excited families were everywhere, all dressed and ready to help if they were needed to.  I filmed them putting on their gowns and having photos being taken by professional photographers. They all looked so happy, with a smile from ear to ear and all very excited about having their gowns on and wearing their hats.

The next stage was to walk to the church. Watching the girls struggle, in their enormous high heels, to walk down the hill from the building where they collected their gowns, was a comedy show in itself. They still had a 10 minute walk to endure along the horrible car park floor as well. With holes in the ground and mud everywhere it was a shot not to be missed. I captured a girl who had brought trainers to wear instead of heels for this walk. The girls next to her in high heels looked extremely envious.

Unfortunately due to a mess up in  my exam timetable, I had an exam at the time of the graduation ceremony, so I missed that. But watching the footage back, that one of my group member filmed, was so lovely. So many proud parents taking photos of their sons and daughters, standing up and getting in the way of our filming, but not caring just so they could get a good picture of their child.

The happiest scene was when everyone was outside the church. Everyone was hugging each other and all the students were gathering together to throw their hats in the air, even though one got theirs stuck in a tree, it was still a happy moment for all of them. It was a truly magical day for everyone and the weather was very much on their side, even though it was windy it was beautiful sunshine and gorgeous blue sky.

In two years time  I will be there collecting my degree and graduating!