USAFA Photography | Lt Col Martin’s Retirement
It’s always an honor when a stranger trusts you with their big day. But when an old friend comes back into your life and hires you to be there for one of their biggest moments? That’s just one of the best feelings in the world.
You see, I met the Martins eleven years ago when our families were stationed together in Montana. I volunteered to photograph holiday photos for our squadron back then, long before ETP existed and long before I knew what I was doing behind a camera. See what I mean…
But Amanda has been following along ever since, cheering me on from Belgium, Japan, and everywhere in between. So when TJ’s retirement brought them back to Colorado Springs, I was thrilled to be asked to capture their day.
USAFA Photography at Polaris Hall
I have photographed military ceremonies in some truly challenging spaces. Think black ceilings, dim lights, harsh stage lighting, dark curtain backdrops. Polaris Hall at USAFA is none of those things. The space is light, bright, and absolutely beautiful. Actually, if I had my way, I’d never shoot a retirement ceremony anywhere else ever again!
After 28 years of service, including his own time as a cadet at USAFA, TJ retired surrounded by people who clearly love him. Col Oh, a dear friend and mentor, presided over the ceremony and had the entire room laughing from start to finish. With story after story about their years of friendship and shared adventures, I spent as much time capturing smiling faces in the audience as I did on the stage. It was the kind of speech that every servicemember deserves on their big day.
TJ and Amanda, congratulations on an incredible career and thank you for trusting me to photograph your day. I’m excited to be neighbors again after all these years!
If you’re looking for USAFA photography, whether for a retirement, promotion, or any military ceremony in Colorado Springs, I would love to be there for it. Reach out here and let’s make it happen!
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I HAVE A LITTLE SOMETHING FOR YOU!
I've been navigating military life with my family since 2008. In that time, I went from a full-time classroom teacher to an online course designer to a photographer. Actually, I still teach a little math on the side because I just love it too much!
Through it all, I've discovered how passionate I am about connecting with military families. Whether it's taking photos at a retirement ceremony, coaching a fellow milspouse photographer, or just grabbing coffee with a new squadron friend, I love this community. And as a teacher at heart, I'm excited to use this space to share what I've learned about business and life with you.
I'M ERIN.
Hey there!
