Case Study · Portland Seminary
Commencement photography the Portland Seminary team could rely on
Kolstad Media handled portraits and event photography for both ceremonies so the seminary team could focus on hosting.
Commencement Photography & Event Coverage · Portland, OR
10 hours
Two ceremonies, one team, 9am to 7pm
3 portraits
Hooding, dean and diploma, and backdrop for every graduate
9 in 10
Graduates opened and responded to their gallery emails
Year 2
Kolstad Media handled all commencement photography
Where they started
Commencement is Portland Seminary's biggest day of the year. The team is on site from 9am to 7pm hosting two ceremonies, with hundreds of families watching graduates cross the stage after years of work.
The seminary used a large, university-endorsed company for commencement portraits. The team also wanted candid event photos to share on social media and liked the idea of supporting a local, independent company. In the first season, the existing company handled portraits, and Kolstad Media covered the event and social content.
Why they switched to one photography team
The other photography company delivered preview images with a green tint.
In Heather Rainey's words: "When the other company provided proofs that all had a green tinge, we knew that shifting entirely to Kolstad Media was the way to go." The following year, Kolstad Media handled all the photography.
What the full day looked like
Two ceremonies, ten hours on site. Every graduate received a three-portrait set: the hooding moment, the dean and diploma, and a formal backdrop portrait. Around the ceremonies, our team captured the candid event coverage the seminary wanted in the first place.
Afterward, every graduate got a personal email with a link to their own gallery. More than nine in ten graduates opened and responded to their gallery emails.
We planned the coverage with Heather before commencement, answered questions, and agreed on expectations. She knew what our team would handle on the day.
“I honestly never worried about the coverage. I work with a lot of different types of vendors and Caleb is easily one of the most professional and easy to work with individuals I contract. He delivers what he promises with confidence and the quality is outstanding. I know if there were an issue, Caleb would handle it with integrity.”
Heather Rainey
Program and Operations Manager, Portland Seminary
“It gave us space to actually eat our lunch! Knowing we can just point the Kolstad Media team where we want them and they'll make it happen is a gift. It's less about the actual time saved and more about the mental load that is lifted. It's one aspect of the day that I know I don't have to worry about.”
Heather Rainey
Program and Operations Manager, Portland Seminary
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