The Making of a Prom Queen

A Field Note on modern prom traditions, Black family, and a young woman surrounded by love.

Before Friday, I thought prom was the story.

It turns out the celebration before prom has become a story all in its own.

Families now gather for what are known as prom send-offs—moments dedicated to honoring and celebrating young people before they head off to the dance.

Yet while the celebration may have evolved, some traditions remain.

One of them is the corsage.

Traditionally worn on the wrist or pinned to a dress, the corsage has long symbolized thoughtfulness, consideration, and honor. It's a small gesture that says, "Today, I want you to feel special."

As I photographed Zariah's prom send-off this past Friday, I thought about that tradition.

Not because of the flowers themselves.

But because everything about that day felt like a corsage.

Every detail.

Every embrace.

Every helping hand.

Every person who showed up.

All of it communicated the same message:

You are loved.

From the moment I took that first photograph, there was a sense that this day mattered.

Hair was being styled.

Makeup was being applied.

Family members moved throughout the house making sure every detail was in place.

Food was arriving.

Decorations filled the rooms.

Friends and relatives slowly gathered as anticipation built.

At the center of it all was Zariah.

Beautiful, poised, and preparing for a night she will likely remember for the rest of her life.

As photographers, we often arrive expecting to document an event.

What we don't always expect is to be moved by it.

As I worked my way through the house with my camera, I found myself paying attention to the moments between the moments.

The conversations.

The laughter.

The nervous excitement.

The helping hands.

The quiet acts of care that often go unnoticed.

One photograph in particular stayed with me.

Not because it was the most dramatic image of the day, but because it represented everything I was witnessing.

It was a photograph of Zariah’s father helping Ayden, her date, adjust his suit.

A simple gesture.

Easy to miss.

Yet it spoke volumes.

In that moment, I wasn't just seeing a father preparing his daughter for prom.

I was watching a man extend care, guidance, and support to the young man standing beside her as well.

Zariah’s father and her date Ayden

The photograph reminded me that leadership often looks like service.

That protection sometimes looks like preparation.

And that love is often found in the smallest acts.

But as I continued editing the images, I realized I hadn't simply photographed a prom send-off.

I had photographed community.

I had photographed family.

I had photographed what happens when people come together to celebrate one another.

I saw it in the hairstylist carefully perfecting every detail.

I saw it in the family members arranging decorations and welcoming guests.

I saw it in the friends who crowded around Zariah for photos.

I saw it in every hug, every smile, every phone lifted into the air to capture a memory.

Most of all, I saw it in the way everyone showed up for her.

There is something powerful about watching a young Black woman be celebrated.

Not for an accomplishment.

Not for an award.

Not for what she can do for others.

But simply because she is loved.

For a few hours, the world paused and reminded her of something important:

You matter.

You are valued.

You are supported.

You are worthy of celebration.

Although she may not have officially been crowned prom queen by her school, she didn't need a title.

Because as I looked around that room, it was obvious.

To her family.

To her friends.

To everyone who gathered there that day.

She was already our prom queen.

And I feel grateful that I was trusted to document it.

Some photographs preserve appearances.

Others preserve memories.

The best ones preserve feelings.

Long after the dress is put away.

Long after the decorations come down.

Long after prom becomes a memory.

These photographs will remain.

A reminder of a young woman stepping into a new chapter.

And of all the people who stood behind her as she did.

The Send Off

Special Thank You:

Jade and Mia - Event Planners

Hair - Chelly

Dress Designer - Genese & Jina

Makeup Artist - Fay