Frequently Asked Questions

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The Vol Portrait Project is a photography initiative centered around the University of Tennessee community. The goal is to highlight students, alumni, and the people who make campus life what it is through thoughtful portraits and short stories.

Some sessions are part of the ongoing portrait series, while others—like graduation portraits—are scheduled photography sessions for students who want to document an important milestone in their time at UT.

My name is Hannah Goldman, and I’m the photographer behind the Vol Portrait Project. I started the project to highlight the people who make the University of Tennessee community what it is. On a campus this large, it’s easy to pass thousands of people without ever hearing their story.

Offering portraits for free is a core part of the mission. The goal is to make participation accessible to anyone on campus, regardless of background or budget. Through simple portraits and shared stories, the project aims to create a small archive of the faces and moments that make up life at UT.

Yes. The project regularly features students and members of the UT community. If you have a story, project, or perspective you’d like to share, you’re welcome to reach out about being featured.

Yes. Graduation sessions are available for seniors who want portraits around campus before finishing their time at the University of Tennessee. These sessions focus on capturing both classic graduation photos and natural moments around the places that defined your college experience.

Absolutely. Friends are welcome to join for a few photos during your session.

If multiple graduates would like individual portraits, they can be included in the booking for an additional graduate fee.

Yes. I’m available for hire to photograph events, student organizations, clubs, and teams. This can include event coverage, leadership portraits, graduating member photos, or group portraits. If you’re planning something and would like photography, feel free to reach out with a few details about the event and what you’re hoping to capture.

Not at all. While many portraits feature UT students, the project also includes alumni, faculty, and others connected to the University of Tennessee community. I’m also happy to photograph members of the broader Volunteer community around Knoxville. If you’re a student at another school or part of a local business or organization, feel free to reach out.

Most galleries are delivered within 1–2 weeks, depending on the time of year and the number of sessions being edited.

That’s completely okay—feel free to reach out anyway. I know many student organizations and campus groups are working with limited funding, and I always try to be mindful of that. Depending on the event or session, we may be able to adjust the length of coverage, the type of photos taken, or the scope of the session to better fit your budget. My goal is to keep photography accessible while still creating meaningful images for your group.

One of the reasons I started the Vol Portrait Project was because I wasn’t able to afford graduation portraits myself, and it’s something I still regret not having. That experience stayed with me and helped shape the heart behind this project.

Because of that, I never want finances to be the reason someone’s accomplishments go undocumented. If graduation photos feel out of reach right now, we can talk through options—whether that’s planning something simple when I’m already photographing on campus or connecting you with one of the graduation portrait scholarships available through the project. Everyone deserves to have something to remember this season of life. I'd say you've earned it.