Beautiful People at A&M - 2021 Pt. 1

Image Description: A stock photo of a person holding a smartphone focusing on a busy city crosswalk.

This is the beginning of a culminated three years' worth of photos from campus.

When I transferred to Texas A&M University (College Station) in the Fall of 2021, I was struck by just how many beautiful people surrounded me every day, from their natural beauty to their style. I felt like my eyes were capturing moments and subjects professional life photographers would fall head over heels for. It started with a few sneaky snaps at the bus stop but, over time, I started asking for people's permission. I would approach, tell them that I was working on a photography project (a personal one, that is) wherein I captured photos of people around campus who I thought looked beautiful and/or had great style, and asked if they would be okay if I took their picture.

I always hoped that, someday, I'd share these moments on a blog just like this!

Image Description: A college girl with short brown hair, wearing white high tops, black shorts, and a blue and red flannel with a matching face mask. Yellow sunbeams filter through a tree in the background.

This was the very first photo I ever snapped. The yellow sunshine, the fading afternoon light, the contrasting cool and warm colors, her cute outfit and pretty hair. You can see why I started this personal project; I saw moments like this almost daily!

Image Description: A girl on the bus with almost white hair collecting the rosy evening sunlight.

I just loved how her pale, almost white hair refracted the sunshine. Her pink mask and book added something to her look too.

Image Description: A guy on the bus in a pink shirt with a smile smile on his face. The evening sunlight shines through the windows behind him.

This might be one of my favorites! The evening sun caught my phone lens and created a glow that made his little smile look magical.

Image Description: A girl with chocolate brown skin and wine purple hair. A flowery tattoo spreads between her shoulder blades and above a pink cropped tank top.

I complimented this girl's beautiful hair and tattoo and asked for her photo. I have a feeling that she's used to candid pics because she made it look so natural! Plus, the green scenery and pink tank top created such a pretty palette!

Image Description: A girl and guy couple with matching outfits. She wears a black shirt, black booties, and a black and teal plaid skirt. He wears black jeans, teal high tops, and a teal button down over a white shirt. They stand close and smile at the camera.

I noticed this couple walking in front of me and how perfectly they matched. If I remember correctly, they didn't even plan for it! And yes, people often confused them for twins (including me).

Image Description: A girl in a Starbucks wearing a black sundress with a yellow floral pattern, a black floral face mask, chunky white sneakers, knee high white socks, a white button down tied around her waist, and a white bow headband.

I just LOVED this cutie's outfit! The combination of kawaii, cottagecore, and academia aesthetics (and the considerate fabric mask) was so adorable!

Image Description: A pale, blonde girl with a bright smile, freckled cheeks, a cross necklace, and a shirt reading FAN is Good.

I loved this girl's freckles, sweet smile, dandelion palette, and cross necklace. I also liked her casual, freshman nurse style.

Image Description: A girl at a bus stop wearing white sneakers, black leggings, a lavender blouse, and rows of butterfly clips in her long brown hair.

This girl really shows how details can elevate an outfit! The butterfly hairclips, the frilly sleeves, reddish hair, and the sweet lashes made a look that says both business major and education major! 

Image Description: A guy wearing ripped jeans, a white hoodie, and a tan ballcap. He looks into the distance with a hand over his hear.

I mean, COME ON!

I tend to just ask people to "do whatever feels natural" when it comes to positioning, but this guy went and struck a pose like a pro model! My man did not have to try so hard but I'm glad he did!

Image Description: A girl with black and green hair sitting cross legged in a desk chair. She wears a black shirt, baggy jeans, and checker pattern shoes.

This girl and I shared a Creative Writing class my first semester at A&M, and she rocked this cozy e-girl aesthetic every time I saw her! I love noticing how people sit when reading or writing on their own; It's like catching them in their most natural happy place.

Image Description: A girl with a wide smile wearing a long pink tie-dye sundress with pastel tie-dye crocs.

Another bus stop model! Her hair, complexion, pink boho sundress, and the pastel tie-dye Crocs were so cute, but I think we can all agree that her radiant smile is what makes her beautiful!

Image Description: A girl with a mint green maxi skirt, white bandana top with an abstract shape pattern. Her eyes peeking over her face mask are crinkled in a smile.

I don't know many who can pull off the bandana-style top, but she nailed it! Another perfect candid poser!

(Yes, that's the MSC and Rudder Tower in the background. Ya cultists.)

Image Description: A girl with a cute smile and a short black dress over a while long sleeve short and black booties.

This is incidentally the first pic I snapped of this girl, the second being in a following semester! Her sweet smile and "business goth" fit made a cute combo!

(Love goes out to you too, sandal man)

Image Description: A girl in a striped shirt and denim shorts sitting on a bench with her feet propped up against a pillar.

Like I said, I love capturing moments of people off in their own little worlds. I haven't found many who make the Academic Building look cozy, so it's quite a feat this girl has achieved.

Image Description: A girl with puffy black hair, an orange paisley bandana top, standing against a decorated black and white tile wall.

Another fabulous lady who has accomplished the near-impossible: The bandana top! 

Plus, her gorgeous hair and the happy accident that was the tile wall made for a visually perfect photo op!

Image Description: A young lady with curly black hair in a peasant sundress with brown and red floral print.

This cutie was another classmate in my Creative Writing class. Bless her, she drove hours every day between class and home while also planning her wedding while also churning out fit after fit! I don't know how she did it, but my GOD this sister in Christ did it all!

Image Description: A girl with a cute smile wearing corduroy pants, a pink blouse, and a black and tan flannel jacket. She holds a big umbrella for the rain.

Another one of my favorites from the semester! Her cozy brown academia outfit was perfect for autumn, and her big umbrella and smile just made her even more perfect!

Image Description: Two girls sitting at a little picnic table together. The left one wears leggings, a purple shirt, and a loose flannel. The right one wears clean jeans, a white collared shirt, a pinkish sweater, and glasses.

Another one of the rare duo photos. These girls and I were sharing a tent when I noticed how their differing styles complimented each other. The left girl's casual tomboy outfit and the right's pink student look made their friendship even cuter!

Image Description: A boy with wild black hair sitting with his laptop on a green bench. He wears a black sweater, black converse, and green plaid slacks.

If I'm being perfectly honest, I snapped several photos of this boy, and it took an embarrassing amount of time to decide which was the best. He just look so cool in all of them! The green plaid pants, the wolf cut, the classic hightops. His skater-punk style spoke to me.

Image Description: A guy with curly brown hair on the bus holding his phone in one hand and his longboard in the other. He wears round glasses, cuffed jeans, and a white sweater with a single black and gray stripes.

Sorry for the awkward cropping, but I had to make sure that this guy was the star of the show. And what's not to love here? The sweater, the round glasses, the brown curls, and a skateboard?! I'm sorry, it's all too much for my poor heart!

Image Description: An ivory girl in a cream colored sweater. Big shiny eyes and reddish short hair peak over a face mask.

You know you're blessed with good looks when your beauty shines through your mask. This student secretary had such striking red hair, flawless skin, and gorgeous eyes! Shout out to Asena!

Image Description: A chocolate guy wearing off white sweat pants, an off white sweater tied around his shoulders, a black graphic shirt, and a black ballcap. He sits in sunlight with plenty of bling.

Some men naturally look like models without even trying and it utterly baffles me.

The fit? On point.

The pose? Iconic.

The lighting? Could have been better on my part but I can't reposition the sun.

Image Description: A girl in a white button up, a warm yellow maxi skirt with daisies, and a long pink scarf. She holds a coffee and smiles into the distance.

This one was taken on a cold, wet, and fairly miserable finals day. Imagine me trudging across campus in a bulky black coat when this prism ray of light glides by with an air of calmness and contentment only rivaled by the misty-est rainbows.

Image Description: Two people sitting on a bus. The black girl on the left is dressed in cozy jeans, a red flannel, and a white beanie. The brown guy on the right holds onto his skateboard and is dressed in ripped jeans and a cool black vest.

It's rare when I get couple's photos, but especially rare when two beautiful strangers both happen to sit beside each other!

I loved her hipster look with the braids, and I loved his casual sporty look with the strong brows.