Citadel Portraits by Michael Givens

05/24/2026

I present you the attached essay, THE PORTRAIT AND THE MEMORY OF CIVILIZATION, which grew out of nearly a decade spent creating formal portraits for cadets and families connected with The Citadel in Charleston, South Carolina, often photographed between motion picture projects. Over time, it became increasingly apparent that the same emotional principles guiding cinematic light were quietly shaping the portraits as well.
In many ways, these portraits became extensions of the same visual language pursued throughout my years as a cinematographer.
Charleston itself deeply influenced this evolution. Its comfortable blend of Southern inheritance and lingering European influence — the sense of memory embedded within architecture, ritual, silence, and light — shaped the way I came to understand portraiture as something far larger than photography alone.
I hope you enjoy the thoughts and the images.

04/23/2026

She chose this.
Not because it was expected…
But because it was difficult.
Strength does not ask permission.
It reveals itself—
in discipline…
in bearing…
in resolve.
This is not the last test.
It is the one that begins them all.

Citadel Portraits by Michael Givens
Charleston — Final Senior Sessions

04/21/2026

FINAL SENIOR SESSIONS — CHARLESTON
Dates: Call
Limited availability
843-860-3023
[email protected]
Citadel Portraits by Michael Givens

04/21/2026

A hundred years from now, someone you will never meet
will stand before this portrait and ask—
Who they were…
What they chose…
What it meant to stand this way.
Give them something true to look at.

Citadel Portraits by Michael Givens
Charleston — Final Senior Sessions

04/19/2026

In a matter of weeks, this chapter closes.
The uniform will be worn for the last time…
And life will move forward—quickly.
There will not be another season like this.
If it is to be remembered…
It must be done now.
Final Senior Portrait Sessions — Charleston

04/09/2023

04/09/2023

We will be in Charleston, shooting Citadel Portraits the week of April 18th. Please call to reserve your time.

Time goes by so fast. Your Citadel Cadet has grown into a man or woman that will make a mark on the world. Savour this moment, for it will soon be gone. Remember the dedication and sacrifice with a classical portrait that will inspire your family for generations. Call us for a sitting. 843-860-3023 Citadel Portraits by Michael Givens

02/09/2022

People ask me if I ever shoot Cadet portraits on campus. I have and it works out well. Although, I find that the relaxing and fun atmosphere of the studio, away from distractions, reveals the deep and true personality of the Cadet.

These photos are not just for us, they are for the ages. Descendants of these cadets will learn something about the courage, the spirit, the soul of their ancestor — the Citadel Cadet, simply by looking into the eyes in these portraits.

If you prefer them on campus, let me know, I'll do my best.
We will be in Charleston the week of February 21st shooting Citadel Cadet portraits. Please call Jedelle at 843-860-3023 to discuss the details and reserve your time. Your great-grandchildren will thank you. PLEASE SHARE THIS POST. Citadel Portraits by Michael Givens

02/05/2022

Every picture tells a story, don't it
~Rod Stewart
Stories are made of moments — let's make this moment unforgettable.
We will be in Charleston the week of February 21st shooting Citadel Cadet portraits. Please call Jedelle at 843-860-3023 to discuss the details and reserve your time. Let's tell the story of these memories to your future generations. Please share this post. Citadel Portraits by Michael Givens

04/25/2021

Here’s a sneak peek at a candid during a recent session.