This is one of the most significant milestones of a military career. Let's make sure every moment of it is documented beautifully — the ceremony, the family, and everything in between.
Congratulations — this is a huge deal, and it deserves to be documented.
A Change of Command ceremony is one of the most formal, meaningful milestones in a military career. The traditions, the uniforms, the flags, the transfer of the guidon — it's a moment that carries real weight and real pride. And so often, the service member is the last one thinking about getting photos. So here's what I want you to know: your kids may not have cognitive memories of your active duty years. These photos are how they'll know. They're how you'll remember.
I am honored to be there for it. I've been photographing military ceremonies across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia for over 12 years, and I bring the same attention to detail to a Change of Command that I would to a wedding. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know so the day is seamless.
A Change of Command ceremony is a formal military tradition that officially transfers authority, responsibility, and accountability from one commanding officer to another. It's one of the oldest and most respected traditions in the armed forces — across the Navy, Marine Corps, Army, Air Force, and Coast Guard — and it reflects the continuity of command that keeps units functioning no matter who is in charge.
The ceremony typically includes the formal passing of the unit guidon (the flag or pennant that represents the unit) from the outgoing commander to the incoming commander, often via the senior officer or official presiding over the ceremony. There are speeches, formal orders, and often a parade or troop formation. After the official ceremony, family photos and portraits are typically taken.
Think of it a little like a wedding — there's a formal proceeding with very specific traditions, and then a more relaxed portrait session with family and colleagues afterward. I photograph both.
During the ceremony itself I'll move quietly and unobtrusively — capturing the formal moments, the passing of the guidon, the speeches, the troops, and the candid reactions of family members in the crowd. After the ceremony I'll coordinate a portrait session with the service member, their family, and any group shots needed.
Just like homecomings, Change of Command ceremonies almost always take place on military installations across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia — NAS Jacksonville, Mayport Naval Station, Camp Blanding, Florida Air National Guard, Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay, and others. Base access needs to be coordinated well in advance.
Military ceremony dates occasionally shift. If your Change of Command date changes, please let me know as soon as possible. I will do my best to accommodate any reschedules, and I will never penalize you for a date change out of your control. I also have close colleagues with base access who can cover in the rare event of a scheduling conflict — so your ceremony will always be in good hands.
While every Change of Command is slightly different depending on the branch, unit, and commanding officer's preferences, most follow a similar general structure. Here's a typical flow so you know what's coming:
Guests arrive and are seated. Troops or formations may already be in position. Family members are typically escorted to reserved seating. This is a great time for me to capture the anticipation, the details, and candid family moments before the formality begins.
The presiding officer, outgoing commander, and incoming commander take their positions. There may be an invocation, national anthem, and troop inspection. Colors are presented.
This is the most symbolic moment of the ceremony — the unit guidon is formally passed from the outgoing commanding officer to the presiding officer, and then to the incoming commanding officer. This transfer symbolizes the official transfer of command and is the shot I will absolutely not miss.
The outgoing commander, incoming commander, and often the presiding officer each give remarks. I capture the speakers and the family's reactions — the pride, the emotion, the kids fidgeting in their seats (which is always adorable).
The formal ceremony concludes. There may be a reception immediately following.
After the ceremony, I'll coordinate the portrait portion — the service member with family, with colleagues, in front of the aircraft or ship, and any group shots needed. Please plan for approximately 20–30 minutes for this portion. I'll keep it efficient and enjoyable.
The flags, the aircraft, the white walls of a hangar — Change of Command ceremonies have some of the most stunning natural backdrops of any military event. We will absolutely use them.
A Change of Command is a formal military ceremony. The service member will be in their dress uniform, which means the family should look polished and put-together to match the occasion. Here's how to approach it.
Ceremonies often take place inside hangars, on parade decks, or in formal auditoriums. These backdrops tend to be neutral, industrial, or flag-filled — which means your colors will stand out clearly. Here are the palettes that work best:
Patriotic, striking, and beautiful against the formal backdrops of military ceremonies. A timeless choice.
Elegant, timeless, and versatile. Neutrals complement military dress uniforms without competing with them.
Deep navy and rich blues feel perfectly appropriate for formal military ceremonies and photograph beautifully.
Earthy greens complement military uniforms naturally and look grounded and intentional in formal portraits.
The most important thing you can wear is something that makes you feel proud and put-together. This is a big day for your family. Dress like it — and feel every bit of it.
Your kids may not remember this day. These photos will make sure they know it happened — and how proud they should be.
Once we've wrapped, here's what to expect:
When it comes to printing, I have two recommendations I stand behind completely:
For large prints and wall art, I personally use and recommend SmallwoodHome.com. As a photographer, this is the only place I order my own large prints from — the quality is incredible and they're worth every penny.
For standard photo prints, I recommend ordering directly from your gallery's print shop. It's powered by Miller's — one of the best professional photo printing labs in the world. Your images are color-calibrated specifically for their printers, which means what you receive will look exactly the way it's meant to.
If you have any questions before or after your ceremony — please don't hesitate to reach out. I'm always here.
It is an honor to document this milestone for your family. Serving military families across Northeast Florida and Southeast Georgia — including NAS Jacksonville, Mayport, Camp Blanding, Florida Air National Guard, and Naval Submarine Base Kings Bay.