Senior guys are not always the first to get excited about their senior portraits. Many times I’ll ask, “Now, are you doing this because you want to or for Mom?” Most of the time the answer is, “for Mom.” I think that’s noble and sweet, I really do, and I acknowledge that, but I also want them to be glad they did it in the end.

Sometimes Mom and Dad don’t want to push and go through the energy it takes to make a teenager do something they don’t want to do, but let me tell you, I think it’s worth it. I also want you to feel like it was worth it when we are done. Here’s a personal experience for my first reason: legacy. I have two boys. One of them from the time he was born has been the spitting image of my brother. He looks like him, he has the same sense of humor, he walks like him. It’s uncanny. When Jadon (my son) graduated, one of the first things we did was find Michael’s (my brother’s) senior portrait and compare the two. The people that knew Michael in that season of life will call Jadon “Michael” just for kicks. He’s been mistaken for Michael. It’s wild. We’ve had so much fun being able to go back and see the resemblances at the same age. It’s even crazier when it’s a parent or grandparent you can compare too. That doesn’t happen without quality images. Your son’s kids and grandkids (and maybe nephews) will want to do the same with his portraits.

Having our portrait made (in the right way) also creates confidence. The experience creates confidence because I am going to make sure he knows he is doing a great job, looks great, and is killing it. He may get to dress up a little more than usual and that makes him feel grown. He may feel confident because he got a say so in the process and is wearing his favorite tshirt. I definitely aim for that confidence factor when he sees his images. Proof positive that he was a great model. I make sure that blemishes that were gone the next day are not a part of that memory and he looks his best.

Also, you only graduate high school once. I’ve been known to call this “the last baby picture.” It’s mean, I know, but it’s so true. There’s a transition to adulthood that happens rapidly after high school graduation. Boys usually even fill out more. Looking back, they will look like a baby in these pictures and it should be preserved! Milestones should be documented, and I often tell parents (again in my own experience) that the next time he takes a professional portrait, there may be a new girl in the picture! (Don’t shoot me, I’m just the messenger!)

So, we’ve talked about why. Let’s talk about how this happens. My approach to a relaxed session with genuine expressions is really to get to know your son. I’m going to talk to him and hopefully get HIM talking about what he loves, what’s next, and what his plans are for the weekend. I’m going to make some sarcastic comments and brag on him to make him laugh. I’m going to say something stupid so we both can laugh. My chatterbox style takes the pressure of an uncomfortable silence off and lightens the mood. I might make him pose in ways he thinks is silly, but that’s just something else to laugh at. He doesn’t have to smile in all the pictures – I’m not that girl. I like a little melodrama. I also want his authentic self to be represented in his surroundings, hobbies, props, and style. Moms love the professional but relaxed results.

If your son isn’t excited about senior portraits, let’s talk. I make it easy (and love it).