Why Your Son’s Senior Pictures Matter (Even If He Thinks They Don’t)

Let’s be real—most senior guys aren’t exactly thrilled about having their senior pictures taken. I've had a lot of senior picture inquiries lately and I've talked to a lot of senior guy moms over my years as a senior photographer.

We are blessed to have so many great outdoor nature locations for senior pictures.

If I had to come up with one of the most common things senior guys mom say it would be "He's really not that into this. He's doing it for me."

And honestly? That’s totally okay.

During our Zoom Consultation we will determine the perfect location(s) to fit your personality and your style for your senior pictures.

Senior guys don’t always show up excited for photos—but that doesn’t mean it’s not important, or that you shouldn’t invest in the experience. In fact, it’s all the more reason to choose a photographer who knows how to make it quick, easy, and even enjoyable for them—while still giving you a gallery full of images you’ll love forever. As a senior photographer based in the south metro—serving families from Rosemount, Eagan, Lakeville, Prior Lake, and even St. Paul—I specialize in making senior sessions for guys easy, efficient, and (yes) even enjoyable.

You deserve beautiful portraits of your son

If your family is anything like mine, you’ve probably got a camera roll full of your daughters photos, but way fewer pictures of your son. Senior year is the perfect time to change that. A professional senior session gives you more than just a few snapshots—it gives you a curated collection of images that truly reflect who he is right now. We can freeze time before it all changes his senior year and after.

Whether we’re shooting in a Lakeville, Farmington or Eagan park or finding urban textures in downtown Minneapolis or St. Paul, I make sure moms walk away with a stunning variety of senior portraits. And let’s face it—this might be one of the only times you get him in front of the camera willingly. This is for YOU too - now and in the future when they want to spread their wings.

Moms love seeing their sons with natural and authentic smiles in their senior photos.

He’ll actually enjoy it (even if he won’t admit it)

One of my senior moms from Rosemount recently said:“I wasn’t sure how willing my 18-year-old son would be to take senior pictures. Let’s be honest, most 18-year-old boys couldn’t care less. I was nervous about him hating the experience... but after we met with Tracy and finished his session, my son said, ‘I actually had a great time.’”

As a senior photographer who’s worked with countless teen guys across from Stillwater to Prior Lake, and the surrounding areas, I’ve learned how to help them feel natural in front of the camera—fast. I don’t over-pose or drag things out, and I know how to give just enough direction so they feel confident but not awkward. That makes a huge difference in getting images they like and you cherish.

Professional photos make all the difference

It’s tempting to think, “Well, he’s not into it, so I’ll just find something simple and cheap.” But this is more than just checking a box. This is your chance to capture your son in a meaningful, timeless way. And when you work with a professional who truly understands how to work with teen guys, the results speak for themselves.

From helping with outfit choices (yes, I have a guys specific Style Guide for your Welcome Kit) to recommending the perfect location—whether that’s in Wayzata, Edina, Lakeville, Rosemount, Eagan, or St. Paul—I make the process seamless. One relaxed session, and you’ll have a gallery full of images that reflect who he really is at this moment in time.

So yes, maybe he’s doing it for you. But that doesn’t mean you have to settle. You deserve a senior portrait experience that feels easy, gets results, and gives you something beautiful to hold on to for years to come.

Which Senior Session is Right for Your Son?

I offer two different session types for senior guys: the Focus Senior Session and the Adventure Senior Session. So—what’s the best fit for your son?

If your son is an athlete and wants photos taken on his home field, court, or stadium—or if he’s the guy who’s more fashion-forward and wants more than three looks, or just someone who wants a little more variety in locations—the Adventure Senior Session is the way to go. Even though we travel between locations, it can still be efficient and fun. We just have a little more flexibility to create something unique and personal to him.

For athletes who just want to throw on a jersey and jeans and don’t necessarily care about being photographed where they play—or for the guys who are totally content with three outfit changes—I recommend the Focus Senior Session. We stick to one location, which keeps the session quick and easy, while still giving you a great variety of images. We can still get several different looks by walking around our chosen location. The Focus Session gallery is a bit smaller, but still includes plenty to fill one of my most popular products: the handcrafted Signature Album.

An Adventure Senior Session works great for senior athletes who want to be at their home stadium and a second location. It's also a great option for any senior who want multiple locations that might require some driving.

Ready to book your son’s senior session? Let’s make it happen.

Summer and fall dates for the Class of 2026 are filling quickly, especially in August. I intentionally limit the number of sessions I take each month to give each client my full attention—so when spots are gone, they’re gone. My calendar may have more dates so you have different date options but when the spots are filled for a given month, I remove any remaining openings for that month.

If you’re ready to book or have questions about which session is the best fit for your son, I’d love to chat with you. Let’s make sure you don’t miss this moment.