Whenever I am getting ready for a senior boy session, I find myself a tad bit nervous.  You see, senior boys are usually the least thrilled client I serve about getting portraits done, other than a toddler throwing a temper tantrum.  Don’t get me wrong, senior guys are really excited about graduation, just not all the pomp and circumstance that goes along with it.  Senior portraits are just another obligation to fulfill that will make mom happy…… that is, if she doesn’t cry throughout the session.   Knowing this, I want to make the session an event that leaves them feeling happy they decided to “go along with it”, like the session represented who they are at this time in their life, and that they leave feeling excited about their future!  This session could not have gone more perfectly, and at the end, we all left feeling relaxed and at ease, and Candace left “with a happy, relaxed 18 year old boy that didn’t want his picture taken at first.” Win-win!

 

I met Jesse’s family in 2014 when my family moved to middle Tennessee.  Candace, his mom, and her husband were some of our first friends here. We met in our small group at church, and they were so instrumental in our transition here.  They helped Franklin feel a little more like home to this couple with two young babies who just moved to a place where they knew no one! It is a favor I wish I could repay a thousand times!  So, when she reached out to me about taking senior portraits of Jesse, I wanted to make sure they were perfect!

 

Jesse’s high school accomplishments are as vast and fun as his personality.

He was in choir, participated in several musical productions, played lacrosse, and helped with news productions and announcements at school.

He is charming, trendy, vibrant, and full of energy.  He has

hair that falls right into place

after just running his hand through and the most

friendly and beautiful blue eyes

any boy should be able to have!

And you would never know he was a tad nervous about being in front of the camera.  He looks so natural in his portraits, I may or may not have suggested modeling as something to look into, after college of course!

When I was trying to decide on a location for the session, I knew I wanted to choose a place that could be described in the same way as I just described Jesse.  Of course, downtown Franklin immediately came to mind. Jesse and Franklin are both authentic and have strong character, but there are two main reasons I thought they would be the perfect combo.

They both value family.

Whenever I’m with a senior and I am trying to get genuine smiles, I always try to get them to talk about something they love and are very passionate about.  Jesse’s eyes immediately lit up every time we talked about his family, especially the hilarious stories of his youngest sibling, Micah.

They both can appreciate the past while still looking forward to the future.

This is not something that is easily done, even for most adults!  Sure, it is easy to love the good times, but being able to appreciate and respect the hard times for how they have shaped you shows a level of maturity and demonstrates a gratitude for what life has to offer.  Change isn’t always easy and isn’t something we can avoid, but when approached with a positive attitude, it usually changes us for the better.

Jesse, Western Kentucky University is truly getting a gem in YOU this fall!  You are kind, genuine, you have so much to offer, and you make this world better just by being a part of it!  Good luck, and don’t forget to call your mom every now and then 😉