The time has come to take my own kid’s senior pictures.

This is a day that I didn’t think would ever happen. The day I took my own kid’s senior pictures!

When you hold your baby for the first time you can’t even imagine a time when that tiny baby will grow out of their first onesie, let alone turn 18, graduate from High School! What kills me is that this also means that he will soon be leaving my house. How dare he grow up!

Jackson was my practice model when I was learning photography. My two older boys were always being dressed up and taken out to different locations. “Boys! the hay bales are out. Put this on. I need to take your pictures.” “Boys! the light is perfect outside. Let go!” “Boys! I need to perfect my exposure when shooting in the snow. Grab your coats. I’m taking your pictures.” I am sure they were so relieved when the girls came along and got old enough for me to start using them as models.

Recently the only pictures I have been able to take of my boys have been when they are doing something. River surfing, or surfing behind the boat; Here in Missoula, the surfing takes place on rivers or behind boats. It’s pretty cool. My boys, including my husband, are really good! Also, skating boarding, playing soccer, or doing something cool behind the boat are the other chances I get to shoot my boys.

So, taking Jackson’s senior pictures was a dream!

Location, location, location!

I really loved that he had a really cool location in mind near the river where he surfs. I think it’s important to choose a location that reflects a little bit of who you are for your senior portraits. This location was amazing! We had the river, mountains, trees, railroad tracks, THREE bridges, and of course, gorgeous Montana light. He also let me push my own creativity. If you are a photographer and you aren’t taking pictures of your kids you are missing out. This is the time when you can do fun and different things and if it doesn’t work out, no problem! You were able to stretch your creativity and learn a few new things along the way. It’s always a win.

The images

Here are a few of my favorite images from Jackson’s senior photoshoot. It was super hard to limit it to just these few.

I have to say, the above image is my favorite one of this senior portrait shoot. To me, it says so much. It says how I feel about this next stage of parenthood. Like I am just taking a step off into the void and praying that there is something there to catch me. It’s also a great depiction of what it is like for these seniors. Taking a big leap into the unknown of the world out there. I sincerely hope that he too is praying and having faith that there is something greater than him to catch him and guide him along the path ahead.

Ok! Sappy mom stuff over. One more picture and then I will go reach for the chocolate and hang on tight to the last few months that I have left with my favorite brown-eyed boy.