Dear Senior Boy,

I know having your picture taken is perhaps your least favorite activity. You might prefer a trip to have your braces tightened. I get it. There are websites out there that show many, many pictures of senior girls who look like they should be in some model search. "Senior pictures are just for girls" you might think. I hear you.

Let me tell you something, though. Even though you might not be excited about these portraits, I'm going to let you in on a little secret: Your mom is.

See this picture? This is me with my son. He was 3 at the time. He's now preparing to enter middle school. He is growing up way too fast. I love the heck out of him ... and I want to remember every step of his journey from boyhood to becoming a young man.

Even though your voice is an octave (or more!) lower than when you first said "mama" or when she dropped you off on your first day of school, I guarantee you that she still remembers your first moments.

Your mom remembers the little boy you once were, with all of your wiles and your ornery capers. She is also in awe of the young man you are now, and is anxious to see the grown man you will become. She wants to remember this.

So if I might offer a suggestion ... humor your mother. She'll drag you to your portrait session, but bring a smile. These pictures are so important to her.

I promise to not be a uber annoying, obnoxious photographer. I'll probably mother you a little, but I promise to capture photos that will preserve your "dude-ness" while making your mom happy. 

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