Guys and girls are different when it comes to Senior Portraits. Not just because girls usually want to be here, and guys are usually just making Mom happy...
The way we approach the session is different too. Senior guys and girls react differently and getting real expressions from them requires us to understand those differences.
We've been told by lots of moms that we seem to be especially good at getting "real" from Senior boys, as opposed to that fake cheesy grin, or the "I'm not going to ever smile" scowl. We've also been told by senior boys themselves, that it wasn't nearly as awful as they expected it to be.
I think that is really the secret -- to any kind of Portrait Session -- not just Seniors... it has to be fun and comfortable. If it's awkward, or unpleasant, the images will reflect it.
Sometimes when we have a Senior guy who has that "I'm too tough to smile" look on his face, I like to tease him and say, "So, do you think you could whip me?" Of course, they all laugh at that, and they all think they could... (I always say, "well, you might be stronger and faster that me, but don't be too sure -- my dad always said, 'no boy can whip a man' "
This is Damon.
I did not bring it up with him...