Meet the man, Zac, 2018 senior at Simley High School, and soon to be graduate! With his great laugh and perfect smile, we were bound to have a great session!

I love taking guy's senior portraits, because it gives me the opportunity to meet people like Zac, and learn about the things that inspire him. I had the honors of photographing his older brother, Ben, for his senior pics a few years ago, and captured a special family event for his older sister, Sam, so I had met Zac previously, but was not able to spend the time with him until his session to really get to know him.

We had a great session in downtown St. Paul in the summer, just a few short weeks before Zac's senior year was about to begin. His mom, Anita, joined us on the shoot. She was our driver for a few of the "drive by" locations. We even got in trouble at one pitstop...for no reason! I'll never forget that!

The 411 on Zac

Describe your personality: Outgoing, sarcastic, and a realist

What are your plans after high school? Continue on to Drake University with a double major in Business Studies and Chemistry

Where do you like to hang out with your friends? At cafes, and outside

What is your favorite candy or snack? Skittles

How would your closest friends best describe you? Friendly, somewhat optimistic but a realist

What are three unique things that people may not know about you:
1. I like to listen to musical soundtracks.
2. Despite my outgoing personality, I'm actually very shy in person.
3. I like to run with my dog.

What extra-curricular activities are you a part of? Theatre, Student Council, VP of National Honors Society

What advice would you leave for the underclassmen? Make the most of every moment - dances, summers, pep fests...

It was a memorable senior year for Zac. He was able to make a huge "Check" off his bucket list by seeing the theatrical performance of Hamilton at the CIBC Theater in Chicago. During his session, Zac had mentioned how awesome the Hamilton soundtrack was. Being the music buff that I am, I went and bought a few songs from the soundtrack from iTunes. He is right. It is a pretty sweet soundtrack! To add on to an exciting year, he also went on a trip to Guatemala, made a huge college decision, and worked on a huge theater production for Simley High School Theatre, just to name a few.

At the beginning of their senior year, I will ask them what their plans are after they graduate, and some of the kids name off schools...and by the time the end of their senior year comes-they have a COMPLETELY different direction. Such is the case for Zac: When initially asked about his plans post-high school, his response was "The U of M-Twin Cities." Fast forward the clock to today...aaaand he's headed to Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa instead. Way to go, Zac! How exciting is that?! Not to mention he's going to double major!

Zac, I'd like to thank you for spending the day with me to take your senior portraits. I love your sense of adventure! There are so many great things out there for you to check off of that bucket list yet, and with your determination, I'm most certain you will reach your goals in no time! Thank you for reminding me of the beauty that lies within musical soundtracks - it had been years since I had enjoyed listening to them! 

To view more highlight images from Zac's session, and view his senior session slideshow video, click here to launch the custom mobile phone app! 

Monda is a high school senior portrait photographer in the Twin Cities. To get started on your 2019 senior session experience, contact me here.