Action Shots, Artwork & a Whole Lot of Personality

Senior year is filled with milestones—and for this senior guy, that meant celebrating his love of sports and personality-packed memories with photos that go way beyond the yearbook. His parents live in different states, but both knew these portraits would be something special. During our consultation, we planned out every detail, from outfit changes to locations, so his senior photo session would include variety, emotion, and the moments that matter most—plus plenty of ideas for track senior pictures that showed off his speed and dedication.

We chose an image box for this session—it holds a ton of favorites and looks amazing on display. You can peek at more designer artwork options I offer if you’re dreaming of something you’ll be excited to show off in your home.

Senior Pictures at the Track in Gilbert, AZ

To kick off this session, we met at the track at Mesquite High School in Gilbert. That location gave us the perfect setup to highlight his sport—complete with uniform, warm-ups, and gear. We planned it for early evening, knowing we’d have great light and room to move. And yes, we got that iconic sun flare shot with the scoreboard in the background, just like his mom had hoped for!

Now, it wasn’t that hot that day… but this is Arizona, so “not hot” still means kind of sweaty. I honestly didn’t expect him to go all out for the sprint shots, but he did—and wow, did it pay off! These are the kind of track senior pictures I love: zero fake posing, just a real athlete showing up, pushing hard, and letting that intensity and drive speak for itself!

Rustic Trucks and Natural Smiles at Tumbleweed Park

From Gilbert to Chandler, we switched things up and added a new vibe. Tumbleweed Park delivered the rustic truck we love to use, especially for senior guys who want that laid-back Arizona look. These photos had a relaxed, candid feel—just him being himself. One of the biggest wins? Getting that real, joyful smile that parents are always hoping for. Hint: it may have involved a few dumb jokes and a whole lot of awkward charm on my part. Totally worth it.

Composite Sports Art That Tells a Story

One of the coolest parts of this session was creating a custom composite. It’s not just a Photoshop trick—it’s a way to tell a deeper story. We took a strong portrait on a textured wall, then layered in one of his sprinting shots to create a dramatic, sports-inspired design. These are especially popular printed on metal, and they look amazing as part of an image box or as a statement piece in the home.

Whether you run track, play football, or cheer on the sidelines, your sport is part of your story. See more senior pictures for athletes and get inspired for your own session.

Skateboard Action Shots at Sunset

When he pulled out a throwback graphic tee and skateboard, we decided to roll with it—literally. We didn’t go to a skatepark or trendy mural. Just a quiet road, a streetlight, and some creative lighting did the trick. We tried a few times (okay, more than a few) to catch the perfect mid-air motion, and when we nailed it, it became one of the most unique images of the night. It’s always worth it to bring props that feel personal—even if you haven’t used them in years. The memory alone is gold!

Night Portraits in a Suit and Tie

Let’s talk suits. I used to be all about casual looks, especially for senior guys. But something about dressier outfits just elevates the whole session. When we added nighttime lighting to a classic black suit, everything clicked. These portraits gave a whole new level of confidence, and for parents, it’s the moment where you realize your teen is stepping into adulthood. Nighttime portraits have become a favorite for this very reason—they’re bold, stylish, and make guys look amazing.

National Feature on Senior Guys Style

This session didn’t just turn heads at home. One of the portraits was featured by Senior Guys Style, a national platform that highlights the best senior photographers and their work. It’s always an honor to have my work shared—but even more special when it’s a session this personal. Between the lighting, styling, and natural posing, it was a moment that stood out.

Think guys senior pictures are all the same? Think again! This gallery is full of creative senior photo ideas for guys who made their sessions their own.

Including Mom in Senior Photos

Let’s be real. Moms are usually the ones behind the camera, cheering their kids on from the sidelines. But this time? She stepped into the spotlight. I asked her to hop in for just a few quick shots, and instead of hesitating, she beamed with pride and joined him. It was the perfect way to honor their bond.

One of those photos made it into the image box with a heartfelt poem—something they’ll both hold onto for years to come.

Sons do grow into men
and no longer play with toys.
But in our hearts as mothers,
they’ll always be our little boys.

More Senior Picture Inspiration in Chandler and Gilbert

Want to see more senior pictures that were taken in the Chandler area? Here are some blog posts you might enjoy! These sessions all include images taken at night in Downtown Chandler.

Jasmine, Gilbert High School: Chandler Senior Pictures at Veterans Oasis Park
Briana, Hamilton High School: Senior Pictures at Night
Cole, Gilbert Classical Academy: Professional Portraits for Senior Guys

Planning Your Own Senior Portrait Session

Every session starts with getting to know you—what you love, what you want to include, and what kind of images will bring back all the memories years from now. If you’re thinking about senior pictures in Gilbert, Chandler, or anywhere in the East Valley, I’ve got you covered. Download the Senior Client Welcome Guide to learn more about sessions, products, and how to start planning.

Keep the Ideas Coming…

Want even more inspo for senior pictures? Follow along on Pinterest, Instagram, and Facebook—I’m always posting the latest looks, posing ideas, favorite location, and real client sessions to help you plan the senior pictures of your dreams!

Got a few more tabs open? Same! So if you’re on a roll, check these out next:

→ Ideas for Sports Senior Pictures
→ How to Include Your Favorite Sport in Senior Pictures
→ Chandler Senior Photographer | See Real Sessions + Favorite Locations