Let’s start with the obvious: most men don’t think about getting professional portraits unless someone makes them. Typically a partner wants updated family photos, it's your wedding, or a company requests a new headshot.

But what if it wasn’t about someone else? What if you did it for you?

These sessions aren’t just about looking good in front of a camera. It’s about showing up for yourself and celebrating who you are, where you’ve been, and maybe even where you’re headed. So let's get rid of the idea that it's just for actors, influencers, and fortune 500 CEOs. Did you get rid of it? Ok, let's proceed.

What a Men's Portrait Session Can be

Take a quick moment with me to explore what it can be. A men's professional portrait session doesn’t have to look just one way. For some, it’s bold and confident. For others, it’s more laid-back and introspective. It can be clean and classic, gritty and raw, creative, simple, or somewhere in the middle.

You might show up in a well-fitted suit or a vintage coat you snagged from the thrift store. Maybe it’s something that sparkles or maybe you wanna go full on birthday suit and create fine art nude portraits. There’s no one version of what this has to be.

What matters most is that the images feel like you and not someone you think you're supposed to be. You get to decide how you want to show up and how you want to be seen.

In the end, you leave with something that marks this moment in your life, whatever that means for you.

Reasons Men Need Professional Portraits (And Why You do Too)

Everyone steps into the studio for a different reason. Some are big and obvious. Others are more quiet or personal. A few start with nothing more than curiosity. If you’re wondering whether this is something for you, here are just a few reasons why men book a session.

Celebrate a Milestone

Maybe you’ve hit a goal, taken a risk, or made a major change. That’s worth celebrating.

Whether it’s a career move, personal growth, recovery, or a moment where you feel proud of where you are, portraits give you a way to hold onto that.

Update Your Dating Profile Pictures

Selfies under bad lighting aren’t doing you any favors. If you're dating, you already know that first impressions matter. A solid set of professional portraits for dating profiles helps you show up online looking like the best version of yourself. Now I will say, not every single picture on there needs to be award winning. Give them action, give them candid, give them you and your dog at the park. Just don't give them a group photo with everyone wearing sunglasses and no way of telling who you are in the shot.

Create a Legacy

A portrait is something that lasts. Years from now, someone you care about might look at these images and get a glimpse of who you were. It won't be just about how you looked, but how you carried yourself. They become part of your story, and your family’s story too.

If you want to go deeper, I talk more about that in Why Printed Portraits Still Matter in a Digital World.

Do Something for Yourself

You do things for your job, for your partner, and for your friends. A portrait session is a chance to do something just for you. It doesn’t have to be about proving anything. Sometimes it’s about taking up space in a way you haven’t before.

You Need a Confidence Boost

Not every season is a highlight reel. You might be in the middle of grief, a breakup, a big life transition. That doesn’t mean you have to hide. Portraits taken during these moments often end up being the most meaningful. They’re a reminder that you’re still standing and still moving forward.

You’ve Never Done It

That’s reason enough. You don’t have to wait for a special occasion. A portrait session can be about trying something new. Trying to see yourself from a different angle or proving to yourself that you deserve to be in the frame too.

You Don't Think Your Photogenic

This one comes up all the time. The truth? That’s not really a thing. Looking good in a photo isn’t about being “photogenic.” It’s about feeling comfortable, supported, and relaxed. If you haven’t had that experience before, maybe it’s time you did.

And if fear is what's been holding you back, Overcoming the Fear of Being Photographed might ease your nerves.

Because You Want to Show Everyone From High School How Hot You Are Now

Petty? Maybe. Satisfying? Absolutely. There’s nothing wrong with showing the world how far you’ve come. You’ve put in the work and you’re allowed to enjoy the results.

Show Up For Yourself

A portrait session isn’t just about the photos. It’s about the experience of showing up for yourself and seeing your story in a new way. You don’t need a special reason to do this and you don’t need to hit a goal first or wait for permission. When you decide the time is right, I'll be right here waiting for you.