You stood in their dorm room, gave that final squeeze, and somehow managed to smile through the tears as they walked you to the car. Maybe they were excited. Maybe they were nervous. Maybe you were both.

Then came the long, quiet ride home. The bedroom that still smells like them. The dinner table with an empty seat. The ache in your chest that no one prepared you for.

Saying goodbye at college drop-off is more than just a milestone—it’s a shift in identity. A doorway from the world you knew to one that’s unfamiliar.

But what if that doorway is also an entry into something beautiful?

This article is about the transformation that can happen after goodbye—the unexpected growth that’s waiting on the other side. Let’s talk about how to not just survive the empty nest, but thrive in it.

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1. Recognize the Power of the Pause

Before growth begins, there’s usually stillness. For many parents, the quiet after college drop-off feels unsettling. But quiet isn’t a void—it’s a pause. And it’s powerful.

Why it matters:

• It gives you space to feel, reflect, and recalibrate.
• It offers clarity you may have missed in the busyness.
• It invites you to slow down and breathe.

What to do:

• Give yourself permission to rest.
• Avoid rushing into distractions just to avoid the silence.
• Let the pause be sacred—it’s preparing you for what’s next.

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2. Shift Your Focus: From Letting Go to Lifting Off

It’s easy to frame this season as a loss. But what if you reframed it as a launch? Your child leaving home is not the end of the story—it’s proof that your investment has taken flight.

Ask yourself:

• What values did I instill that they’re now carrying forward?
• How can I continue to support them while also giving them space?
• In what ways can I celebrate this moment, even while it stings?

Mantra: You didn’t lose them—you launched them.

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3. Reimagine Your Identity (You Are More Than “Just Mom” or “Just Dad”)

For years, your identity has been tied to school pickups, sports practices, meal planning, and bedtime talks. Now, it’s time to rediscover the parts of you that may have gone quiet.

Reflection prompts:

• What brings me joy outside of parenting?
• What did I love before I became a parent?
• Who do I want to become in this next chapter?

Idea: Write a “vision statement” for your next decade. Who are you becoming?

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4. Invest in Personal Growth Without Guilt

You’ve given your child everything. Now it’s time to give something back to yourself.

Ways to grow personally:

• Take a class—photography, pottery, cooking, or even a college course yourself.
• Read for pleasure or inspiration (not just parenting books!).
• Hire a life coach or start a devotional or journaling routine.
• Set a personal challenge: 90 days to learn something new.

Important: Prioritizing your growth is not selfish—it’s healthy, empowering, and necessary.

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5. Cultivate Emotional Resilience

Grief and growth can coexist. You might feel joy one moment and heartbreak the next. Learning to hold space for both is key to thriving.

Strategies to build resilience:

• Practice gratitude daily—write down three things, no matter how small.
• Talk to a trusted friend, mentor, or therapist about the transition.
• Avoid numbing (with busyness, food, alcohol, etc.)—feel your way through.

Truth: Resilience isn’t about “toughing it out.” It’s about staying present in the process.

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6. Strengthen Your Relationships—Old and New

As your daily interactions with your child decrease, there’s room to pour into other relationships: your marriage, friendships, and even new social connections.

Consider:

• Planning a weekly date night or couple’s getaway.
• Hosting a monthly dinner with other empty nesters.
• Volunteering or mentoring—it’s amazing how much you still have to give.

Bonus: These relationships can enrich your life in ways that parenting alone never could.

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7. Explore New Dreams and Adventures

The kids are launched. The schedule is lighter. And the horizon? Wide open. It’s time to revisit old dreams—or make new ones.

Ideas for dreaming again:

• Start that side business, nonprofit, or blog you’ve put off.
• Travel somewhere that was never “kid-friendly.”
• Say yes to something that feels just a little bit scary (in the best way).

Question to ask: What have I always wanted to do, but couldn’t before now?

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8. Find New Ways to Parent from a Distance

Just because you’re not under the same roof doesn’t mean you’re not connected. You’re still their parent—but now, your influence is quieter, more intentional.

Try this:

• Send a short weekly text of encouragement.
• Respect their growing independence, but leave the door open for advice.
• Celebrate their wins—even the small ones.

Key shift: Move from manager to mentor. That’s where the magic is now.

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9. Celebrate the Journey (Yours and Theirs)

You’ve spent 18+ years investing in a life. That deserves celebration. So does the fact that you are still growing, still learning, and still becoming.

Ideas:

• Host a dinner or write a letter marking the transition.
• Create a memory photo book or video montage from their childhood.
• Start a new family tradition, even if it’s from afar.

Why it helps: Celebrating creates closure and honors the past while embracing the future.

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10. Believe This Truth: You’re Not Done Yet

You may feel like your “big work” is over. But it’s not. The world still needs what you have to offer—your wisdom, creativity, leadership, love.

The question isn’t: “What do I do now?”

It’s: “What does this next chapter make possible?”

The best parts of your story may still be waiting to unfold. Keep going.

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Final Thoughts: Growth Isn’t Always Loud—But It’s Always Worth It

You don’t have to rush. You don’t have to have all the answers.

But if you’re willing to sit with the discomfort, listen to your own heart, and take one small step forward at a time—growth will come. And one day, you’ll look back and realize this quiet, uncertain season shaped you into someone stronger, wiser, and more alive than ever before.

So go ahead.

Say goodbye.

Then grow.

SEPTEMBER 26, 2021

ALEXIS’S SENIOR PHOTOS IN DOWNTOWN HOUSTON | CLASS OF 2022

RIDGE POINT HIGH SCHOOL | MISSOURI CITY, TEXAS SENIOR PHOTOGRAPHER

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We have Alexis up on the Blog today! Alexis is one of my Spokesmodels and, wow, was her session awesome! We had so much fun planning out her session and playing around with the mix of her wardrobe and making sure that it matched all of her locations perfectly. 

We started the session in downtown Houston on Main St. The white dress and red bar stool was the perfect setting to start (and it was the same location and red bar stool I used with her class of 2021 boyfriend, Logan Wilson). We then transitioned into the pink outfit and headed over to the historic part of downtown. We found our way to the top of the Icon Hotel parking garage (okay, we snuck in and hoped to not get kicked out) to get some fantastic shots with the clock tower. We later returned back to Main St. to get some jumping shots in the middle of Main St. since Alexis is a dancer with the varsity RPHS Royals dancing team.

Next stop was to uptown with all of the fancy marble and glass buildings. The red dress matched perfectly with the location, including the reflections up one of the walkways. We ended the session with her black dress near the theater and ran into Batman (who knew)! He was super cool and let us get a few shots with him.

At Alexis’s session, I provided chocolate, Lay’s limón potato chips, and a variety of drinks (all her favorites).

I love everything about your session Alexis and I am so excited that I got to be your senior photographer and capture this time in your life!

“I had the best experience with Jason, I had so much fun and gave me a good sense of confidence and was very professional with great ideas!”

Alexis Stanley

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The high school years can be a busy time, and it’s easy to lose track of the many steps involved in the college search and application process. To help you and your student stay on track, I’ve compiled some tips on what your college-bound senior should be doing in their final year.

During the summer, the soon-to-be seniors should:

• Plan college visits.
• Narrow down the colleges being considered.
• Make decisions regarding early decision or early action programs.
• Enter and/or update information in the FAFSA4caster.

In the fall semester, seniors will need to:

• Register for and take (or retake) the SAT and/or ACT, if not already done.
• Complete and submit college applications prior to deadlines.
• Request transcripts and letters of recommendation at least 30 days before they are due.
• Work with parents to complete and submit the FAFSA.
• Complete and submit scholarship applications prior to deadlines.
• Meet with a counselor to verify that graduation requirements will be met on schedule.

During the winter months, seniors should:

• Review and make any necessary changes/corrections to the Student Aid Report.
• Finish submitting scholarship applications.

In spring semester, seniors will need to:

• Visit colleges on their “short list.”
• Consider college acceptances; compare financial aid packages offered.
• Call college financial aid representatives with questions.
• Decide on the college to attend (typically by May 1 or earlier) and contact its offices.
• Make informed decisions about student loans.

Although the temptation to goof off during the last year of high school may be strong, high school students should be made aware that college admissions officers will expect to see they’ve worked hard to keep grades up and continued their involvement in school and community activities. Reassure aspiring college students that they can still enjoy life and time with friends while remaining focused on larger goals.

Getting your senior photos taken is an exciting rite of passage and this photo will likely be spread far and wide, seen and cherished by many. Senior photos are used in yearbooks, graduation announcements, and given framed as gifts to loved ones or to friends as mementos with notes written on the back of memories shared and wishes for the future given. In order for the session to be enjoyable, memorable and stress-free, please read and follow these senior picture tips to ensure your photos reflect the true you while also helping you feel organized, prepared and confident, knowing what to expect.

What do you bring to a senior photo shoot? What can I expect? Do you have any senior pic tips for me?

Bring your well-rested, well-prepared, well-fed, open-minded self. The goal is to capture your authentic smile and body language as well as what makes you you in terms of hobbies, style, and interests. If you play an instrument, bring it along for some photos. If you play a sport or two, bring a ball, baton, or racquet – varsity jackets also look great in photos! Your photos should reflect and celebrate your individuality. Your pet is welcome and often a furry pal brings out genuine smiles and natural poses. Some seniors opt to pose with their car or bike or horse. You and I are a team, working together to make your senior photos stand out from the mundane or typical. Your session should be fun and utilize clothing, props, backgrounds and poses that make sense for you.

Here are some senior pic tips that have helped others during their senior photo session with me:

• Bring water to stay hydrated.
• Bring more outfits than you think you need for your senior photo experience and be prepared to change outfits throughout our time together based on backgrounds and poses used. For all of my clients, I will provide my digital Senior Style Guide magazine that is full of helpful tips and tricks on how to pick your outfits!
• A general rule of thumb is 4-8 outfits, each of which reflects your individual style. Choose from 3-4 of these categories: casual, cozy, dressy, school-related, sports-related, preppy, or edgy.
• It’s a good idea to try on each outfit to ensure it allows you freedom of movement and comfort in all sorts of poses and to steer clear of clothing that is too tight, too short, or too much of a fad.
• Bring accessories like jewelry, hair ornaments, and neck ties for individual outfits in baggies and a brush, comb and makeup, especially powder and lipstick, for touch ups.
• Bring a close friend or family member to help you fix hair and outfit issues and to lend you support.
• If you have photos of poses you like, bring the pictures or magazine pages. I will suggest poses but am open to your ideas. You can preferably get these to me ahead of the shoot to maximize our time together.

What if I feel awkward or stressed?!

Um, that means you are among the majority! Most high school students have not been through a professional portrait session experience prior to their senior photos so it’s NORMAL and EXPECTED to have the jitters. As we ease into the session and I help you figure out where to place your arms and hands, how to sit, stand or lean toward the light in natural ways, you will likely begin to enjoy the time. Don’t worry, I’ve got you!

Once you are in a pose, I will take a handful of shots and adjust angle and composition and then will likely have you change position, background and/or outfit and prop and do the same thing over again.

Having another family member or friend there with whom you feel at ease will help you be yourself and relax which then comes out in the pictures. I often see the senior I am photographing enjoy laughs and special moments with their family member or friend during this unique time.

When do you take senior pictures?

It’s always a great idea to plan ahead and book as far in advance as possible to ensure you get the best date. You want to allow time to look over and choose your photos for graduation announcements. It truly is never too early to book with me. It gives you and I time to brainstorm and plan together where you want the shoot to be and what things you and I will do to make it a success.

Once the date, time, and location are set use these tips to prep for your senior pictures:

• Use Pinterest, Instagram, or other websites to research and list ideas about how you want your photos to look.
• Visit my online Gallery to see outfits, hairstyles, props, poses, and locations used by other seniors and then put your own spin on things.
• Pay extra attention to self-care. Getting quality sleep, eating healthfully, and drinking plenty of water leading up to your session date will keep your skin and eyes looking their best. Spend a little more time shaving to avoid nicks and rashes.

I hope these senior picture tips are helpful! I want this experience to be a special one for you as it is an exciting time in your life and you should look back on it fondly. So, if you have any concerns, questions or ideas, please know I am open to discussing them and encourage you to reach out. And congratulations on your impending graduation! I look forward to hearing from you!

Hey y’all, I’m Jason! I’m a Missouri City, Texas (Sienna) senior photographer obsessed with making young people feel confident in their skin.

I know what it feels like to struggle with making sure you are doing everything you can to make these teen years special. Having three of my own, I’ve tried to find ways to document special moments in their lives. I’ve also tried to instill in them a sense of self-worth and to embrace what makes them who they are. I understand their needs to fit in while also trying to stand out and that as a dad, you want them to hold on to each stage so you can look back on these memories.

That’s why I specialize in photographing teens. They are all so unique and deserve to celebrate it!

Check out these top 8 tips to pick the perfect senior photographer and make sure they are exactly what you are looking for!

Tip #4: Making the headlines

What’s another way to tell if the photographer you’re hiring is legit? See if they have been published and featured! Photographers that are published and featured are the ones whose work is setting the standard throughout the photography industry and making sure that you’re getting the best possible photos!

My images and seniors have been nationally and internationally published and featured many times in magazines and by social media influencers, such as Senior Year Magazine, SeniorSzn Magazine, TeenSzn Magazine, Senior Guys Style, and Senior Images.

Tip #5: Custom archive quality photo products

I’ll never forget the moment a senior told me that they’re so glad that I don’t just hand over a CD of images and make them print them on their own.

While getting digital files is awesome for posting to Instagram and Twitter, I have had seniors tell me that they love getting archive quality photo products that are only available to them in addition to their digitals.

Make sure that you have the option of beautiful products (and I’m not talking about what you get at Walgreens or CVS….) in addition to the digital files for sharing on Instagram.

Tip #7: Make sure they’re legal and have a contract

If the photographer you’re booking doesn’t have a contract, chances are you’re going to get burned. The contract is in place to protect both you and the photographer. What happens if you pay them before the session and they never show up? It’s happened and I don’t want that happening to you. That’s why a contract is so important.

Hey, thank you so much for reading this blog post! If you have any questions or would like to book your senior session with me, please don’t hesitate to contact me. I am here for you, just ask!

~ Jason