We made a last minute pivot with Jonas’s senior photos, deciding to venture up to MCAD and the Minneapolis Institute of Art. It was a windy day as fall faded closer to winter, but despite the weather, we had a blast exploring different sculptures and murals as backdrops. The location suited Jonas: cool, complex, surprising, and architectural (his anticipated future career path). As a bonus, given the blustery weather, we nearly had the museum grounds to ourselves. Jonas and Emily, thanks for this invitation and adventure!
Read MoreMonte's Portraits at the Berry Farm
Of the many things I love about living in Northfield, our local CSA (community supported agriculture) farm community is definitely in the top 10. Every week from June to November, we drive or bike 5 minutes north of town to pick up our weekly produce. Our CSA farm shares land with Little Hill Berry Farm. Having grown up on a farm, I love how this tradition keeps me connected to the ups-and-downs of farming life, but mostly, I love how beautiful and vibrant these land plots are — native pollinator plants line the drive, hoop houses protect tidy rows of seedlings and berry bushes, and the all-you-can-pick flower fields are so textural and colorful.
Read MoreCassie's Senior Sessions: Downtown + Arb
It was a happy accident — a Google search error returning a different Kallie R doing photography in Minnesota — that led me to meeting Cassie and her mom. I love how vibrant this shoot ended up being, thanks to all the color and sparkle Cassie brought, plus the good benefit of a perfect August night. We wandered downtown Northfield, then caught the sinking sun out at the Arb.
Read MoreSculpture Park Senior Photos with Bridget
Bridget’s senior photo session in downtown St. Paul was filled with cool sculptures, late summer flowers, the most amazing outfits, and a lot of laughter. Her mom is one of my dearest former colleagues, and after photographing Bridget’s incredibly cool sibling a couple years ago, I had high expectations going into this shoot. Bridget is just as cool and sweet and smart as their older sibling, but with her own confidence and completely unique personality.
Read MoreSophia's Minnesota Senior Portraits
Sophia calls Missouri home, but I had the good fortune to meet up with her during her Minnesota summer, when she comes up to stay with family. She’ll be a senior in the fall, and so we spent a beautiful evening getting senior portraits. She was joined by her aunt Tracey and my good friend Caitlin, and the four of us made a good crew, handling jokes-on-command and turning into a portable changing station when necessary.
Read MoreHold this Heart: Art + Art Instruction photos
Working with other local artists is so rewarding! Angie, the artist and owner behind Hold this Heart is one of the truest embodiments of light and creativity. Whenever I run into her around town, my day is brighter. So, I was beyond honored and excited when she reached out about some photos for her website, and to help promote some art classes she would start teaching here in Northfield.
Read MoreHeadshots with James
I don’t usually laugh so much at headshot sessions, but James kept this shoot light and easy. As a bonus, it turned out to be a good way to get reacquainted with a neighbor I haven’t had a chance to talk with since the weekend we moved into our house four years ago. Not pictured: The outtakes where James is literally crouching in the prairie grasses, ready to attack!
Read MoreConner's Senior Photos
We took Conner’s senior photos on one of 2023’s spring December days. It was foggy — “Folklore vibes,” to quote one of his younger sisters — and the striking, quieting weather was kind of perfect for Conner. His eyes are so gentle, direct, and kind. Even though we kept this mini-session quick, I’m still glad we squeezed in a few shots with mom. Conner, wishing you the best on the next chapter!
Read MoreSenior photos with Gabriel on the river
It was one of those perfect fall evenings in Minnesota for Gabriel’s senior photos, and he and his father were the perfect folks to spend it with. Gabriel brought his fly fishing rod and I was able to get a glimpse of how close an observer he is of the natural world. He pointed out five fish species that to me all looked like brown minnows. It was clear he was most at ease looking, walking, observing all that the arb holds as we strolled along.
Read MoreCarleton graduation photos with Rylyn
Rylyn and her boyfriend Chris showed up at 7 am the morning after their Carleton College senior prom looking so fresh and put-together I was worried they hadn’t properly been celebrating senior week. But then Rylyn tried to say hello and her voice was gone from a week of yelling with friends at loud activities, and I was frankly relieved. In the rush of the last week on campus before heading onto the next chapter, it was nice to have a quiet morning on campus, just to ourselves.
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