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.
Read MoreHongshen's graduation photos
Hongshen is off to the next chapter in Boston, but I’m glad we got this graduation session in before she flew off to Hong Kong for the summer. We strolled campus on the quiet Sunday morning following commencement, in the wonderful company of her parents. It was really sweet seeing their immense pride in their daughter.
Read MoreHelen + Silas Senior Photos
I first met Helen and Silas while interrupting their Blue Monday coffee date. I was on a photoshoot for Carleton, and I needed some student models. They were a picture-perfect pair, and we definitely ended up using their photo of two students enjoying a beautiful afternoon in downtown Northfield in one of our admissions pieces.
Read MoreMaddy's Rochester Senior Session
Maddy is one of those rare souls who is so uniquely herself. This senior photo session was a dream shoot. At a time of life when it’s easy to feel insecure, Maddy oozes confidence yet humility. When it might be uncool to be BFFs with your mom, this mother-daughter duo is incredibly adorable in their affection for each other. As a fellow small-town girl, I remember trying to hedge my fashion choices, scared to stick out too much; it was empowering to see Maddy donning ‘fits that would be at home in LA, could be featured in Teen Vogue, and at the same time, had a classic streak to them. I also loved that while she could easily strike a glam pose that would make many models jealous, she has a laugh that is always just below the surface.
Read MoreLibrary to Snow: Beau's Senior Session
I first met Beau a few years ago. They were sweet yet cool beyond their years then, and even more so now. We did these photos with a good friend of theirs at one of their favorite hangouts: the gorgeous Saint Paul Public Library. Turns out, I love photographing double-header senior sessions because it lets you see even more of the seniors’ personalities — who they are with their best friends, in their special spaces, at this big moment.
Read MoreIsa's Saint Paul Senior Portraits
Isa has a warm, friendly, and calm personality, paired with quiet confidence and effortless cool-girl style. She always had a laugh at the ready, even when standing in the negative temps in tights on a Minnesota January afternoon. When it started snowing toward the end of our shoot, her on-point black beret and leather jacket caught the flakes in the best kind of way for photos.
Read MoreNorthfield: Owen's Senior Session
Hanging out with Owen, I knew we would have been high school friends. He showed up in a three-piece suit and his bass clarinet and pivoted effortlessly into his letterman’s jacket and trap shooting garb. He radiated confidence whether we were strolling downtown or crouching in prairie grasses in the arb. The two things that stood out to me the most from this session were his huge, infectious laugh and the absolutely amazing relationship he has with his mother. Truly, the two of them felt like best buds and it made me beam, so of course some sweet shots with mom snuck into the session, too.
Read MoreKaden's Senior Session
Despite a very warm fall evening, Kaden hiked through all the woods, prairies, and shirt changes like a champ. I credit his willingness to smile through it all to a deep love for his two incredibly sweet grandmas who joined us as a cheering section, styling crew, and traveling wardrobe. This was a fun session to the end — one last trek down to the lake for those golden hour gems.
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