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 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.
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.
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Maddy'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.
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Library 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.
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