This was one of those manifested photoshoots. I had been dreaming and scheming about how to work Northfield’s popular soft serve spot — The Blast — into a photoshoot before it closed for the season. Then, out of the blue, I got an email from Renee asking if her and her son could get creative with a little photo session: “Maybe The Blast??” Me: “How were you reading my mind?”

An ongoing gift of my photography work is how it brings old friends back into my orbit. The great bonus is getting to see friends reflected back in their kids, and of course, getting to meet their partners.

I had the honor of photographing Tori and Kyle’s birth announcement photos and maternity photos. I had also met most of Tori’s family at their wedding, and so when she reached out about extended family photos with her parents and siblings, it was an obvious “of course!”

David reached out about family photos for a Mother’s Day gift and I was already a fan of this family. I love the opportunity to use a photo session as a special gift. As soon as I met Sophie, I knew it was going to be a fun night! She brought so much energy and laughter and joy. I also love how down-to-clown her mom, Katherine, was. Despite this being a HOT summer night, it was still a very chill session. These three have a really fun, easy dynamic, which carried through to these photos. I so enjoyed getting to hang with you all for an evening!

I’ve done a couple of other sessions with the Vosejpka, and it’s so much fun watching this family grow. Little Reese is no longer a baby; she has her own independent streak and a little mischief in her eyes. Big brother Shep is just a sweetheart. And, I simply adore their parents. We lucked out with this shoot and had one of the most glowing, perfect October evenings, right before all the leaves blew off. Puppy Charlie was along for the ride. It felt like walking through the woods with some of your most photogenic friends – thanks y’all, for letting me tag along!

I think 3-5 year-old girls are one of my favorite subjects to capture. Melody had such a wild freedom and joy that made this family session so energetic and fun. We spun in circles in Carleton’s Arb, we went to the beach, we collected leaves. Melody’s mom and dad clearly model how to have fun. This family was full of bounces and laughter and up-for-anything spirits. I’m grateful to you all for having me capture these first family-of-four photos!

Technically, I told myself I wasn’t taking any new photoshoots in October. But then I got an inquiry from Margaret that I couldn’t refuse: Would I perhaps be able to come and photograph a long-standing family celebration at her farm, “Fox Lodge”, that they appropriately refer to as “Foxtoberfest”? “They will be cutting down a tree, chopping it up, carving pumpkins, having a bonfire, and deep frying a turkey,” she told me. There would also be beer and hammerschlagen. The German part of me simply could not refuse.

Maybe I’m biased, but I think family photos as anniversary gifts for parents are one of the best gifts. The Young family made this shoot so much fun. The presence of three 10-year-old girls as assistant art directors also helped! This shoot was filled with laughter, jumping photos, and a lot of sweet family moments. Thank you, all!

The drive to this photoshoot was so stunning, following the Mississippi River and watching the leaves falls off trees as I drove. When I arrived at the family farm, I couldn’t have painted a more idyllic scene…June and Hattie were already running around, excited to swing in the tire dangling from a glowing maple tree. Bear the dog was also part of the greeting crew.