I love toddler sessions because they teach me to let go of any sense of control and just follow their energy. It’s amazing that even at the age of two, so much of our personality is already developed. Wilma was bubbly, curious, independent, and playful — and rightly suspicious of the stranger with a camera trying to coax her into a tent fort! So, we changed plans and her wonderful mother started reading to us both instead. The camera (and person holding it) melted away, and I got to see Wilma’s shyness fall away and her wonderful smile and laugh slip out.
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Welcome Suvi! A Rochester Newborn Session
o many of us have been anxiously, eagerly awaiting Suvi James’ arrival, and obviously none more so than her glowing parents. It’s been a while since I’ve been in the wondrous presence of a 2-week old baby. Suvi nearly made my heart stop with her perfection. She already has wise, searching eyes and a range of emotional expressions. Whether she yawned, wailed, or smiled, it was magic. All photo shoots have an element of sacredness for me, but knowing how brief Suvi will be this tiny and fresh to the world gave this bearing witness a special quality. I delighted in every moment of the shoot itself, as well as the editing.
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Arb + Islands with the Street Family
Kelly is a fellow Northfield newcomer and new friend. During our first friend date she immediately felt like a kindred spirit. Hanging out with her family — Aaron and Mary Lou — was so relaxed and fun, it verified that she keeps good company, to boot. We were graced with one last splendid, warm fall Saturday afternoon for this session. We grabbed some golden hour sunbeams — and perhaps a few burrs from the prairie grasses. They busted out a little dance party on the bridge (instigated by Kelly and Mary Lou), relived some wedding day geese scaring, and were overall so photogenic and wonderful our time together flew by.
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Adams Family: Northfield Prairie Session
It’s hard to beat two dogs and a two-year-old wearing deer boots. Add in an absolutely perfect fall afternoon, a childhood friend, and sweet family that was there at all your tennis matches and band concerts…well, let’s just say this was a special family session.
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Jackson Family at Diamond Lake
It was nearly a year ago that I first got to spend an afternoon with the Jacksons taking photos, and the second time was even better. Thomas’s shyness had faded and his full personality was on display — fun, inquisitive, and clearly delighted by his parents. I love how intimate and relaxed both sessions were. We hung out on the dock right near their South Minneapolis home and played with the bubble gun and orchestrated a tickle fight, then ventured over to the park.
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Courtney & James: Rochester Maternity Session
Editing through Courtney and James’ maternity session brought many emotions, but gratitude and love for these two people was the most encompassing. What an honor to have these two in my life and to have gotten this time with them, filled with laughter, tears, and anticipation. C + J, you are the most brave, giving, and loving parents and friends.
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Kelli, Kenneth & Leon
I was already floating from the beamy, foggy October sunrise, and then Kelli, Kenneth, and Leon showed up with quilts and the best baby cheeks and I nearly burst. While Leon saved his biggest laughs for the nap following our early morning session, I’ll admit I’m partial to little ones who are pensive, curious and content. Leon had such a gentle gaze, and as the daughter of a quilter, I adored seeing him wrapped up in and crawling around on the quilts made by his mother and other family members.
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Emilee, Kevin, Boomer & Bambee
I’ve never taken so many photos during a family session before, but with two Corgis in the mix—and their two very cute parents—I couldn’t help myself. The leaves were turning and falling and creating the most gorgeous frames. The puppies, Boomer and Bambee, were running and sniffing and being beamed at by strangers. Kevin and Emilee we the absolute cutest and were wiling to cuddle in the weeds and smooch and walk their pups all evening. All in all, this was a very fun shoot and I had the hardest time culling through all the sweet photos we got.
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Rollenhagen Family at Kasota Prairie
I obviously love all my family sessions, but it’s extra special when I get to spend time with my immediate family for a photoshoot. My twin nieces and toddler nephew are at such a fun age, and so I’ll take any excuse to spend some time with them. We had a blast running around the prairie, playing with gopher dirt piles, and even squeezed out a few smiles!
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Arb with Katie, Dustin & Lena
‘Tis the season for arb walks with those you love! This is one of my favorite families, and photographing them in one of my favorite places was the best way to kick off fall.
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