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.

The fall colors were fleeting this year, but during our couple of perfect weeks, I joined the Sheppard family for a glowing morning session at Whitetail Woods. Baby Annika is the newest addition, and her pointy little hat, big bright eyes, and happy smile were the cherry on top of this session. Ian and Noor are such natural parents; I loved seeing how smitten they are with their daughter. Thanks, all, for this invitation!

I grew up on a farm in Faribault County, and so when another Wells farm girl reached out for some farm family photos, I was sold! Kayla connected with me when she was still pregnant with Baby Werner. He was about seven weeks old for these photos, and it was clear big sister Nora had already stepped proudly into big sister role. I’m always struck by newborn folds and appendages and yawns, but I was equally delighted by Nora’s independent farm girl spirit — even if it meant sidetracking any of my photographer plans!

When a family busts out their ugly Christmas sweaters and favorite books for a family session, you know it’s going to be fun. The Farley crew definitely delivered on the fun. We got plenty of fun, goofy photos, but also some completely sweet ones, and I feel like that captures their day-to-day dynamic. Their uncle — Bret’s identical twin, Guy! — was in town, so we got some twin and uncle photos, too.

We kept the kids up just a bit past bedtime to take advantage of that glowy late spring sunshine, and these photos were so worth it! These were some of the first family-of-five photos of the Niemann family. Baby E was just 7 weeks old, and it was adorable seeing how sweet his big siblings were with him.

I love when high school friends slip into my inbox. I love seeing the partner they’ve chosen, the kids they’ve created, the interests they’ve pursued. It’s even better when I get to check back in on their siblings. Simon and I were in percussion together, so we spent a lot of time messing around with the other drummers when we should have been practicing our small group ensemble. We also went to college in Milwaukee together, and Milwaukee is the last time I’ve seen him. So, I was delighted to hear that he and his family were moving back to Minnesota after some time in the northwest. We had a lovely early morning with the fully crew!