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.

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.