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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Northfield: Owen's Senior Session
Hanging out with Owen, I knew we would have been high school friends. He showed up in a three-piece suit and his bass clarinet and pivoted effortlessly into his letterman’s jacket and trap shooting garb. He radiated confidence whether we were strolling downtown or crouching in prairie grasses in the arb. The two things that stood out to me the most from this session were his huge, infectious laugh and the absolutely amazing relationship he has with his mother. Truly, the two of them felt like best buds and it made me beam, so of course some sweet shots with mom snuck into the session, too.
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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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Kaden's Senior Session
Despite a very warm fall evening, Kaden hiked through all the woods, prairies, and shirt changes like a champ. I credit his willingness to smile through it all to a deep love for his two incredibly sweet grandmas who joined us as a cheering section, styling crew, and traveling wardrobe. This was a fun session to the end — one last trek down to the lake for those golden hour gems.
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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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Lake Belle Taine
Thanks 100% to my sister-in-law — the only one in our family capable of planning more than 48 hours in advance — we took our second family vacation up to Lake Belle Taine in northern Minnesota. We immediately fell into the same routine as last year: beer and seltzers in the coolers on the porch, taking turns cooking for each other, sweet corn at nearly every meal, hours-long pontoon rides in the afternoon, bonfire, cards, bed.
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Big Pine Lake
In the midst of yet another sweltering summer, we took my good friend Melissa up on a generous offer to gather at her family’s cabin on Big Pine Lake. We mostly ate and talked, but we did cruise around and comment on the increasingly large homes replacing the hand-built cabins of ancestors. It was a much-needed retreat.
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Farm for Father's Day
There’s nothing like playing on a dirt pile, running through soybean fields, and countless golf cart rides to bring you back to your childhood. There’s also nothing like seeing your dad as a grandfather to make you realize how fully and deeply you were loved. We spend a beautiful Saturday celebrating fathers at the family farm, mostly playing in the dirt. Oh, and on the way home, we ran into Hay Days in Janesville.
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