It was one of those perfect fall evenings in Minnesota for Gabriel’s senior photos, and he and his father were the perfect folks to spend it with. Gabriel brought his fly fishing rod and I was able to get a glimpse of how close an observer he is of the natural world. He pointed out five fish species that to me all looked like brown minnows. It was clear he was most at ease looking, walking, observing all that the arb holds as we strolled along.
Read MoreLittle joys with the Lane Family
My husband and I consider Little Joy, the coffee shop just a block from our house, our second home. It’s been fun getting to know the other regulars, including the Lane Family. Katie, Scott, and Everett have a Sunday morning Little Joy ritual, and so we decided to split their family shoot between a coffee date and an Arb stroll. One of the best things about Little Joy is the magical morning light, which we definitely captured. Everett was the star of the show, followed closely by the flaky croissant.
Read MoreAlexis + Tyler Next Chapter Winery Wedding + Farm Party
I literally squealed when Alexis called to tell me a) she was marrying one of my beloved farmer cousins and b) asked me to be their wedding photographer. My cousin Tyler has always been such a warm, big-hearted, gentle guy, and so we were all delighted when he managed to convince a west coast city girl to take up residence on the farm.
Read MoreBaby Hill is almost here!
I had the honor of taking Tori and Kyle’s pregnancy announcement photos late last fall. With only a few days before Baby Hill’s due date, we met up in Zumbrota to get some full bump photos. I know this first pregnancy was pretty rocky for Tori, and I was so impressed with how well she’s been taking it day by day. Baby J arrived within a week of these photos, so I’m glad we got them in!
Read MoreThe Basic Place: A SE MN Bakery worth the drive
Jason and I will make a drive if the destination involves good baked goods, excellent coffee, and a welcoming spot to hang out. The Basic Place in Hammond, Minnesota has all of these things and more.
Read MoreNewborn Family Farm Session with the Werners
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!
Read MoreFarley family backyard photos
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.
Read MoreCarleton graduation photos with Rylyn
Rylyn and her boyfriend Chris showed up at 7 am the morning after their Carleton College senior prom looking so fresh and put-together I was worried they hadn’t properly been celebrating senior week. But then Rylyn tried to say hello and her voice was gone from a week of yelling with friends at loud activities, and I was frankly relieved. In the rush of the last week on campus before heading onto the next chapter, it was nice to have a quiet morning on campus, just to ourselves.
Read MoreHongshen's graduation photos
Hongshen is off to the next chapter in Boston, but I’m glad we got this graduation session in before she flew off to Hong Kong for the summer. We strolled campus on the quiet Sunday morning following commencement, in the wonderful company of her parents. It was really sweet seeing their immense pride in their daughter.
Read MorePatio at The Getty art museum
Los Angeles: An art + design trip
Since J had a work conference in Los Angeles this past May, I decided to fly out to recreate the LA magic. We stayed a couple of nights downtown in the weirdly disorienting but wonderfully photogenic Westin Bonaventure hotel. Then, we were graciously hosted by my friend in Long Beach, where he had just bought a house. We made it to The Broad, The Getty, Grand Central Market, ROW DTAL, Little Tokyo, Chinatown and more.
Read More