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Category Archives: Seniors

Why You Should Book Your Senior Session Now Lucy | Shakopee Senior Session

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If you have a junior at home (or are one now!), this is the season where everything starts to feel real. Senior year is just around the corner, and before you know it, calendars are full of sports, activities, and all the “lasts” that come with it.

One of the best things you can do right now? Get your senior session booked early by clicking here.

I recently photographed Lucy, a Class of 2026 senior from Shakopee High School, and her session is the perfect example of why timing matters so much.

Lucy’s Summer Senior Session in Shakopee, Minnesota

Lucy’s session took place at a beautiful garden in Shakopee, Minnesota and it truly had everything. Flowers in full bloom, tall grasses glowing in the evening light, and even a peaceful stream where she could step into the water for something a little more unique.

Because we scheduled her session at the end of July, everything came together perfectly. The weather was warm enough for water photos (without freezing!), the flowers were still vibrant, and we had the most beautiful golden hour lighting rolling across the hill.

Even better? She had her photos completely finished before her fall volleyball season began.

Why Booking Your Senior Session Early Matters

If you’re a parent of a soon-to-be senior, here are a few reasons why booking now makes all the difference:

1. More Dates to Choose From (and First Pick at Golden Hour)

Summer and fall are the most popular times for senior photos and they fill quickly.

Booking early means:

  • You get first choice of prime dates
  • You can secure those dreamy golden hour time slots
  • You’re not left trying to fit into a packed calendar later

Golden hour sessions (that soft, glowing evening light you see in my work) are limited—and they’re always the first to go.

2. Reduced Stress for You and Your Senior

Senior year gets busy fast.

Between sports, jobs, college applications, and social events, schedules can quickly become overwhelming. Booking your session early means:

  • One less thing on your to-do list
  • No scrambling to meet deadlines
  • A more relaxed, enjoyable experience for your senior

Lucy’s session is a great example by finishing in July, she was able to fully focus on her volleyball season without added pressure.

3. Better Planning & Personalization

When you book early, we have time to truly plan a session that reflects your senior.

That includes:

  • Choosing the perfect location (like Lucy’s garden + stream setting)
  • Styling guidance and outfit planning
  • Building a session that feels natural and unique to them

These aren’t just photos they’re a reflection of who your senior is in this once-in-a-lifetime season.

4. Flexibility for Weather Rescheduling

Minnesota weather can be unpredictable.

Booking early gives us:

  • Room to reschedule if needed
  • Flexibility to pivot without stress
  • Peace of mind knowing we’re not racing against deadlines

5. Meet Yearbook Deadlines Before Life Gets Crazy

Many schools have early fall deadlines for senior photos.

Getting your session done in summer means:

  • Your images are ready on time
  • No last-minute rush
  • One more thing checked off before school starts

6. You Look (and Feel) Your Best in Summer

Let’s be honest summer is when most seniors feel their best.

  • Sun-kissed skin
  • Natural glow
  • Relaxed, confident energy

Lucy’s session captured exactly that effortless, confident, and completely her.

7. Lock in Current Pricing Before June 1

One important note for planning:

Senior session rates will be increasing on June 1.

Booking now allows you to:

  • Lock in current pricing
  • Secure your preferred date
  • Get ahead of the busy season

Let’s Start Planning Your Senior’s Session

Senior photos are more than just a checkbox, they’re a way to celebrate everything your child has become before they step into their next chapter.

Lucy’s session was the perfect mix of fun, meaningful, and relaxed and that’s exactly what I want for every senior I work with.

If you have a Class of 2026 junior, now is the time to start planning.

Let’s secure your date, create something beautiful, and make this experience one you’ll both remember. Feel free to reach out or click for dates!

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    Minneapolis Senior Session :: Shannon

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    Why September Is One of the Best Times for Senior Photos?

    There’s something about September that just feels right especially for senior sessions. Here in Minnesota, it’s that perfect in-between season where summer hasn’t fully let go, but fall is just beginning to show up. The light softens, the air cools, and everything feels a little more meaningful.

    Shannon, a senior from St. Michael-Albertville High School, chose early September for her session and it couldn’t have been more perfect. We explored both Longfellow Gardens and Minnehaha Falls, and every part of her session reflected just how beautiful this time of year really is.

    That Perfect Late-Summer Glow (Before Fall Gets Busy)

    September gives you something October can’t always guarantee consistency and softness. During Shannon’s session, the gardens were still full and vibrant. The greens were rich, the flowers hadn’t faded, and the light had that dreamy golden tone that flatters everyone. It’s not overly warm, not too cool… just easy. Wearing dresses or sweaters made it easy to photograph in. We had the tall grasses of the fields for fall attire, but also the bright flowers that looked and felt more like summer! It was the perfect blend of the seasons.

    Two Iconic Twin Cities Locations, One Beautiful Story

    Starting at Longfellow Gardens gave us the perfect soft, floral backdrop romantic, colorful, and full of texture and color.

    Then we headed over to Minnehaha Falls to add something completely different. The movement of the water, the natural rock, and the depth of the landscape created such a beautiful contrast. Shannon even got into the river for a few photos. The water and air temps were still pleasant and it made for such fun photos

    This combination is one of my favorite ways to design a senior session:

    • A softer, styled location
    • Paired with something more natural and bold

    It gives seniors variety while still feeling cohesive.

    The Beginning of Senior Year Confidence

    One of the biggest reasons I love September for seniors, especially STMA seniors, is who they are in this moment. They’re stepping into their senior year. There’s excitement. Confidence. A sense that something big is beginning. As a soccer player for the STMA soccer team, Shannon brought exactly that energy to her session. She was relaxed, genuine, and completely herself and that’s what made her images feel so effortless.

    Why September Is a Hidden Gem for Seniors

    For families in St. Michael and the surrounding area, September is often overlooked but it’s truly one of the best times to schedule senior photos.

    • Schedules are more flexible than October
    • The weather is comfortable
    • Locations are still lush and beautiful
    • And seniors haven’t hit the stress of the busy season yet

    It’s that sweet spot where everything just comes together.

    Planning Your Twin Cities Senior Session

    If you’re a Class of 2027 senior (or a mom planning ahead), early fall sessions in the Twin Cities especially at locations like Longfellow Gardens and Minnehaha Falls offer the perfect mix of beauty, variety, and ease.

    Sessions like Shannon’s are a reminder that you don’t have to wait for peak fall color to create something meaningful, you just need the right light, the right setting, and space to be yourself.

    September dates tend to go quickly, and for good reason. If you are looking to book your session or need some tips to plan you date, check out my senior planning guide as well as which September dates are still available! I can’t wait to see you!

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      Senior Photo Outfit Tips: What to Wear (and What to Avoid)

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      Minnesota senior photographer

      Senior Session Outfit Planning Tips::

      Planning your senior photos can feel overwhelming, but choosing the right outfits makes all the difference. Your senior session is a time to show off who you are and your unique style! One of the most common questions I get from seniors and their parents is “What should I wear to my session?” That is a super hard question for me to answer because each individual has his or her own style to show off, so instead of answering what should you wear, I am going through seven tips on what NOT to wear! As a Minnesota senior photographer, I have helped so many seniors feel confidant and fully themselves in front of the camera. Here are a few outfit tips on how to look and feel your best during your senior session!

      1. The same style. Not all outfits can full express who you are. If you were to wear all dresses or all casual outfits, it wouldn’t fully show off your individualism. So plan to mix it up by bringing a dressy outfit, a casual outfit and even sports attire. Have fun in changing these outfits up and wearing a variety of outfits for your senior photos.
      • 2. Uncomfortable clothing. We have all been there when our shoes are too high, a top is too big, or pants just a little too snug. If you can not sit or walk in your clothing comfortably, it will definitely show in your senior photos, so consider looking for something that fits better and avoid uncomfortable clothing for your senior photos. I promise, you will love your photos even more!
      • 3. Wrinkled or sloppy clothing. When you arrive in wrinkles, it can appear unprofessional and just plan sloppy. Take time to have your clothing ironed and pressed before you arrive, and if you have clothing that wrinkles easily, wait until you arrive to your session to put it on. Unfortunately, photoshopping wrinkles out isn’t really an easy option!
      Outfit tips for minnesota senior session
      • 4. Neon or bright colors. If you know me, you know I love a great pink sweatshirt or bright orange t-shirt. As fun as these colors are, I would advise staying away from these tones for your photos or sticking to more neutrals. When the sun is out, bright colors can cast their tones onto your skin to give you more of a pink, orange or whatever color you have on to your skin tone.
      • 5. Seasonal mismatches. Summer is for summer clothes and winter for winter clothes. Plan to stick with the clothes of the season. Wearing a cute white maxi dress against snow is hard to photograph, but also looks unnatural. Stick with the clothing of the season for best results and for natural looking photos
      Senior tips for outfits in MN
      • 6. Colored or patterned undergarments. Think through and try your clothing on before your session, if you can see your black bra through your tops, most likely the camera will see it too. Take time to plan on what you are wearing underneath those cute clothes!
      Minneapolis senior session outfit tips
      • 7. Too crazy of patterns. I hesitate to even put this in, because it could be so unique and you. Think through your location and if this pattern would work there. Bold patterns could be great against a solid color wall, but if you will be in grassy locations or in a fall location with lots of colored trees, your pattern may not work. If you do however LOVE an outfit, feel free to send me an email, and we can work our location around it to ensure we get a place that works!
      Senior session styling tips for Minneapolis sessions

      Your senior session should feel like you from your outfits to your location. Taking a little extra time to plan ahead will make such a difference in how your photos turn out.

      If you’re a Class of 2027 senior in Minnesota and want photos that feel natural, fun, and completely you, I’d love to help you plan the perfect session. Here is the link to book sessions for 2027 as well as my senior guide!

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        Griffin :: Senior Session in Downtown Delano, MN

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        I’ve had the privilege of knowing Griffin and his family for many years, and photographing his senior session felt like such a full-circle moment. It’s hard to believe that the quiet little guy I once knew is now a graduating senior at Heritage Christian Academy in Maple Grove; mature, grounded, kind, and growing into a strong, godly young man.

        Griffin is part of the Class of 2026, and his life is already full of incredible accomplishments. As a three-sport athlete, he shines in soccer, baseball, and basketball, bringing discipline, drive, and sportsmanship to every team he’s part of. But what stands out most isn’t just his athletic ability, it’s his character. He leads with humility, treats people with kindness, and carries himself with quiet confidence rooted in his faith.

        We held his senior session in downtown Delano, Minnesota, which provided the perfect backdrop to reflect who Griffin is laid-back, genuine, and full of quiet strength. From rustic textures to hidden walkways and warm-toned walls, the variety of locations helped us tell a story that’s true to him.

        It was such a joy to spend the evening with Griffin and his amazing mom. Getting to capture this milestone for a family I’ve known and admired for years made it even more meaningful. Griffin, I’m so proud of the man you’re becoming. Your heart for the Lord, your strength of character, and your dedication in all areas of life are inspiring. I’m cheering you on in this exciting season and can’t wait to see what’s next for you.

        ⸻

        Why I Love Senior Sessions in Delano, MN

        If you’re looking for a session location that’s quiet, charming, and full of visual interest, Delano is one of my go-to spots. With its small-town feel, unique brick architecture, and proximity to the Crow River, it offers a beautiful variety of backgrounds all within walking distance.

        Planning Your Senior Session?

        Whether you’re graduating from Heritage Christian Academy or another school in the Twin Cities area, I’d love to help tell your story. I photograph seniors throughout Maple Grove, Delano, St. Michael, and beyond, capturing authentic images that celebrate this unforgettable season of life.

        Click here to get in touch and let’s start planning your Class of 2026 senior session!

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          Southwest Christian Senior Session :: Millennium Gardens

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          There are some sessions that carry deep meaning, and photographing Nora’s senior session was one of those full-circle moments. It’s hard to believe that I first met Nora as a newborn when I photographed her during those very first days of life. Now, all these years later, I had the privilege of capturing her high school graduation portraits. It’s been such a joy to know her and her family over the years, and being friends with her mom has made this journey even more special.

          Nora is graduating from Southwest Christian High School, and it has been amazing to watch her grow into a kind, confident, and grounded young woman. Her strength of character and gentle spirit were so evident during our time together, and I couldn’t be more proud of the person she’s become.

          We chose Millennium Gardens in Plymouth, Minnesota as the location for her senior session, and it was the perfect backdrop. With its beautifully maintained flower beds, stone paths, fountains, and peaceful corners, Millennium Gardens feels like a hidden gem. The lush greenery and vibrant blooms provided a natural elegance that complemented Nora’s personality so well.

          As we walked through the gardens, we caught up on life and reminisced about how quickly the years have flown by. Moments like this remind me of why I love what I do—not just capturing milestones, but witnessing the stories and growth that unfold along the way.

          Nora, it has been an honor to be part of your journey from the very beginning. I’m so proud of all you’ve accomplished and I know there’s so much more ahead. Congratulations on your graduation and all the exciting things to come.

          Location: Millennium Gardens in Plymouth, MN

          School: Southwest Christian High School

          Class of 2026

          Now booking senior sessions for the Class of 2026. If you’re ready to celebrate this exciting milestone with a personalized photo experience, I’d love to help you create something beautiful. Click here to get in touch and learn more about senior sessions .

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            Happy Easter!! He has risen indeed!!

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            Open post by federphotography with ID 18042810902548515
            Happy Easter!! He has risen indeed!!
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