{All The Jazz} Eagan, MN Senior Portrait Photographer

Come on babe
We're gonna brush the sky
I bet you lucky Lindy
Never flew so high
'Cause in the stratosphere
How could he lend an ear
-To All That Jazz
{All That Jazz from the Broadway Musical Chicago}

What happens as a photographer when you show up to a senior portrait session for a fine young man and realize you were his school counselor when he was in sixth grade?
Now standing in front of you is an incredible young gentleman entering his last leg of his school experience.
Drop your camera bag in shock?
Yes?
Feel rather old?
Yes
Realize how fast time goes by.
Absolutely.
Congratulations to Connor Swanson, Eagan High School Class of 2012, a classy, talented, bright student whose year and future will take him to the moon and back.

{Blooming} Inver Grove Heights Seninor Portrait Photograph

"Never interrupt someone doing something you said couldn't be done."
— Amelia Earhart

no stopping this lady
i think she gets it from...
part genetics
part spirit
perhaps her spitfire mom?:)
and an amazing calm that is ready
for adventure...

Oh and did i mention i knew her when she was 13. she is still as incredible.

Adventure...and pure spunk and grace. Senior Portrait Fine Art

{aware} Twin cities Senior photographer

“Humor is perhaps a sense of intellectual perspective: an awareness that some things are really important, others not; and that the two kinds are most oddly jumbled in everyday affairs.”

Christopher Morley

Here's what I love about seniors, they are at a cusp of such an adventure. There is miss hayley. Who has such a sense of herself, her strength, her talent and together it forms such a dynamic person. I am just amazed when I meet people like this, because this poise and strength is hard at my age let alone 18. We had her session and her confidence, humor, talent and beauty blew me away. I'm continually amazed at the wisdom and courage of this generation. It is hard to put into words the knowledge they have at this age that I was not faced with, how they navigate through the changes and face their future with idealism and an expectation that the world better be ready and capable to handle them. I like that and and I am sure lucky to capture this point of the journey through pictures.
Congratulations to Ms. Hayley Grams. Little Falls Senior high school class of 2010. Head up, Plow forward strong woman.

{clue} Twin Cities Senior Portrait Photographer

“The final mystery is oneself.” Oscar Wilde

If last year I mostly spent my time doing senior portrait sessions with females it would be the reverse this year. Most of my clients of been young men. I have to admit it has been a different experience for me but wonderful all the same. As a former senior girl myself, I had a sense, even though it was a bit ago when I was a senior gal, what to expect because...well, I was one and just knew how important I thought these pictures are. Well, here comes the season of...men I call it. I end up having senior boys. Which are mysteries to me much like my young 3 year old boy and husband are...only because I have never been one. Each session has been mystery unveiled. Andrew came to my studio with his mom so pleasant and polite, with manners and respect that blew me away. As we grew past the awkwardness of the first few moments, I felt like I was hanging out with a really cool young man and his mom that I knew since he was writing his first sentences in cursive. As a mom to a boy, I loved watching their interaction. They chatted back and forth so comfortably and with such love that I felt just only a the surface of the bond that began 17 or so years ago...{insert tear}.
I dig my job. Such a mystery. Each character...er....client and such inspiration.

Congratulations to Andrew Alvarez. Woodbury High School Class of 2010. May your senior year be one of mystery unveiled and yet to be explored...

{Rhythm} Twin Cities Senior Photographer

"One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain." ~ Bob Marley

The first words out of this young man's mouth were "let's keep it simple." Senior portraits for boys always are interesting sessions. Yes, they are simple but also complex. Joe was quiet, reserved and just ready to get these photographs over with and go home. As the session simply rolled along I got to understand the complexity and dynamic artist this guy is becoming. Joe is a drummer and plays in a band. When he discussed music it was all about soul and rhythm. I could just tell how much he connected and expressed himself through his music and drums by the way he spoke about other artists, music and his instrument. He was eloquent, thoughtful and introspective. I admire at such a young age, instead of playing Guitar Hero like most of many teens his age (please note I have nothing against GH), he has the dedication and passion for his music to go out and do the real thing. This is truly inspiring as a fellow artist and lover of music.
Here is a preview for Joe. Woodbury High School Class of 2010. Keep on rocking and rolling because I have a feeling I'll be hearing more about you...maybe someday over the radio.

{spirit, service, leadership} Twin Cities Senior Portrait Photographer

"The Boy Scouts of America stands for a set of principles. These principles have a lot of staying power. The values you learn as a Scout are like a compass. They can help you find your way through difficult and sometimes uncharted terrain. The principles of Scouting give you a sense of what's important."
-Bill Bradley

As a former educator, I really enjoy photographing senior portraits. I spent my years in a middle school and forget that these tweens who struggle through some pretty tough adolescent turmoil grow into wise, adventurous, mature and honorable young adults. I had the enjoyment of photographing Travis's senior portraits out in beautiful Lake Elmo. It was a new location for me (I love that part of me job. Always new places to go) and the day was simply beautiful along with the scenery. I was struck by how gentle, genuine and easy going Travis was during the shoot. He was polite and eager to help me locate sources of good light. Both of his wonderful parents were along and the relationship and respect they all have for each other was my delight to witness for those few hours. Travis is an Eagle Scout. Before learning more from Travis and his dad, I had only a slight idea of what work went into this honor. After our shoot I am in true awe of what dedication, leadership, service and spirit this young man has. The position took years to earn. Amazing! What perseverance and hard work it took him. I looked over his colorful sash garnished with badges imagining each one not only stood for a project or service but also a picture of life captured over time His story throughout the years of his life. Each one representing years of dedication, hard work and leadership from him and his family.
To Travis, I wish you the best during your final year of high school and have to say , I am very excited to see what incredible plans await you.

{stepping up} Twin Cities Senior Portrait Photographer

“For tomorrow belongs to the people who prepare for it today” African Proverb

A preview for Miss Natalia who I had a relaxing and fun filled session spending a couple of hours as we photographed her senior portraits. Entering her final year of high school, this young lady clearly has a bright future as we chatted about family, friends, hockey and a possible career in the Veterinary Science field. One thing was for certain, she was a true original and wonderfully creative. A perfect combination for my style of photography. It was magical to watch how natural she was in front of the camera which radiates from her true authentic and beautiful personality. Good luck with the exciting year ahead and for the future and the many place you are sure to go!