Senior Photos That Feel Like You | Brainerd Lakes Area Photographer, Minnesota
Senior photos centered on connection and authenticity—capturing who you are.
It’s that time of year! Where us Minnesota Photographers are cozied up in little coffee shops (My favorite is Stone House, right here in Nisswa, Minnesota!) working on all the behind the scenes stuff to prepare for the upcoming season. Or if we are being real, writing a journal entry and reflecting when we should probably be doing something else…
Although I have been a photographer for years, this past season marked my third year photographing here in the Brainerd Lakes Area - working with families, seniors. newborns and weddings. I truly love them all. But with my background as a former fashion, adventure and lifestyle photographer in California, I feel my deepest passion, and expertise lives in senior portraits and personal portraiture.
It’s the perfect blend of everything I love: authenticity, connection and art curated to the individual. Capturing the true essence of a human being, through connection, and giving enough space for that to happen.
I don’t often share this part of my story, as it feels like a lifetime ago — and sometimes I wonder if it makes me sound a bit out of touch, but I was in front of the camera for nearly 15 years before stepping behind the camera. That experience shaped me more than I realized at the time. Working alongside incredibly talented photographers and creative directors gave me a deep understanding of direction, posing and how subtle adjustments can completely change how someone feels — and how they see themselves.
When it comes to personal portraits, especially seniors, that perspective comes naturally to me. I know what it feels like to be photographed, to feel unsure and/or guarded. I understand how a shift in direction, guidance or even space can leave room for a person to be themselves.
There is something extra special about connecting with young hearts in one of the most exciting and transitional times of their lives. Senior year is the pinnacle of where adolescence meets adult hood and often some of the largest transitions we have in this life — a time filled with growth, uncertainty, confidence and change. Senior photos aren’t just about marking a milestone, but honoring who someone is in this moment.
I love showcasing an individual’s personality, inner beauty and authenticity in a once in a life time experience. To show who they are, who they once were and maybe even get a glimpse of where they are headed. It’s a challenge in the best of ways, because each and every person is wonderfully unique. It’s a story that needs to be preserved.
Here are a few of my favorite senior photos here in Minnesota.
If you are feeling all the feels, and this resonates with you. Inquire below. 
Fun Prom Photography Session on Country Roads | Minnesota Prom Photos
Fun Prom Photo Shoot on Country Roads in Minnesota
Apparently it’s the not uncommon these days to hire a professional photographer for prom. When I got the inquiry I was stoked. I love photographing high schoolers and seniors. There is just something magical about those tender times in our lives - they can be hard, but also exciting. It’s the beginnings and the ends that does it for me.
Maybe because I reflect on my own journey and see the wild ride it has been. So many ups and downs! Good times and bad…or being a glass half full kind of girl, everything has brought me to today! For that, I am thankful for all of it.
Back to the topic at hand. A fun prom photo shoot
Anyways, I didn’t know where to put all these fun photos so I decided to put them in a blog post because we had so much fun. It was like I was back in Hollywood directing a fashion shoot!
My photographer heart sang when they rolled up in an old Ford pick up and a an American hot rod. They looked fabulous and pretty much looked ready to walk the red carpet. Better yet tho, their attitudes were def more dirt roads and a little country. We had a blast trying to not get too dirty on this muddy spring day. Apparently white sneakers with dresses is all the rage these days - I’m here for it.
Although it was a midday shoot with high sun we had epic clouds to really set the mood. I never shoot at noon with the harsh light that often accompanies it, but these kids had places to be so a sunset session wasn’t an option. I actually love the light and find some of the shadows cast the perfect mood.
Some of my favorite shots below 🥰
