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 MoreNiemann Spring Photo Session
We kept the kids up just a bit past bedtime to take advantage of that glowy late spring sunshine, and these photos were so worth it! These were some of the first family-of-five photos of the Niemann family. Baby E was just 7 weeks old, and it was adorable seeing how sweet his big siblings were with him.
Read MoreHelen + Silas Senior Photos
I first met Helen and Silas while interrupting their Blue Monday coffee date. I was on a photoshoot for Carleton, and I needed some student models. They were a picture-perfect pair, and we definitely ended up using their photo of two students enjoying a beautiful afternoon in downtown Northfield in one of our admissions pieces.
Read MoreChristensen Spring Session
I love when high school friends slip into my inbox. I love seeing the partner they’ve chosen, the kids they’ve created, the interests they’ve pursued. It’s even better when I get to check back in on their siblings. Simon and I were in percussion together, so we spent a lot of time messing around with the other drummers when we should have been practicing our small group ensemble. We also went to college in Milwaukee together, and Milwaukee is the last time I’ve seen him. So, I was delighted to hear that he and his family were moving back to Minnesota after some time in the northwest. We had a lovely early morning with the fully crew!
Read MoreMove-in engagement session with Madeline + Cale
If I had a time machine, I’d go back and have someone get move-in photos of Jason and me moving into our first house together. It’s such a big milestone, and there’s something about the giddy possibility of empty rooms. When Madeline and Cale reached out about engagement photos and also told me they were about to move into their new house, they were gracious enough to go with my vision — despite it being a school night (they’re both teachers) ahead of a big life transition weekend.
Read MoreMexico City // CDMX
On the plane home from Mexico City (CDMX), we were already planning our next trip back. The food was amazing, the neighborhoods vibrant and walkable, the art and design culture thriving, the weather was perfect, the dog watching was unbeatable, and the coffee scene on-point. We were here for Art Week, which was the cherry on top.
Read More