Class of 2013: Alyssa

Within a few moments of meeting Alyssa, I knew.  I knew she was kind, sweet and beautiful.  I knew this session would be easy in every way because of these things.  There is such a natural and authentic beauty that she radiates- and it was my hope to capture that through the lens in a timeless way.  Below are some of my favorites. 

Class of 2013: Gabbie

Gabbie is stunningly beautiful. She literally could compete on America's Next Top Model and WIN. But she is also incredibly kind and fun as well! We had a total blast last month as we traveled throughout good 'ole Zimmerman to get Gabbie a vast variety of locations and backgrounds to work with. The results were fabulous and fun- just like Gabbie herself!

Class of 2013: Travis

Athletic, confident and easy-going.  These are the first three words that come to mind when I think of Travis.  Last month, his mom and sister joined us for Travis' session.  We traveled throughout Rogers and Elk River to get the best locations for his portraits.  He did an outstanding job and truly was a pro in front of the camera!  Here are a few highlights from his session:

Class of 2013: Morgan

If ever there was a family I love and adore, it would be Morgan and her incredible family.  I had the opportunity to meet and photograph her sister a couple years ago and just connected instantly with them.  What a joy it was to get to know Morgan during her session last month.  This girl is beautiful, fun, authentic, outgoing, sweet and has some serious skill when it comes to being in front of the camera!

Truly, it is people like Morgan and her family that make me so passionate about what I do.  Not only do I get the honor of capturing life's most important moments for them, but I get to consider them much more than clients- I consider them friends.

Here are a few of my favorites from Morgan's session.  I was so happy when Morgan loved my idea of balloons in a field and have never seen anyone rock the hippie chic look quite like this gorgeous girl!

Be Still....

Last week, I had the opportunity to leave everything for 48 hours and relax. It was pure heaven and very much needed! We traveled to the North Shore and basked in the beauty that is Lutsen. I loved every moment and soaked in the sweet time with my boys and all the peaceful surroundings.

 The older I get, the more I recognize the need to take small breaks in life and just "be". It is an increasingly bigger challenge as my roles in life also increase. Being a wife, mom, business owner, homeowner, friend, sister, daughter, etc, seem to make my time more limited and in more demand with each passing year. And in this, the power of rest is that much more profound.

 So, as wedding season is upon me and I am in full swing with grad and family portrait season, the time to watch the waves of Lake Superior, read a book, hike, and so much more was greatly appreciated! Here are just a few images from our time!
 

 

Class of 2013: Sarah

Sarah was a natural beauty to photograph. She is real, authentic, and has a quiet confidence about her that I love. Her smile was soft and natural, and she seemed at ease throughout our session. The locations we selected together really reflected and complimented her style and personality. Also, I had one of the biggest laughs I have ever had during a session. Picture this: I am focused on photographing this beautiful senior within the woods in Zimmerman. Suddenly, a swarm of swallows attack me- and I mean ATTACK. They swooped down and literally hit my head for a good 10-20 seconds. I, of course, was concerned with protecting my camera above all else and moved out of there as quickly as possible. Once I recovered from my shock, Sarah and I had a good laugh. That was a first- and hopefully a last! :) Here are a few favorites from her session!

Class of 2013: Ally

I love this girl, I love her family. Over the years, I have photographed Ally and her sister in various sports and then I was honored to photograph her sister, Ashley, last year. Ally is stunningly beautiful. She is one of the most photogenic girls I have ever met and we had a total blast during her session. It was quite breezy- no, it was downright CRAZY WINDY during her session- and yet, she handled it like a pro with the most radiant smile on her face. One of my favorite images from our session was this one of Ally, wrapped beautifully within her a quilt made by her beloved grandma. What a moving image and one that stirs many emotions- and this beautiful grad so easily pulled off a more dramatic, serious expression. Here are a few favorites from her session last month!