Arboretum senior pictures | Charlie

Charlie’s happy place is the kitchen, experimenting with ingredients and whipping up dishes. He recently made pumpkin squash soup for a tasty fall dinner.

At school, his favorite class is Humanities. Charlie enjoys studying society and culture through the lens of literature.

Exploring different cultures is why he likes to travel. His school took a trip to Italy this summer and he enjoyed the sights and the food. He’s become familiar with Italian food while working at Spasso, an Italian restaurant. (He recommends the chicken mushroom risotto!)

In his free time, Charlie likes to unwind by listening to music, playing Nintendo, going to the gym, or hanging out with his English cream retriever who joined us on this photo shoot.

Just like in the kitchen, Charlie knows success comes from the right mix— passion, patience and creativity. His future is bright and flavorful.

Baseball Senior Photo Shoot | Keegan

Behind the plate and leading with heart— that’s Keegan.

Keegan is the catcher for the varsity baseball team.  Before every game, he listens to music, then meditates and drinks a big glass of water. 

He will play in college and recently committed to University of Wisconsin-LaCrosse.  

Keegan’s love of baseball is reflected in his Eagle Scout project: he built a bullpen for youth baseball players at a city park. 

In his free time, he enjoys boating, fishing, golf, ping pong, and going to Twins games (but his favorite baseball player is Bryce Harper). 

He also loves to read.  “When I have nothing to do, I pick up a book,” he said.  Right now he is reading Supernova. His dog Gatsby is even named after a book character.  

With his dedication and drive, on and off the field, Keegan will continue to hit it out of the park.

Lake Minnetonka Senior Pictures | Anthony

As a varsity tennis captain and state champion, Anthony leads with dedication and drive.

He enjoys the challenge of pushing himself to bring his best on the tennis court. He lifts weights daily and loads up on electrolytes before a match.

Off the court, Anthony enjoys working out with his brothers, grabbing Chipotle with friends, or cooking at home. He loves to cook, especially dishes his grandmother taught him how to make like chicken parmesan and mostaccioli.

He is considering mechanical engineering for a college major. When he isn’t studying or playing tennis, he works at a lakeside restaurant docking boats.

For now, he is focused on having a memorable senior year, navigating college admission, and serving up wins on the tennis court.

Game on.

Plymouth, Minnesota Senior Pictures | Annie

I love when a senior brings something meaningful to their photo shoot. Annie brought her Bible.

Faith influences everything she does. This summer, Annie traveled to Guatemala with a mission group to build houses for people in need. Closer to home, Annie is a “buddy” at church for a 6-year old girl with special needs. She sees each person as worthy of love and kindness.

At school, her favorite class is Psychology. She also participates in the Letters of Love club, making encouraging cards for kids with serious illnesses.

In her free time, Annie enjoys going for walks while listening to a podcast (she recommends Unsolicited Advice), working out at the gym, and attending country concerts (Ty Myers currently tops her playlist).

She also enjoys spending time with her friends and her family which includes an English lab named Jovi who is lovingly referred to as the “favorite child”.

Wherever she goes in the world, no doubt Annie will continue spreading beauty, kindness and hope.

Lake Minnetonka Senior Pictures | Lilah

Lilah is an old soul.

She loves 70s music and has an uncanny ability to “name the band” when yacht rock is playing. She says her taste in music has been influenced by her Mom.

Lilah also lives learning about history. She enjoys reading historical non-fiction, especially books her history buff Dad recommends.

Who is one historic figure, past or present, that she’d love to have coffee with? There are too many to name, but Prince would be on the short list.

Lilah is busy with volleyball this fall. As a varsity team captain, she encourages her teammates and leads with positivity and dedication.

This winter, she will play varsity basketball. Fun fact: she can spider dribble a basketball for an unlimited amount of time.

When she isn’t at practice, Lilah works at a bagel shop and nannies. She also had internships in business and law this summer.

In her free time, she loves being on the lake with friends, napping with her heated blanket, and of course listening to yacht rock.

Millennium Garden Senior Portrait Session | Emi

Emi aims to be a voice for the overlooked.

As a youth ambassador for Children’s Minnesota Hospital, Emi raises funds to help young patients get the vital treatment they need. Last year she raised over $13,000 and she plans to exceed that this year!

The fundraiser is Emi’s way of giving back to the speciality clinic that has been a lifeline for her sisters, who were treated there for a blood disorder.

Emi’s sisters were adopted and through the adoption process, Emi learned about the bleak future that orphans face — often forced into sex trafficking. Emi wants to use her voice to bring awareness to the sex trade crisis, advocate for change, and give hope to young people.

Emi enjoys working with youth. At school, she participates in the Unified club, assisting middle schoolers with special needs. In the summer, she works in community education helping teachers. In the winter, she teaches ice skating.

In her free time, you’ll find her wake surfing on the lake or listening to music (Zach Bryan and Luke Combs currently top her playlist). She loves music and plays French horn in the school band.

It was a pleasure capturing Emi's personality in senior pictures. Her compassion and heart for justice will make a difference and change lives.

Minneapolis Senior Pictures | Ethan

You’re never too young to make a difference. Just ask Ethan.

Ethan and his friend created a nonprofit, Cancer Care Foundation MN, to develop athletic shirts for cancer patients. The shirts allow easy access to the port for delivery of medication. Over 2400 of their shirts have been donated to hospitals and patients.

It’s been a busy summer for Ethan. In addition to competing in the MN Cup on behalf of his non-profit, he teaches golf to kids and works at a restaurant.

In his free time, he enjoys golfing and being on the lake with friends. He learned to wake surf this summer. He also likes listening to rap music (Travis Scott is a favorite) and spending time with his family which includes a cat named Eddie.

Ethan is looking forward to football season which starts soon. He is a 3-sport athlete. He plays wide receiver in football, skis for the alpine team, and sprints for the track team.

At school, his favorite subject is chemistry. He is considering dentistry as a career. With his warm and easy-going personality, he will put patients at ease.

Fun fact: Ethan can tell the flavor difference between a purple and a green grape. (I did not test this claim!)

Lake Minnetonka Senior Pictures | Blakely

Blakely plays hockey year round and just returned from a tournament in Boston. Apparently the games were pretty physical. She asked if I can Photoshop out bruises! (I can.)

She is a forward for her high school girls hockey team. To get ready for games, Blakely cranks up music and dances with her teammates.

Music is a big part of Blakely’s life. She listens to all types of music in the car, except classical — it makes her carsick.

She loves concerts and recently saw Katy Perry. She also enjoyed rocking out to Train at the Minnesota yacht club festival. She earns money for concert tickets by working as a host at a lakeside restaurant.

In her free time, she enjoys running with her brother. She ran a 10K and hopes to do a half marathon one day.

She also enjoys traveling, skiing, shopping (Free People and Anthropologie are favorites), and reading (she recommends “My Life with the Walter Boys”).

Fun fact: her favorite ice cream flavor is coffee.

Family means everything to her, and that includes a French bulldog named Thisbee who came to this senior shoot.

With her passion, discipline, and curiosity about the world, Blakely will make an impact— on and off the ice.

Minnetonka Park Senior Session | Gianna

Gianna’s happy place is a concert.

G (as everyone calls her) saw Nickleback and other bands play at a music festival last week with her parents.

Music is a big part of her life. Billie Eilish and Foo Fighters top her playlist. She also collects vinyls. She’s not sure how many she has but it’s over 100.

At school, her favorite subjects are business and psychology. G serves on the Student Senate, is on the board of the Wellbeing Club, and participates in the student business organization DECA.

Sports are a big part of her life too. G is on her high school hockey and lacrosse teams. As the lacrosse goalie, she reached 100 career saves this year. Her energy is fueled by her homemade smoothies which friends say are “the best”.

G loves spending time with friends and her family which includes a younger brother and two rescue dogs.

It was a pleasure capturing her kindness, beauty and soul in senior photos.

Orono Senior Portrait Session | Wesley

Wesley is a senior with grit, heart, and drive.

On the field, he brings intensity as a football player. Off the field, he serves on the board of Unified, coaching students with disabilities in a variety of sports.

Wes is all about inclusion, building relationships, and having fun.

At school, Wes’s favorite subject is psychology. Understanding people is clearly one of his strengths.

He also has a sense of humor and doesn’t take himself too seriously. When some of his football teammates unexpectedly showed up at this photo shoot, Wes just laughed and didn’t mind having an audience.

During the summer, Wes works for a construction company. In his downtime, he hangs out with friends on the lake or listens to country music. Luke Bryan and Eric Church are his favorite country artists.

It was a pleasure capturing this moment in his high school journey.

Orono Senior Portrait Session | Harrison

Harrison is loyal to his family, his friends, and his dog Zona who made an appearance at this senior photo shoot.

Harrison is also a great teammate and powerhouse on the football field. He plays offensive line and defensive line for the varsity team.

He’s looking forward to playing under Friday night lights this fall. After games, the team often hangs out at Harrison’s barn, eating snacks and playing video games.

In school, Harrison’s favorite class (so far) is Marketing. He participates in DECA, a student business organization, and plans to study business in college.

When he isn’t studying or exercising, you’ll find him listening to music (he likes all kinds) or working on his car.

With his discipline, focus, and positive attitude, Harrison will go far — on and off the field.

FUN FACTS: CLASS OF 2025

Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

It was a pleasure getting to know each of you while taking your senior portraits. With your unique talents, skills, and perspectives — you are unstoppable.

The Question I Never Ask a high school senior

Grace loves astronomy.

As a high school senior photographer, there’s one question I never ask during a photoshoot.

Nick likes to follow the stock market.

“What are you going to do after high school?”

By the time they are in front of my lens, they’ve been asked The Question a hundred times by well-meaning family members, neighbors, and teachers.  

For some, the answer is clear.  For others, it triggers stress and self-doubt.  In a world that values certainty and direction, there is an underlying expectation that a 17-year old should know exactly what their next steps are.  

Bella is passionate about art.

But in reality, not every senior has it all figured out yet.

Many are still exploring their interests and considering different paths.  The pressure to know exactly where they’re headed can feel overwhelming.  And comparing their journey to their peers who have a concrete plan makes it worse.  

So can we all agree not to ask The Question?   Instead, I ask:

“What are you passionate about?” 

Liam trains service dogs.

This typically leads to an interesting discussion on topics from politics to pickleball.  I love to learn about what gets them excited.

When The Question does come up— and it will— there are ways for them to handle it with more confidence and less anxiety.  

Anna Nelson is a college prep coach who helps teens explore options and figure out what they will do after high school.  She helps teens understand their strengths and consider careers and industries that would be a good fit.  

“When my clients start researching colleges it becomes about getting the best education in their particular strengths set, not randomly guessing at what they should do,” Anna explained.

“I tell teens: You are a unique individual.  There is literally no one like you — which means it’s up to you to understand what you are uniquely gifted at,” she added.

Anna suggests that teens volunteer at places that seem interesting to them or go on informational interviews with adults who are doing what they might want to do.  (I personally love to meet with young people who are interested in photography!)  

“Life can be an intentional experiment,” Anna said.  “With each thing that they try, they’re getting closer to knowing what they want to focus on.”

Emmerson loves working with children.

Anna urges parents to give their teen permission to be who they are.  “Be a person they can vent to about the pressures facing them, rather than putting additional pressure on them.” To learn more about Anna’s college prep services, visit https://www.annaynelson.com/.

Senior year is a time of excitement, exploration and embarking on adulthood.  Let’s help teens enjoy this time and embrace it with confidence, knowing they don’t have to have all the answers.  

And we don’t have to ask The Question.  

Can I bring my dog to my senior photoshoot?

Delaney and her labrador Sully

Bennett and his English cream retriever Bosco

A question I often get from teens when they book their senior pictures:

“Can I bring my dog?”

Yes! I encourage you to bring your furry friend to your senior session. If Fido is a big part of your life, he deserves a place in your senior portraits.

Other animals are welcome too. From horses to hamsters, I’ve photographed lots of pets — but dogs are the most popular.

There are lots of dog-friendly locations in Minneapolis and the Twin Cities for your portrait session. You bring the dog and a person to manage the dog when not on camera. I bring dog treats for your buddy and a lint roller for you.

Lauren and her dog Stormy

We’ll get pawsitively memorable shots to remember this time of your life.

Stone Arch Bridge Senior Portrait Session | Anthony

Anthony loves photography and videography, but not just with a camera. He uses a drone to capture aerial photos and videos of sports, events, and nature.

He is preparing to earn a FAA Part 107 license to become a commercial remote pilot.

At school, he will be a photographer for the yearbook. He also enjoys science and plans to study mechanical engineering in college.

Anthony is on the track team where he competes in hurdles and pole vault. He plays soccer too.

In his free time, he likes cooking (pancakes are his specialty), hanging out with family (including their dalmatian Spot), listening to music (he has over 500 songs on his playlist — Arctic Monkey and Mac Miller are among his favorites), and catching up on sleep.

And he will continue to capture moments with his camera and drone, influencing how others see the world- one image at a time.

Minneapolis Senior Portrait Session | Bryn

Bryn adores animals and spends a lot of time caring for her pets — 2 dogs and 2 birds — as well as any other critter who happens to show up in her life like a certain squirrel named Mort.

In addition to being responsible for animals, she also cares for children. She is a nanny for a family with 3 kids. Her go-to method for settling sibling disputes: Rock-Paper-Scissors!

Fun facts about Bryn:
•She rides dirt bikes.
•Her favorite ice cream flavor is strawberry.
•She can speak pig latin.
•Her favorite class is Literature.
•She turns 18 soon and will cast her first vote this fall.

In a world of divisiveness, Bryn’s empathy, compassion, and sense of fairness is a great example for us all.

Excelsior Senior Portrait Session | Bennett

On Friday nights in the fall, it’s time for football!

Bennett is a defensive end on the varsity football team. His size, strength and agility have helped the team remain undefeated. His game day ritual? Eating a Subway sandwich before each game.

At school, Bennett is a member of the St Jude Leadership Society which raises funds for sick children treated at St Jude hospital. He also participates in the First Mates program, helping freshmen navigate high school.

When he isn’t in class or on the football field, Bennett enjoys playing poker with his brothers (he claims “I never lose”), golfing with friends, listening to rap or country music, and hanging out with his English cream retriever, Juno.

Whatever Bennett tackles in life, his focus and discipline will help him score wins on and off the field.

Millennium Garden Senior Portrait Session | Emmerson

Emmerson’s senior photos not only celebrate her final year of high school, they also pay tribute to her beloved grandmother who passed away.

Emmerson wore several pieces of Nana’s jewelry in her senior photos, including Nana’s wedding ring. I love when seniors bring something meaningful to their session.

Emmerson works at a preschool and plans to become a teacher, possibly focused on special education. She says “I love working with kids.” Teaching runs in her family- she will be the third generation in her family to teach.

At her high school, she is in the Earth Club which promotes a healthy environment, and Best Buddies which pairs students with and without intellectual disabilities to form friendships and advocate for inclusion.

Now that Emmerson has retired from competitive dance (after 11 years!), she has more free time to listen to country music (Kenny Chesney is her favorite), ride horses, and watch sunsets.

As she goes out in the world, Emmerson’s compassionate creativity and warm personality will benefit the children fortunate enough to call her Teacher.

Senior Photo Session | Jack

“The eye never forgets what the heart has seen.” ~ African proverb

Jack and three of his classmates founded the Rwanda club, which raises funds for schools in East Africa.

This summer they earned enough money to travel to Rwanda where they focused on building relationships with the young people and working in preschools. A highlight for the boys was biking with athletes training for the national cycling team.

Jack knows a thing or two about sports. He plays varsity football, basketball, and baseball. And if he isn’t on a field or a court, you’ll find him on a golf course. He likes to golf and he works as a caddy at a local club.

Jack represents his classmates on the campus council and he volunteers in a hospital as a “path finder” helping patients navigate the building.

In his free time, Jack likes to hang out with friends, whether it’s playing poker and blackjack or going to a concert. He also enjoys reading the news and staying informed on national and global issues.

I see politics in Jack’s future. His ability to advocate for and connect with others can make a big impact, at the local and global level.

Noerenberg Garden Senior Portrait Session | Alexis

Alexis’s favorite place is behind a boat on the lake. She loves to wakesurf.

When she’s not on the water, she’s probably on a soccer field. She has played soccer since she was little and now she’s a striker on the varsity team. In the spring, she plays lacrosse.

Alexis is an ideal teammate. She sets high standards for herself and encourages others to aim high. And she’s fun too—- her hidden talent is “making serious situations funny.”

At school, Alexis likes business classes and she might study finance at college. Her mom thinks she should go to veterinary school because Alexis loves animals and she’s not squeamish. Nothing grosses her out.

When she isn’t working at her job at a local restaurant, Alexis likes to listen to country music (she is going to the Zach Bryan concert this weekend!), sip sweet coffee drinks, hang out with her 3 dogs, and go on the lake with friends.

Whether she’s surfing a wake or chasing a dream, Alexis will carve her own path.