You know the new Barbie movie? If Barbie was a gymnast who wore Converse instead of high heels and had mosquitoes bites all over her legs, Greta could have gotten the lead role.
Greta is a gymnast for her high school and they are the 2022 state team champions. Her favorite events are vault and balance beam.
But this summer Greta will be at the pool more than the gym. She is a lifeguard and coaches a youth diving team.
She also works at a local grocery store. She radiates positive energy and kindness, and I bet customers notice.
Greta likes to listen to all music but “not country”. She loves Bruno Mars, Cheez Its, Chinese food, and Urban Outfitters which supplied her dresses for this senior session.
In the fall, Greta will attend the University of Nebraska to study kinesiology.
Agility, balance, and strength are key in gymnastics and in life. Greta is prepared to soar!
Wayzata Senior Portrait Session | Charlie
One of Charlie’s superpowers is the ability to strategize and problem solve, whether he’s throwing a pass in football, creating a marketing strategy for a DECA business project, or representing his peers as class president.
Charlie’s other superpower is his commitment to inclusion, in sports and in life. Charlie is a leader in the school Unified program and Minnesota Special Olympics. He believes that his differently abled peers deserve respect and acceptance. Charlie is a friendly, well-liked guy, and his classmates elected him Homecoming king.
This fall, Charlie will attend the University of Florida, majoring in biology. He hopes to pursue a career in medicine to help others.
In his free time, you might find him boating on the lake or watching a movie [“StepBrothers” is his favorite]. Charlie also likes Legos. He’s building a replica of the Colosseum —- with over 9000 Lego pieces! “I’m only 6 or 7 hours into it,” he said.
So I guess his third superpower is persistence.
Minnesota Arboretum Senior Portrait Session | Bella
Bella is an artist. She loves to create and has a passion for design. This fall, she will study art and communication at the University of Minnesota.
Bella is a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie. She’s that person who goes on all the rides at the fair, twice. She also loves scary movies. Her goal is to watch every one of the top 100 horror movies. The scariest one so far? “Hereditary”, and she loved it.
Bella isn’t afraid to try new things. She joined the school tennis team after picking up a tennis racquet for the first time just over a year ago. In the summer she works as a swim instructor.
Bella has a heart for animals, especially her beloved dalmatian named Spot. She also loves cows so the livestock barn is one of her first stops at the state fair. She’s liked cows since she was little, back when her older brother told her that brown cows make chocolate milk.
To relax, Bella listens to indie rock [Arctic Monkey tops her playlist], goes shopping, or hangs out with friends. After her senior portrait session, she met up with friends for sushi.
Bella is Italian for “beautiful”, and the name fits. Beautiful inside and out, she will create beauty in the world through her artistic pursuits.
Burwell Park Senior Photo Session | Caden
If Caden’s life was a country song, it would be called “Gone Fishin”.
Caden loves to grab his fishing rod and head to the lake. His favorite place to fish is Mille Lacs and like a true Minnesotan, his favorite pursuit is walleye.
When the lake freezes over, he goes ice fishing. When he isn’t playing hockey, that is. Skating since he was 4, Caden is a captain of the varsity hockey team. His pre-game ritual involves eating a salad and then putting on his hockey gear from left to right. What would happen if he started with the right side first, you ask? “I probably wouldn’t be able to skate,” he said.
Caden volunteers for the non-profit Letters of Love, participates in DECA marketing competitions, and works a summer job parking boats. This fall, he will attend Ohio State University to study business.
And any chance he gets, he heads to the lake to fish. Fishing requires patience and persistence. Some days you get a catch, other days you don’t. So you cast your line again and enjoy simple pleasures like a cool breeze or the call of a loon.
In the uncharted waters of life, Caden is off to a great start.
Lake Minnetonka Senior Portrait Session | Jack
Evel Knievel on a surfboard— that’s how I’d describe Jack.
Jack has a long and special relationship with water. From sunrise surfing to night bridge jumping, he loves all things water. So it made sense that his senior photos would be on the lake.
In the winter, Jack trades his surfboard for skis. He loves downhill skiing and spends hours at the terrain park doing jumps and tricks on the snow. A lot of his ski maneuvers have been practiced on his skateboard. He has the scars to prove it! This fall, Jack will attend the University of Denver to study business [when he’s not skiing].
Jack’s family is active and fun. He is the youngest of 3 boys. They have many nicknames for Jack. The one most often used is “Joe” [his middle name is Joseph], though his mom says he’ll respond to anything.
His older brothers made an appearance during this photo shoot and the banter between the boys was amusing and heartfelt, evidence of a strong bond. One brother offered Jack his watch to wear in senior photos. [Jack declined; he’s not a watch guy.]
Jack has a healthy respect for his parents and their expectations. When I asked if he had any tattoos, he said “No, because that would mean I’m off the payroll.” Smart kid.
Jack is carving his own path, on land and on water.
Minnesota Arboretum Senior Portrait Session | Payton
You know that person who stays calm amidst calamity? That’s Payton.
She has 6 siblings and most of them were running around the yard during her senior photo shoot. I think there was a cousin or two as well, plus a bunch of mosquitoes because it’s summer in Minnesota.
Payton welcomed me to her home and never got distracted with all the activity swirling around her. She is a sweet, serene girl from a large, lovely family. With 7 kids, they remind me of the Von Trapps — except they didn’t break out in song.
Hockey, country music, and her dogs… these are a few of Payton’s favorite things.
Payton is also interested in a career in medicine. Which makes sense because she looks like a young Meredith Grey. [Grey’s Anatomy fans, do you agree?]
Payton’s peaceful personality and fierce focus will be an asset to her future patients.
Medina Senior Photo Session | Bradley
Bradley grew up on skates and is a captain of the varsity hockey team. Despite breaking his jaw in a game, he had an outstanding season and was named All-Conference. He will continue his hockey career playing for a NAHL team in Texas.
His pre-game ritual is a nap. A 47-minute nap, to be precise. One hour is too long and 30 minutes isn’t enough, according to Bradley’s research. So around 47 minutes is the sweet spot to get him ready for a game.
Off the ice, Bradley serves as vice chair of the Unified club which promotes inclusion at school. Bradley also represents his classmates in student senate and he competes in DECA, a marketing organization. He recently advanced to the international DECA competition.
Sports marketing or sports journalism are enticing careers for Bradley. He likes to write and English is his strongest subject. He also enjoys reading and the “Harry Potter” series is a favorite.
Most of Bradley’s senior photos were taken in his yard. The sunflowers that hovered over us bloomed on the day of this shoot. Coincidence? I think not. Young sunflowers track the sun— they face east as the sun rises and then turn west as the sun moves through the day.
Like the sunflower, Bradley will keep his face to the sun and focus on what is important, on and off the ice.
Lake Senior Portrait Session | Lily
Lily’s photo shoot was interrupted when she had to pull a leech from her leg. I guess that happens when you are knee deep in a lake in northern Minnesota.
Lily removed the leech calmly and we moved on. She is comfortable with things that live in water and she plans to major in marine biology. Her favorite sea creature is a dumbo octopus. “They’re really cute,” she explained.
During summer, Lily prefers to be on water and in the winter, she loves snowboarding with her family.
Lily’s family is close. Her dad is Korean and has introduced her to flavorful Korean foods like kimchi and the seafood pancakes he makes.
When she’s alone, she likes to crank up music or play her electric guitar loudly. She also reads books, binge watches The Umbrella Academy, and hangs out with her dog and cats.
As she goes out to explore the world — above and below sea level — Lily will make waves.
Lake Minnetonka Senior Portrait Session | Chase
A Tom Petty tribute band happened to be playing at the park during Chase’s photo shoot. As they belted out “An American Girl”, they could’ve been singing about Chase.
She beams with energy and light, and has big dreams for the future. Chase plays varsity basketball and volleyball, works as a nanny, spoils her dog Amber, binge watches Gilmore Girls, and spends summer on the lake. Her classmates recently voted her to Prom court.
This fall Chase will continue her education at the University of Minnesota, majoring in psychology and minoring in Spanish. She is interested in learning about human behavior and how it impacts our society and criminal justice system.
Chase is confident as she looks forward to the future. As Tom Petty might say, she’s runnin’ down a dream.
Millennium Garden Senior Portrait Session | Nash
Today is Nash’s birthday. I’m betting he will celebrate by playing poker with the guys. It’s one of his favorite ways to unwind.
Nash has had a busy senior year. In addition to studying (his favorite class is Marketing), Nash is a captain of the varsity football team, plays baseball, and is manager of the basketball team.
He also participates in DECA, a marketing and entrepreneurial organization for students. At the state competition this spring, Nash qualified for the international level. I predict Nash will do well in the business world~ he is savvy and full of personality.
This fall, Nash will continue his business studies as a Finance major at the University of St Thomas. He will also play football for the Tommies. And he will probably host some poker games in the dorm.
In poker and in life, Nash knows to play the hand you’re dealt, stay focused when the stakes are high, and have some fun too.
He’s all in.
Millennium Garden Senior Portrait Session | Nora
This fall, Nora will head to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study biology, with plans for a career in medicine.
Nora has a heart for helping others find their strengths and live full lives. She coaches differently-abled students in soccer and flag football through the Unified program at school. She is also a captain of the varsity soccer team and represents her classmates as co-student body president.
Nora is close to her family which includes her parents, an older sister and two pet ducks. The ducks know their names and get excited when she brings their favorite treat: frozen peas.
Before Nora heads to UNC, her family will gather around a bonfire for their annual end-of-summer s’mores contest. It’s a competition to see who can make the most creative and delicious s’more. Past entries include salted caramel, apple cinnamon and lemon meringue. Last summer, Nora won with her Samoa s’more, inspired by the Girl Scout cookie with coconut, caramel and chocolate.
This family definitely thinks outside the [graham cracker] box!
Minnetonka Senior Portrait Session | Ania
Leonardo DaVinci may have painted the Mona Lisa, but I photographed her. Sort of.
With her sparkling eyes, elegant poise, and mysterious smile, Ania bears a stunning resemblance to the famous painting, don’t you think?
Ania loves being outdoors, whether it’s walking her dog, skateboarding, or skiing. She also loves to read books and listen to music.
Nature, books, and music are tools Ania uses to cope with stress. She battled an eating disorder and through hard work, she emerged stronger. She is studying nursing in college to help others on their journey to health.
Ania’s experience and empathy will inspire her future patients as she guides them to healing.
That is true beauty.
Minnneapolis Senior Portrait Session | Lily
Ever heard the saying “They could sell ice to an Eskimo”? That’s Lily.
Lily’s magnetic personality and charm draw people to her.
She likes to be with people and she excels at making everyone feel included. Making personal connections is one of the reasons she likes her job helping customers at a local clothing store.
Lily also enjoys babysitting, playing with her bulldog, and being on the lake with friends— whether it’s wakesurfing or swimming.
Her charisma and compassion will continue to enrich the world, one person at a time.
Plymouth, Minnesota Senior Session | Iyla
Iyla is chasing goals, in life and on the ice.
She recently committed to continue her education and play hockey at a D1 program out east. Her first collegiate game will be against her hometown team, the Minnesota Gophers!
When she’s not on the ice, Iyla works at a local restaurant, hangs out with friends on the lake, watches movies (her favorite actress is Blake Lively), and plays with her cat named Goose.
Wayzata Senior Portrait Session | Jack
Photographing Jack and his identical twin, I couldn’t help but be charmed by their brotherly banter and bond.
They share a lot of history, from boat outings on the lake to basketball games to a mission trip in Mexico.
But even twins have individual talents and passions. Jack’s is track & field. He is the 2021 Minnesota state champion in pole vault.
Almost as impressive: he can walk on his hands!
Minnesota Arboretum Senior Portrait Session | Mackenzie
The temperature during her photo shoot was 99 degrees, but Mackenzie never broke a sweat. She’s a lifeguard and the heat just doesn’t get to her.
Good thing, because in a few days Mackenzie is heading to a warm climate …. she’ll be spending her senior year as an exchange student in Italy.
With her adventurous spirit and boundless energy (from 14 years of competitive gymnastics!), her year abroad will no doubt be a fun and memorable one.
Wayzata Senior Portrait Session | Connor
For Connor, life is better at the ballpark.
He’s a lefty pitcher and hopes to continue his baseball career in college. I don’t know much about baseball, but we both agreed “Field of Dreams” is a great movie.
Connor loves to be outdoors- camping, hiking, or on the lake [he learned to wake surf this summer]. He also plays football. But baseball is his number one passion.
With his discipline, ambition, and positive outlook, no doubt Connor will hit it out of the park.
Lake Minnetonka Senior Portrait Session | Delaney
“Art is not what you see, but what you make others see.” ~ Edgar Degas
Delaney’s creative talent and artistic passion show in the vibrant scenes she paints, and in the fashion she designs & sews, including creative Covid masks!
Delaney will keep making the world beautiful as she heads to college in Arizona to study art.