Bre, Class of 2024

Bre killed it at her senior photo session! We danced around at Arneson Acres Park in Edina. This park has the perfect mix of blooms for a photo back drop. We also stopped by Riverside Field Park in Shakopee, which is a little park in a neighborhood area but it has the coolest wooden walking path and a little doc with this cool wooden structure! I love how switching outfits and locations can give a lot of variety in a senior session.

The Doses

Welcome to the sneak peek gallery from my FIRST official wedding as Day Made Collective! Okay, I technically did a wedding previous to this, but I was an infant in photography and it was a pandemic wedding, which was a great foundation to a full on wedding day!

Megan and Sam tied the knot in St. Paul, Minnesota. We explored the Stone Arch Bridge between the ceremony and the reception and captured some snowy fun! The couple celebrated their reception at The Lynhall. I had some fun with flash photos for parts of the reception and am itching to shoot more weddings this fall!

Riley, Class of 2024

The best part of senior sessions is showcasing YOU! Riley brought her pups along to her session and I have had other clients bring along sports equipment and even a beloved lawnmower! Your senior photos should reflect your vibe, interests, and personality at this stage in your life! You should look back at your photos with fun memories of this stage of life in mind. Riley will be attending the University of Minnesota and studying Animal Science.

Shelbie + Tyler, Engagement Photos

Shelbie and Tyler brought lots of fun and FIRE (literal fireball shooters!) to their engagement photos- they were up for any of my silly prompts and you could feel their giddy love. They’re getting married in the fall of 2024 and I was honored to capture their engagement photos.

Gear: Canon R6 with 35mm lens

Location: Lebanon Hills Regional Park

The Johnson Family, In-Home Newborn Session

Who doesn’t love a good baby + pup combo? Sweet Emerson is a little Swiftie in the making, and was super chill during her first photoshoot. I am sure due to the Taylor Swift music to set the vibe! One of my favorite parts of an in-home newborn session is seeing your family in your element.

Gear

Location: In-home Newborn Session in Prior Lake, Minnesota

The Hirsh Family, In-Home Newborn Session

Sweet Beau made his way into the world in March and is already stealing hearts. This in-home newborn session was a little different for me- normally we will wander a few rooms in the house but we contained this session to just the nursery! I hadn’t done this before, but was really excited to get creative with posing, prompts, and angles to create the perfect gallery. Enjoy this little sneak peek at their session!

Gear used: Canon R6, Canon 24-70 f/2.8. This lens was great for keeping it creative in a smaller space!

Location: in home newborn session in Shakopee, Minnesota

2023 Fall Family Style Guide

When it comes to dressing your family for photos it can be tricky to find something for everyone that is comfortable and will photograph well. Below you will find a few tips for dressing your family, and personal picks from H&M to get you started. 

(I am 100% not a perfectionist and work under the mindset of “done is better than perfect” so please, disregard any spelling errors, oddly formatted images, or odd lingo)

Pick a color scheme. Stick to neutrals, or grab something in a muted or deep tone. We don’t want everyone in the same color, and we don’t want bright colors that will wash out your skin or clash with each other! Sometimes it helps to choose a pattern for someone to wear and use that as a color palate guide.

Think coordinating, not matching. We want everyone to have some element of coordination through their outfits while allowing room for textures, patterns, and layers. 

Dress yourself first! You are likely reading this because you feel overwhelmed with the thought of getting a whole new wardrobe for everyone. Dressing yourself first allows you to feel your best, and everyone else will be easier to dress after you. 

Shop in your closet first, then shop for things that will fit into your wardrobe after photos are done. I like to repeat shirts for my boys- so I usually go for something that they can wear again for thanksgiving or another outing.

For Littles: Aim to find something that is comfortable for them to move in, and something that doesn’t let their diaper hang out. Think about how the outfit will look when you pick them up- will you have to battle to keep their shirt down? Do they need tights or shorts under a dress to keep the bum covered?

Book your fall session here!

For Women:

Black stripe sweater Cozy fit, texture and simple pattern, neutral colors, and can be worn with jeans you already have, or a black skirt. 

Silk top Great texture and color options, easy to wear again, a little more dressy vibe without being too fancy.

Wrap sweater Cute more feminine sweater with neutral color but texture. Make sure to try on with undergarments to be sure your waist doesn’t show 

Wrap dress Neutral green color, little bit of texture, also comes in black.

Ruffle trim top Lightweight, neutral, feminine touch on a more structured top. Could layer well with a cardigan or plaid.

Denim wrap skirt Neutral because it is denim, but breaks up an “all jeans” sort of look. Cute with a more fitted top or something tucked in. good for movement and texture!

For Men:

Neutral plaid shirt two toned neutral, could be worn unbuttoned with a tee. Lots of other color options

Second plaid option Corduroy texture, simple colors, easy to layer

Slim fit sweater Great color options, perfect for the “base” layer to coordinate with other family members options

Solid sweater Lots of colors, easy to wear again. Could layer under a coat or plaid shirt

Cargo joggers Different option than the more typical khaki or denim bottom look without being too “stylish”

For Pre-teen Girls:

Dark Gray Dress Small pattern that isn’t distracting, neutral, could layer with a sweater if desired.

White top Feminine but neutral and cropped. Would be cute with a short structured skirt.

Brown two-piece with skirt I like this skirt option with another top, neutral, feminine without being pink.

Yellow dress Mature but good length and higher neckline for a younger teen. Pair with a jacket or sweater!

For Pre-teen Boys:

Boys flannel 2 colored plaids so they don’t get too busy, but adds a layer and a pattern to the look.

Boys hoodie With the right fit, you might be able to find a photo option that your teen might actually wear again! I would avoid words or big logos that can be distracting. 

Boys green pants Easy to wear and the color is great for fall and winter and show off a shoe. Other color options too.

Knit sweater Multiple color options, easy to match with everyone else. 

For Boys:

Blue waffle knit sweater Good blue tone, nice simple texture, looks comfy without being too thick.

Overalls Neutral, some texture, variety from denim bottom options, easy to layer

Solid Button up shirt 3 color options, easy to wear again. Can dress up or down, could also layer with a vest or jacket super easily!

Striped button up This top has a cool vintage feel and could be worn any time of year. 

For Girls:

Little girls Knit 2 piece Neutral, but simple pattern to pull another color from. Easy to move in.

Long sleeve romper Two colors, neutral and easy to move in. won’t show a diaper. 

Overall sweater dress Feminine, pink but neutral, separates can be worn again

Little girl floral dress Cute, feminine, easy to pull coordinating colors from

Light pink toddler dress Girly but quiet, simple texture, cute pattern option too.

Everly, In-Home Newborn Session

Everly was the sweetest, cashmere wearing baby! Mom and I joked about expensive baby clothes and how they are so cute but not realistic for daily wear- no one wants a blow out in something hard to wash! On the other hand, they make for some cozy photos. Dad pulled out his deer skin, which may seem a little unconventional, but I come from a family of deer hunters so I thought this was a really cool and sentimental addition to their photo session!

Everly’s big brothers popped in and out for photos, which is a huge benefit of taking photos in your own home. Siblings can keep their routine and environment, which allows for comfort and hopeful helps get some good smiles and interactions.

This session was super local to me, right in my home town of Jordan, MN! Everly and My daughter, Janie, will be in the same class in school.

Jake & Alyssa’s Lake Minnetonka Engagement Session

Jake and Alyssa are good friends of ours and I am so happy I got to capture this part of their love story! Jake and Alyssa met soon after I gave Jake and my husband’s other single guy friends a gentle nudge to start dating after I let them know I was ready to not be the only female presence in the group. Jake not only landed his perfect match, he introduced us to a girl who fits in so well with our friend group and is a lot like myself, so we get along great!

Jake and Alyssa are getting married in June of 2023, and my husband Joel and son Caston are in the wedding. I cannot wait to watch these two get married and am excited to see where their future takes them!

These photos were taken at two locations: A private boat owned by family (isn’t it the coolest boat?!) on Lake Minnetonka, and Lake Minnewashta Regional Park. The park has an amazing beach and dock that was perfect for these two.