Sydney // Minneapolis Senior Photographer // Class of 2018

Minneapolis Senior Photographer

Fearless.

What does it mean to you?

I think it means a lot of different things to different people. For me, being fearless is all about my independence. I'm a self sufficient, independent lady, and I'm real proud of that. That doesn't mean I never need help or I don't know how to ask for help. No. It means I'm a strong-willed, never give up, get shit done, do-er.

Growing up, I never wanted anyone to form opinions solely off my gender or looks. Yeah, I had my own personal style, and I rocked it even if it wasn't the sequin covered PINK leggings errrryy gal was wearing. But I also wanted to be known for my talents, my brains, and my achievements. I was hustlin' hard from the beginning. In high school, it was AP classes galore, all-state gymnastics, NHS, volunteering, starting my own photography business, all-conference pole vaulting, and some attempt at a social life. To me, those experiences are what developed me into that fearless young lady that I am today.

For Sydney (my rockin' senior rep from the Class of 2018), it's something a little different. Yeah, she's involved in things at school like SAAD, Student Council, and dance, however, to her, being fearless is wholeheartedly being herself no matter what. Even though she's only 17, she recognizes that not everyone is going to approve of what you do. They're going to talk. They're going to gossip. They're going to laugh. However, she remains fearless by not changing herself for the sake of others. She said, "I think a part of it is knowing people are not going to agree with every single thing you do, and you might fail a few times throughout that, but being fearless is being able to pick yourself back up after those failures and letdowns." Smart gal, I think. 

I am now booking the fearless members of the Class of 2018. If you have something bold to say, and are willing to get vulnerable for me and my camera, let's chat. I want to know what you're proud of yourself for, what makes you tick, and what makes you fearless. Get at me!

C R E D I T S

Photography: D.Albrecht Photography
Video: Kyle Morgan
HMUA: Jamie Holly Artistry
 

Hannah // Class of 2017

The thrifting queen in all her glory. 

"Yeah, I got this for like three bucks at the thrift store," as her freckled face erupts with joy and pride.

YAAAAS KWEEN.

Whoever said you gotta spend a crap ton of money to look good was full of it. As a high school senior it's sometimes hard to get wrapped up in the constant everyday struggle of looking good, or even as a female in day and age of social media, looking good for the 'gram is equally as important. But there's a uniqueness about Hannah that doesn't allow her to give into the everyday pressures. Thrift Queen is a name I'd like to own someday (to go alongside the heavily coveted Nap Queen).

This girl knows whats up. 

There was an enthusiasm and confidence I appreciated about Hannah as well. She's oh so down to earth and went along with my scattered antics and experimental adventures. She even thought my signing and dancing was entertaining, so you know she's got a great sense of humor.  Hugs + kisses to such a special gal. 

Don't forget about my girl Jen on that hair and make up. She adds the ssszzzzzz in the sizzle. 

Mara // Class of 2017 // Minneapolis Senior Photographer

Mara is another one of my seniors reps for the Class of 2017. She's a bombshell babe from SPCPA, who is an incredibly talented dancer with a bubbly personality [and amazingly beautiful hair]. 

I love shooting kids from SPCPA because they are all fearless in their own way. Whether that be dancing, acting or musical performance, each student has their own unique voice, developed discipline, and want to be heard. However, they also have interests that go well beyond their love for their art. Their perspective is incredibly different given their untraditional schooling, each with a maturity and independence well beyond what me or any of my friends were at the age of 17. Aka they're like the coolest high school kids ever. 

Mara is no different. She's a poised and beautiful dancer [and pretty freakin' rad], but you already knew that. Additionally, she's involved with student council at her school and says environmental justice is one of her other passions outside of dance. She's always ready to lend a helping hand and is willing to take a risk even if the odds are stacked up against her. That's what makes Mara a fearless senior from the Class of 2017. 

If you are a fearless senior, tell me why. I can't wait to tell your story.  

Hair/makeup: Jen Des Lauriers, as usual

Mackenzi // Class of 2016

yup, I blogged her again.

she's just that exceptional.

I literally owe my whole senior season to this girl. In May, we did this mock senior shoot and I told her to tell her friends about me. I didn't expect much to come out of it, maybe get 3 or 4 girls from her, because many of my photographer friends have done senior reps before and did not get the results they wanted. Well, Mackenzi delivered. She delivered good. I can attribute 90% of my seniors to this girl. I dunno if it's her stunning good looks, if she's super popular at her school, or her warm, genuine personality. Whatever it was, she rocks.

I decided to blog her real senior photos because I feel like they're even better than the first time around. It might be one of my favorite senior shoots to date. I think what made this shoot so successful is the fact that she and I really click. Like, really click.  We talked like normal friends would. We did weird things like normal friends would. We goofed around like normal friends would.

She truly gets what I'm trying to do: stray away from the normal senior photo. I'm not trying to make you into a super model. I'm not trying to make you look perfect. I'm not trying to make you into something you're not. I'm trying to showcase you in the most genuine, raw, and real way. I want to shed light on what makes you, you. This is the kind of stuff that gets created when photographer + client are so in sync with each other. This is the kind of stuff that I strive to produce and send out into the world. This is the good stuff.

Thanks Kenz for being so kick ass and for reviving my love for photography. <3