Ellie // Minneapolis Senior Photographer // Class of 2017

Minneapolis Senior Photographer

This babe.

That smile.

When I asked Ellie what she's most proud of herself for, she replied, "For being able to be myself and not care about what people think." I admire Ellie for this. Her big personality shows through via that gorgeous smile and positive energy and she's completely and totally her. You do you, girl. (insert praising hands emoji)

When I was in high school, I probably cared too much what people thought of me. Although always wholeheartedly my weird, nerdy, quirky self, I would sometimes catch myself saying or doing things based off the group of people I was in. To this day, I'm still a people pleaser, but I've realized I don't have to sacrifice a bit of myself in order to make people happy. The good ones are going to appreciate the weird things you do that make you, you. In fact, most people say my witty charm and relentless sarcasm is what makes me so special. Or, at least my mom does. 

Congrats, babes from the Class of 2017. You were one kiiiiiiller group.

Class of 20187: I want you! Let's chat about our love for memes, la croix, and the black heart emoji. Oh, and maybe take your senior photos, too. 

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

Mary // Class of 2017 // Minneapolis Senior Photographer

Mary, oh Mary. What can I say about Mary?

First, she's a total sweetheart. I cannot even begin to tell you how genuine and compassionate this girl is. I can tell she's the type of girl everyone wants to be friends with simply because she takes the time to want to get to know you, to want to be your friend, and to want to be involved with you.

Secondly, she's a total babe. I mean look at her. Enough said.

Thirdly, she's the exact type of senior I want to be photographing. Yes she's pretty, stylish, and yes she's bubbly, but she's more than just that. She's smart. She's independent. She's involved (SADD, volunteering, basketball, humanitarian work, just to name a few) She works hard and goes for what she wants, but doesn't take herself or life too seriously. I loved working with Mary because she's confident in who she is and isn't afraid of being herself. She and I even share the same pet peeve of when people walk too slow (I mean, okay, have you ever been on a narrow sidewalk and don't know exactly how to pace yourself with the person walking ahead of you?!?!?)

If you haven't seen this kick ass video that my friend Kyle Morgan put together for me, watch it below. It gives you an inside look into how my senior shoots really go down. We're not doing weird poses or anything forced. Instead, we talk, laugh, and I might even sing "Work" to you and attempt to dance along. 

My girl Jen is on hair and makeup, and kills it per usual. Jen does an awesome job at highlighting all your beautiful features without transforming you into someone you're not. She's spunky, wild, and a ton of fun, so you should totally have her along for the ride too. 

I can't wait for the Class of 2017. If you're like Mary and want an individualized, fashion forward, and full of life type of senior shoot, I just might be the photographer for you. I would love to get to hang out with you for a few hours and genuinely get to know you, while you find out all the weird things about me (like how much I love obese cats, have a strange obsession with 90s r+b, and just how ungraceful I really am enough though I was a gymnast).

I can't wait to meet all you babes!

I'd love to learn your story. Let's get chattin'