So, this year has been a ride, to put it politely. Things are no where near "normal" yet and I'm not holding my breath waiting for them to be. However, I am trying very hard to see life through the lens of gratitude.

​ June and July this year was the first time this year my business felt like it was, well, approaching business as usual.

​Between having our new baby Archer in the beginning of this year and Covid shutting down businesses and shutting us in this spring, it felt AMAZING to meet up with clients again this summer. I shot 16 sessions the past two months (small groups, nearly all outdoors, and touching no one).

​Here is ONE shot from each session this summer.

Kristen and Justin's engagement session at Willow River. SWOON!

Carl's one-year photos and cake smash session at Tamarack Nature Center.
​Such a cutie!!!

Recital photos for The Dancing House students.
​Note to self, must photograph MORE dancers!

Reece's one year pics and stylish, socially distanced 1st Bee Day Party.

The darling Esbjornsson family, now a party of 5!

Baby Oliver's newborn photos at Birkmose Park.

Stella, Norman, and baby Wallace. The most adorable set of siblings!

A mother-daughters session with Lacy, Abigail, and Bailey.
​One of the sweetest sessions I've ever shot.

Grabbed a little golden hour magic at Willow River for Aly and Stephen's engagement session!

Met my longtime friend Marla and her family for some outdoor newborn-ish pics for their new girl Madison!

I also met up with the Horner family to get some family pics and fresh photos of their precious new arrival Claire. 

Brekayla was such a good sport/fabulous model as we took her senior photos in downtown Hudson.

This is my boo Sara Capecchi and her family, also shot in downtown Hudson. Love, love, love these guys!

While my nephew Cameron was in town visiting from Texas, we managed to squeeze in senior photos for him too!

I also shot a beautiful backyard wedding ceremony for Alexandra and Tom here in Hudson, More to come!

Lastly, I shot an extended family session for one of my favorite longtime clients, the Massee/ Miller family.

Well, it's been a lovely ease back into business. I'm gearing up for the volume of sessions to more than double in the coming months which is a crazy (and good) thing!

I was thinking lately if I had to just choose only a few different outdoor spots for photo sessions, I definitely have some clear favorites. So, today I'm listing out my top three favorite places to take photos in the Twin Cities.

​Depending on the season, area, and time of day, photos taken at these locations can look drastically different. 

This grassy areas and field near the campgrounds is one of my favorite spots. I love that you can see dark pines in the back and I love the grass stalks that add texture and whimsy.

This big, endless looking prairie is just yards away from the green grassy area. You'd never know that those two spots are so close together and provide two totally different looks!

​

Lake Elmo Park Reserve is another go-to of mine in spring or fall. 

​The birch trees, the vibrant fall colors and well as the gentle light greens in the spring make for gorgeous photos, no matter the season.

But also look check out how Lake Elmo photographs in late summer! 

Dreamy, dreamy, dreamy. I joke about enlarging these clients' photos over my fireplace. I haven't done it... yet.

In and around The Guthrie Theater and Mill City Museum in Minneapolis is one more frequently visited venue by me. Between the glossy blue building, the backdrop of the city and the ruins, it's extremely versatile and a perfect location for family photos, engagement pics, or branding and headshot photography.

Oh man, I thought I was cool when I managed a mirror selfie in this area a couple years ago.

This spring I met with James and Sessahly to take their engagement photos in Osceola, Wi at Cascade Falls. I had previously met Sessahly a couple of years ago at one of my Mommy & Me mini sessions. I was so thrilled when she reached out to let me know she was engaged and wanted me to take photos for her and James.
The morning we shot at the falls was COLD, but I asked them to move and hug a lot which I think (I hope?) helped!

​I absolutely love how their session turned out! All the little details, like the glimpses of tattoos, the way Sessahly's hair perfectly swooshes around, the glimmer of her engagement ring, and how adoringly these two gaze at each other, give me goosebumps!

Congrats again, you guys, on your engagement! I foresee a beautiful wedding and a life full of love and happiness ahead of you two!