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Happy Halloween from Bat Dog {SE MN Dog Portrait Photographer}

?? Happy Halloween, everyone! ??

It may be a snowy and blustery day here in Minnesota, but Maverick is still ready to spread some spooky cheer! ?????

Maverick, the Bat Dog, is ready to soar through the snow-covered streets and collect all the treats (and belly rubs) this Halloween. ??

We hope you all have a fantastic Halloween filled with lots of treats and very few tricks. Stay warm and stay safe, friends! ????

P.S. I’m sure glad I took this photo last night instead of waiting until today. Bat Dog doesn’t mind the snow, but I definitely do!

black lab dog on dark road dressed  for halloween as a bat with wings that are lit up purple and sitting next to a jack o' lantern with a sunset behind taken by Photography by Kari
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Christmas Mini {Southeast Minnesota Holiday Photographer}

??? Christmas Mini Test Run Success! Meet Miss B! ??

We had an absolute blast during our Christmas Mini test run, and it was all thanks to the adorable Miss B, my cousin’s daughter! Just look at that adorable smile! Isn’t she the cutest thing you’ve ever seen?

Miss B brought an extra sprinkle of magic to our winter wonderland scene, truly bringing it to life. It was heartwarming to see her get comfortable and have fun at the studio. Her joy and energy were infectious!

Now, we’re even more excited to see everyone this weekend for our Christmas Mini sessions!

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Happy National Farmer’s Day {SE MN Photographer}

?? Happy National Farmer’s Day! ??

Today, we celebrate the backbone of our nation – our incredible farmers! From sunrise to sunset, they brave the elements, tending to the land, nurturing their crops and livestock, and providing us with the nourishment that sustains us all.

So, today and every day, let’s tip our hats to the men and women who grow our food and sustain our communities. Show your support by buying local, eating fresh, and thanking a farmer.

John Deere tractor with a planter in SE MN at sunset with dust flying behind tractor taken by Kari McGill of Kevin McGill
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Senior Portrait Session {SE MN Senior Photographer}

We are beyond thrilled to share a glimpse of our recent senior portrait session with Caitlin! It was an evening filled with laughter, joy, and an abundance of natural beauty.

Our senior portrait session started at Masonic Park in Spring Valley, MN. It is a perfect backdrop with lush green grasses, vibrant yellow flowers, serene waters, and a large cliff. As the golden hour approached, we ventured to the breathtaking Berry and Bloom Farm where the fields were in full bloom.

And then, the magic happened! The setting sun painted the sky with warm, golden hues, and our senior looked absolutely beautiful.

Caitlin, you were an absolute joy to work with! Your confidence, warmth, and genuine spirit made our job easy, and your inner beauty shone through every image. We can’t wait to see all the amazing things the future holds for you! Thank you for letting us be a part of your senior year journey!

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Light Painting {SE MN Photographer}

Last summer, my assistant, Gavin, and I had talked about trying to light paint something. However, as life often does, time slipped through our fingers, but we made time this year to light paint a friend’s old car against the backdrop of my Dad’s cornfield.

We set up the car and our tripod about an hour and a half before sunset and waited for the sun to go down. The setting sun painted the sky with hues of blue, orange, and gold, infusing the landscape with a touch of magic. The old car, a testament to days gone by, stood there, patiently waiting for our artistic touch. With every rusted edge and faded paint, it whispered stories of a forgotten era. It was the perfect subject for our first light painting adventure.

To light paint, you have to light up each area and take a photo, and then in post-processing, you build the photo. While taking the 176 photos we took that night, uncertainty lingered in the air, Gavin and I both thought it was not going to work. But we were determined to try and lit the car 4 times trying a few different things each time. Oddly enough, I decided to try using the photos from our first try to build the photo.

Each layer of light, meticulously captured, has been seamlessly blended using the magic of Photoshop using layers and erasing areas not needed. It takes MANY photos. This photo has 27 layers. As I was editing, I was amazed that it had worked on our first try. Crazy!

In the end, this photo reminds me of the beauty in trying new things, of embracing the unknown with an open heart and an open mind. It’s about stepping into uncharted territory, whether it’s within the realm of art, personal growth, or life itself. Each new endeavor provides us with an opportunity to learn, to grow, and to unlock hidden potentials that lie within us. Never stop learning….

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Photography by Kari specializes in custom portraiture of newborn, family, children sports team banners, dog, and high school seniors in Spring Valley, MN, and surrounding Southeast Minnesota areas.

Areas, including, but not limited to, Rochester, Preston, Chatfield, Stewartville, Grand Meadow, LeRoy, Ostrander, Kasson, Hayfield, Plainview, St. Charles and Pine Island.

Southeast Minnesota based photographer.

specializing in newborn, family, children, and senior photography.

located in sPRING vALLEY, mn

TELEPHONE :: 507.951.0640

E-MAil :: kari@photographybykari.com