Photography by Kari Blog-- Southeastern Minnesota Senior, Children, Newborn, Maternity, Engagement, Family photographer. Updates and recent photoshoots from Photography by Kari. Photography by Kari is located in Spring Valley, MN.

Thursday, May 18, 2023

Senior Guy Portrait Session {SE MN Senior Photographer}

Every senior portrait session is an opportunity to freeze a moment in time, capturing the unique essence of a young individual on the brink of an exciting new chapter in their life. This past fall, I had the pleasure of working with Mason, an outstanding young man whose passion for aviation and football made his senior portraits a truly unique experience. For me, working with Mason was not just about this particular milestone but the many times I have been able to photograph Mason.

As a portrait photographer, I have had the privilege of photographing Mason since he was a child. From the first snap of the camera, it was evident that Mason possesses a remarkable ability to make those around him burst into laughter. His infectious humor and vibrant personality always left my cheeks sore from smiling and laughing at sessions. So, when it came time for his senior portraits, I knew we were in for a fun laughter-filled experience, even if he was not excited to be taking photos.

Embracing Adventure: Preston Airport and the Winds of Change

Our original plan was to kick off Mason’s senior portrait session at the Preston Airport—a location that perfectly showcased his love for flying and his achievement of obtaining his pilot’s license the previous year. However, nature had other plans in store for us. The winds were unusually strong, gusting with such force that even the securely tied-down airplane moved. Safety was our utmost priority, prompting us to reschedule the airplane portraits for another day.

Good Earth Village and Furry Friends

To escape the windy conditions, we sought solace at Good Earth Village, nestled in the heart of Spring Valley, MN. The picturesque landscape, adorned with meadows, trees, and rustic buildings, provided an idyllic backdrop for capturing timeless portraits at Good Earth Village. We then met up with his sisters and Dad who brought their family dogs for a few portraits.

Golden Hour Glory and A Bright Future Awaits: Football Dreams and Winona State University

As the sun began to set, painting the sky in breathtaking hues, we made our way to Kingsland football field. Armed with a football, we captured Mason’s passion for the game against the backdrop of his high school football field. Football holds a special place in Mason’s heart, as he will continue playing the sport while pursuing his education at Winona State University.

Second Chances and Cloudy Marvels: A Return to Preston Airport

Undeterred, we returned to the airport the following week to capture some photos of Mason and his airplane. This time, we were met with breathtaking cloud formations that added a touch of drama and beauty to the photographs.

Photographing Mason from his childhood with Christmas Mini sessions to sports photos to his senior year has been a privilege. These senior portraits symbolize the beginning of a new era, celebrating his accomplishments and the limitless potential that lies before him. It is truly an honor to be entrusted with capturing these precious moments, preserving an important milestone in Mason’s life, and providing cherished memories for him and his loved ones.

Mason poses casually for his MN senior pictures.

Mason with his airplane MN senior pictures.

Looking to have your high school senior portraits taken? Click here to contact me for more info!

Tags: Kari McGill, MN Senior Photographer, Photography by Kari, Rochester Minnesota Senior Photos, Senior 2023, Senior Photography, Senior Photos, Senior Portraits, Southeast MN senior portraits, Southeastern Minnesota Senior Photographer, Spring Valley MN Senior Photographer

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Thursday, March 23, 2023

Senior Portrait Session{MN Senior Photographer}

As a photographer, I often get the opportunity to capture some of the most special moments in someone’s life. Recently I had the honor of photographing a gorgeous high school girl for her senior portrait session. Alayna also happens to be one of my assistants, so if you’ve had a session, you may recognize her. We decided to do a dreamy, sunset session in a field of flowers near Spring Valley, MN for her first session, and then another day we stopped at a couple of parks, and at her high school’s softball field.

The field of flowers was our first stop. The fall field of wildflowers was the perfect setting for her session. The sun was just setting, creating a beautiful golden light that illuminated the wildflowers and filled the sky with beautiful pinks, yellow, and blues as the sun set. My assistant was a natural in front of the camera, she looked absolutely stunning as she posed among the flowers, creating some timeless portraits.

As the sun sets on her high school years of playing softball and she embarks on a new journey of a lifetime after signing to play softball at Iowa Lake Community College, we ended the second day of her session at the softball field at her high school. We got lucky and the sun was just starting to set as we got to the softball field, creating a beautiful backdrop for the photos. The softball field provided the perfect setting for this special session, as it served as a reminder of all of her hard work and dedication to the sport throughout her high school career. The senior was proudly wearing one of her many softball jerseys and posing alongside her softball gear. This portrait session captured the moment perfectly and served as a reminder of how far she has come and how much she has achieved.

Overall, this portrait session was such a special experience. It was amazing to work with my assistant and capture these beautiful memories of her senior year. We created photos that I think she and her family will cherish for years to come.

I am so proud of this senior girl and all that she has accomplished. I have loved working with her at sessions and am excited to see what the future holds for her. Congratulations on your upcoming high school graduation, Alayna!

Minnesota Senior portrait session taken by Photography by Kari

MN High school senior portrait photographer

Looking to have your high school senior portraits taken? Click here to contact me for more info!

Tags: 2023 Senior, Kari McGill, MN Senior Photographer, Photography by Kari, Rochester Minnesota Senior Photos, Senior Photography, Senior Photos, Senior Portraits, Southeast MN senior portraits, Southeastern Minnesota Senior Photographer, Stewartville MN Senior Portrait Photographer

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Friday, September 9, 2022

Take Photos of your Dog {MN Dog Photographer}

If I have one piece of wisdom to pass along to dog owners, it’s that you need to take photos of your dog and be in photos with your dog and of course with your human family, too.

Dogs always hold a special place in the hearts of us dog owners especially when they are no longer with us. Having a pet portrait is a great way to keep the memories of your beloved dog alive. I know I absolutely cherish the portraits of our previous dogs. I also know stories of the dog my Dad’s family had before I was alive, Sheba, as my aunts and uncles always are sure to point Sheba out in photos and then reminisce about Sheba’s life on the farm.

Portraits are great for memorializing the subject and also telling a story. Your dog is a part of your story and you are the biggest part of your dog’s life story. Dogs are truly man’s best friend. They always seem tuned in to our problems. They will do something goofy or fun that would bring a smile to our faces when we most need it. Sometimes, they are even more tuned in to your needs than friends and family, and they never are judgmental.

It’s so easy to find excuses to not be in photos. I get it, I’ve bowed out of photos. And I’m honestly my assistant’s worst client when they have to take photos of me and my dog. I’m super picky. But even the photos I disliked at the time they were taken for whatever reason, I love them, now. You will never regret doing the photos, I promise.

Unfortunately, our furry family members don’t live as long as we do but the portraits and memories will last a lifetime, so be sure to get photos of your dog, whether by a photographer or with your phone. You can never have too many photos to look back at.

And with that all said, when we knew my previous dog Jackson was likely going to pass over the rainbow bridge, soon 3 years ago, I had Kylie and her brother come over to get some photos with him since he had been a big part of their life. Those are some of my favorite photos of Jackson as they remind me of all the fun the 3 of us had with Jackson when they were younger. But, I’m so glad, that my assistant (and cousin), Kylie and I took some time after a session to take some photos of her and her dog, Stella. We had a beautiful night and some amazing light to capture the photos. Here are some of my favorites…..

MN Dog Portrait with teen girl and yellow labin field

If you are looking for a MN Dog Portrait Photographer for your fur babies be sure to reach out and let me know. We would love to photograph your fur baby or babies.

Tags: Dog Portrait Photographer, Kari McGill, MN Dog Photographer, MN Dog Portraits, MN Pet Photographer, MN Pet Portraits, Photography by Kari, Rochester Area Pet Photographer, Rochester MN Dog Photographer, Rochester MN Dog Portrait Photographer, Rochester Pet Portrait Photographer, SE MN Dog Portrait Photographer, SE MN Pet Portrait Photographer, SE MN Portrait Photographer, Southeastern Minnesota Dog Photographer, Spring Valley MN Dog Photographer, Spring Valley MN Portrait Photographer

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Thursday, August 25, 2022

Maverick Is Three, 21st Dog Birthday Portraits! {MN Dog Photographer}

I can hardly believe it, but our dog, Maverick, is three! And, in crazy-dog owner style, we had to celebrate and take photos to post!

I was trying to decide what to do this year as we did a cake for his 1^st birthday and ice cream last year for his second birthday and then it dawned on me that 3 was 21 in human years. So a 21^stbirthday with a bar theme for his photos came about. I got dog squeaker toys that included a whiskey bottle, fireball, white claws, and beer cans. I also got dog treats that included a pizza from Etsy, burgers and wuf lights from Wufers, and some pretzels from an Etsy baker. Lastly, I also got a 6 pack of dog beer from Amazon that comes in chicken, pork, and beef for flavors. We opened the chicken one during the session and Maverick loved it but my gosh does it smell. Lol

Anyway, here are some of my favorite photos from Maverick’s 3^rd birthday portrait session.

P.S. Maverick told me to let everyone know in dog beers, he only had one. ?

If you are looking for a MN Dog Birthday Portrait Photographer for your fur babies be sure to reach out and let me know. We would love to photograph your fur baby or babies.

Tags: Dog, Dog Portrait Photographer, Kari McGill, MN Dog Birthday Portrs Photographer, MN Dog Photographer, MN Pet Photographer, MN Pet Portraits, Photography by Kari, Rochester Area Pet Photographer, Rochester MN Dog Photographer, Rochester MN Dog Portrait Photographer, Rochester Pet Portrait Photographer, SE MN Dog Portrait Photographer, SE MN Pet Portrait Photographer, Southeastern Minnesota Dog Photographer, Spring Valley MN Dog Photographer, Spring Valley MN Portrait Photographer

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Tuesday, March 22, 2022

Minnesota Newborn Photography {MN Newborn Portraits}

Another gorgeous newborn photography session here in the studio. This family was celebrating the birth of their new baby boy with a newborn session. It was great to see them at the studio again. We’ve also had the pleasure of doing Dad’s senior photos back in the early years of our business, Mom and Dad’s engagement photos, and big brother’s first year with a Watch Me Grow Session.

We had to delay the session a couple of times because of colds, so he is 2 months old, but we still got some great newborn-like poses. It was such a wonderful newborn session with family images included. We had such a great time together and we were able to build a beautiful image gallery to show off this infant baby boy!

We started the newborn session with the family portraits. He adored the flashes of lights and was mesmerized by them. With him being a little older and being a little fussy and spitting up some, we had to take a couple of breaks, but with a little patience, we got some great photos. We always allow extra time for newborn portrait sessions knowing they will need time for lots of feeding, burping, and diaper changes. Patience is key. Wonderful photos can’t be rushed.

This gallery turned out absolutely gorgeous with the blues and yellow tones used throughout the portrait session. Here are a few highlights…..