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. 

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

Erika // Minneapolis Boudoir Photographer

Every photographer has their "word" when they shoot. Typically, mine is something like "beautiful!" or "ohmygosh, you're killing it!" While I always wholeheartedly mean everything I say, Erika in front of the camera brought on a whole other level of reaction from me.

GUUURL was my word during this shoot. Not girl, GIRL, or even GURL. GUUURL. I mean, c'mon. Look at her. No explanation necessary.

What made this shoot so successful is Erika's bold confidence. She's showcasing herself as an empowered, strong, and beautiful woman, something I truly admire her for. Not only is she confident in who she is, but her genuine joy for herself and her body is visible in every shot. It's easy to get caught up in the seriousness and drama of styled shoots, however, many models forget to have fun and show it off. Erika sure worked it. Maybe the 90s hip hop/r&b tunes we played had something to do with it, but I'd like to think it was her positive vibes that kept things groovin'.

This is how our shoot went:

Me: "Uhm, can I take a photo of your butt?"

Her: "Heck yeah!"

Her: *beautifully arches her back and sticks her butt out in the most tasteful way*

Me: "Dang guuurl."

I included this poem as the caption for the Facebook image, and I think it sums up this shoot and Erika's mantra in a nutshell: 

"It's the fire in my eyes,
And the Flash of my teeth,
The swing in my waist, 
And the joy in my feet.
I'm a woman
Phenomenally."

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