Plymouth Senior Portrait Session | Chase

Good thing Chase isn’t superstitious.  His senior photo shoot was on Friday the 13th. 

It’s also a good thing Chase has a sense of humor.  When I mentioned he looks like my teen celeb crush from the 80s band Menudo, he laughed [and cringed]. Then he Googled Menudo because he had never heard of them.  How times change!

Chase plays varsity soccer— he’s a goalie. He also works part-time at his family’s restaurant, Spasso.  I’m told the lasagna is legendary! He will attend the University of Texas and is leaning toward engineering as a career. 

In his free time, Chase enjoys downhill skiing, water skiing, lifting weights, and playing card games.  He was heading to poker night with the guys after this shoot. 

In poker as in life, we play the hand we are dealt.  I have no doubt that Chase will play his wisely and well. 

Millennium Garden Senior Portrait Session | Ella

Like the tiara she received when she was crowned her hometown ambassador, Ella sparkles. 

When she isn’t representing her community as an ambassador, Ella represents her classmates as vice president in the student senate.  She also competes in tennis and track, and co-manages the basketball team. 

But Ella’s real passion is the arts.  She loves to sing and is busy rehearsing for opening night of “Annie” at her high school. 

She also draws and paints.  Last year, she made a portrait of each of her 3 siblings and gave the drawings to her parents for Christmas.  That beats a gift card any day!

Ella’s crowning achievement though is kindness.  When I mentioned that I heard she was elected to Homecoming court, Ella explained “I’m not popular, I’m just nice to everyone.” 

Imagine if we all followed her lead:  Be nice to everyone.  That is really the heart of it.  Ella, may you continue to prioritize people and shine the light of kindness in college in Wisconsin, and wherever life takes you. 

Plymouth Senior Portrait Session | Jack

Jumping over obstacles at high speed isn’t most people’s idea of fun. 

Jack isn’t most people. 

As the reigning state champion in the 300 meter hurdle, Jack is fast and agile.  He recently broke the 37-year old school record for the hurdles.

He also has grit.  At his senior photo shoot, he had a sprained ankle from a track injury. I didn’t know this until his mom mentioned it later.  He never complained. 

When he’s not at the track, Jack enjoys working, golfing with friends, or traveling with his family. 

Faith is a cornerstone of Jack’s life.  He wears a cross around his neck even during races.  Education is also important to him and he plans to study business at the University of Thomas where he will be on the track team. 

As Jack approaches the starting block of his future, I believe he will soar. 

Minnesota Arboretum Senior Photo Session | Jade

Named after a gemstone prized for its beauty, energy and strength … that’s Jade.

She arrived at her senior session wearing a bracelet with wording I deemed a bit too sassy for photos. [She graciously removed it.] The many stickers on her water bottle also showed some attitude. Jade is a young woman who isn’t afraid to share her opinions with the world!

Her gentle beauty is balanced with bold confidence. Jade says the struggles she went through in middle school, including losing her father, have made her stronger and more compassionate to others.

She is passionate about animals and hopes to one day open an animal sanctuary. But first, she’ll need to finish her college business studies.

Blending business with compassion - and maybe a little sass. Lead the way, Jade.

Wayzata Senior Portrait Session | Dylan

Dylan is hard to miss. He’s really tall with an easy smile and piercing blue eyes.

He plays basketball and baseball. In addition to being athletic, he is tech-savvy. Dylan landed a summer job with a computer company. At home, he’s the go-to guy when someone’s laptop freezes or their phone glitches. This fall, he will study computer science at St John’s University.

Dylan is the oldest of three siblings in a tight-knit family. They endured heartbreak in 2020 when his father died suddenly. Loss makes you grow up fast.

But loss also builds resilience, sparks compassion, and strengthens faith. This combo will be a powerful asset to Dylan’s life and to his father’s legacy.

Minnetonka Mills Park Senior Portrait Session | Dekontee

Bright and lively, warm and sweet with a hint of bold — like the lattes she serves at the coffee shop after school.

When Dekontee’s not reading a book or serving coffee, she likes to spend time with older folks from West Africa, sharing card games and conversation. After graduation, she plans to serve our country in the US Army.

She is a beauty inside and out. I think Dekontee is what author Rupi Kaur had in mind when she wrote:

“There is beauty rooted so deep within you, you can’t help but see it everywhere.”

~ The Hate U Give

Wayzata Senior Photo Session | Evan

Evan is a lifeguard at a lake in Minneapolis. So of course some of his senior pictures were taken at the lake.

I asked Evan about lifeguarding. He said no, it’s not like Baywatch and yes, he has saved a child from drowning.

In addition to keeping a watchful eye on swimmers, he likes working out at the gym, boating on the St Croix, hanging out with friends, or throwing tennis balls to his labrador retriever Honey.

This fall, he will continue his studies at the University of Arizona. Evan has confidence in the future and I have no doubt he will make a big splash in the world.

Minnetonka Mills Park Senior Portrait Session | Greta

You know the new Barbie movie? If Barbie was a gymnast who wore Converse instead of high heels and had mosquitoes bites all over her legs, Greta could have gotten the lead role.

Greta is a gymnast for her high school and they are the 2022 state team champions. Her favorite events are vault and balance beam.

But this summer Greta will be at the pool more than the gym. She is a lifeguard and coaches a youth diving team.

She also works at a local grocery store. She radiates positive energy and kindness, and I bet customers notice.

Greta likes to listen to all music but “not country”. She loves Bruno Mars, Cheez Its, Chinese food, and Urban Outfitters which supplied her dresses for this senior session.

In the fall, Greta will attend the University of Nebraska to study kinesiology.
Agility, balance, and strength are key in gymnastics and in life. Greta is prepared to soar!

Wayzata Senior Portrait Session | Charlie

One of Charlie’s superpowers is the ability to strategize and problem solve, whether he’s throwing a pass in football, creating a marketing strategy for a DECA business project, or representing his peers as class president.

Charlie’s other superpower is his commitment to inclusion, in sports and in life. Charlie is a leader in the school Unified program and Minnesota Special Olympics. He believes that his differently abled peers deserve respect and acceptance. Charlie is a friendly, well-liked guy, and his classmates elected him Homecoming king.

This fall, Charlie will attend the University of Florida, majoring in biology. He hopes to pursue a career in medicine to help others.

In his free time, you might find him boating on the lake or watching a movie [“StepBrothers” is his favorite]. Charlie also likes Legos. He’s building a replica of the Colosseum —- with over 9000 Lego pieces! “I’m only 6 or 7 hours into it,” he said.

So I guess his third superpower is persistence.

Minnesota Arboretum Senior Portrait Session | Bella

Bella is an artist. She loves to create and has a passion for design. This fall, she will study art and communication at the University of Minnesota.

Bella is a self-proclaimed adrenaline junkie. She’s that person who goes on all the rides at the fair, twice. She also loves scary movies. Her goal is to watch every one of the top 100 horror movies. The scariest one so far? “Hereditary”, and she loved it.

Bella isn’t afraid to try new things. She joined the school tennis team after picking up a tennis racquet for the first time just over a year ago. In the summer she works as a swim instructor.

Bella has a heart for animals, especially her beloved dalmatian named Spot. She also loves cows so the livestock barn is one of her first stops at the state fair. She’s liked cows since she was little, back when her older brother told her that brown cows make chocolate milk.

To relax, Bella listens to indie rock [Arctic Monkey tops her playlist], goes shopping, or hangs out with friends. After her senior portrait session, she met up with friends for sushi.

Bella is Italian for “beautiful”, and the name fits. Beautiful inside and out, she will create beauty in the world through her artistic pursuits.

Burwell Park Senior Photo Session | Caden

If Caden’s life was a country song, it would be called “Gone Fishin”.

Caden loves to grab his fishing rod and head to the lake. His favorite place to fish is Mille Lacs and like a true Minnesotan, his favorite pursuit is walleye.

When the lake freezes over, he goes ice fishing. When he isn’t playing hockey, that is. Skating since he was 4, Caden is a captain of the varsity hockey team. His pre-game ritual involves eating a salad and then putting on his hockey gear from left to right. What would happen if he started with the right side first, you ask? “I probably wouldn’t be able to skate,” he said.

Caden volunteers for the non-profit Letters of Love, participates in DECA marketing competitions, and works a summer job parking boats. This fall, he will attend Ohio State University to study business.

And any chance he gets, he heads to the lake to fish. Fishing requires patience and persistence. Some days you get a catch, other days you don’t. So you cast your line again and enjoy simple pleasures like a cool breeze or the call of a loon.

In the uncharted waters of life, Caden is off to a great start.

Lake Minnetonka Senior Portrait Session | Jack

Evel Knievel on a surfboard— that’s how I’d describe Jack.

Jack has a long and special relationship with water. From sunrise surfing to night bridge jumping, he loves all things water. So it made sense that his senior photos would be on the lake.

In the winter, Jack trades his surfboard for skis. He loves downhill skiing and spends hours at the terrain park doing jumps and tricks on the snow. A lot of his ski maneuvers have been practiced on his skateboard. He has the scars to prove it! This fall, Jack will attend the University of Denver to study business [when he’s not skiing].

Jack’s family is active and fun. He is the youngest of 3 boys. They have many nicknames for Jack. The one most often used is “Joe” [his middle name is Joseph], though his mom says he’ll respond to anything.

His older brothers made an appearance during this photo shoot and the banter between the boys was amusing and heartfelt, evidence of a strong bond. One brother offered Jack his watch to wear in senior photos. [Jack declined; he’s not a watch guy.]

Jack has a healthy respect for his parents and their expectations. When I asked if he had any tattoos, he said “No, because that would mean I’m off the payroll.” Smart kid.

Jack is carving his own path, on land and on water.

Minnesota Arboretum Senior Portrait Session | Payton

You know that person who stays calm amidst calamity? That’s Payton.

She has 6 siblings and most of them were running around the yard during her senior photo shoot. I think there was a cousin or two as well, plus a bunch of mosquitoes because it’s summer in Minnesota.

Payton welcomed me to her home and never got distracted with all the activity swirling around her. She is a sweet, serene girl from a large, lovely family. With 7 kids, they remind me of the Von Trapps — except they didn’t break out in song.

Hockey, country music, and her dogs… these are a few of Payton’s favorite things.
Payton is also interested in a career in medicine. Which makes sense because she looks like a young Meredith Grey. [Grey’s Anatomy fans, do you agree?]

Payton’s peaceful personality and fierce focus will be an asset to her future patients.

Medina Senior Photo Session | Bradley

Bradley grew up on skates and is a captain of the varsity hockey team. Despite breaking his jaw in a game, he had an outstanding season and was named All-Conference. He will continue his hockey career playing for a NAHL team in Texas.

His pre-game ritual is a nap. A 47-minute nap, to be precise. One hour is too long and 30 minutes isn’t enough, according to Bradley’s research. So around 47 minutes is the sweet spot to get him ready for a game.

Off the ice, Bradley serves as vice chair of the Unified club which promotes inclusion at school. Bradley also represents his classmates in student senate and he competes in DECA, a marketing organization. He recently advanced to the international DECA competition.

Sports marketing or sports journalism are enticing careers for Bradley. He likes to write and English is his strongest subject. He also enjoys reading and the “Harry Potter” series is a favorite.

Most of Bradley’s senior photos were taken in his yard. The sunflowers that hovered over us bloomed on the day of this shoot. Coincidence? I think not. Young sunflowers track the sun— they face east as the sun rises and then turn west as the sun moves through the day.

Like the sunflower, Bradley will keep his face to the sun and focus on what is important, on and off the ice.

Lake Senior Portrait Session | Lily

Lily’s photo shoot was interrupted when she had to pull a leech from her leg. I guess that happens when you are knee deep in a lake in northern Minnesota.

Lily removed the leech calmly and we moved on. She is comfortable with things that live in water and she plans to major in marine biology. Her favorite sea creature is a dumbo octopus. “They’re really cute,” she explained.

During summer, Lily prefers to be on water and in the winter, she loves snowboarding with her family.
Lily’s family is close. Her dad is Korean and has introduced her to flavorful Korean foods like kimchi and the seafood pancakes he makes.

When she’s alone, she likes to crank up music or play her electric guitar loudly. She also reads books, binge watches The Umbrella Academy, and hangs out with her dog and cats.

As she goes out to explore the world — above and below sea level — Lily will make waves.

Lake Minnetonka Senior Portrait Session | Chase

A Tom Petty tribute band happened to be playing at the park during Chase’s photo shoot. As they belted out “An American Girl”, they could’ve been singing about Chase.

She beams with energy and light, and has big dreams for the future. Chase plays varsity basketball and volleyball, works as a nanny, spoils her dog Amber, binge watches Gilmore Girls, and spends summer on the lake. Her classmates recently voted her to Prom court.

This fall Chase will continue her education at the University of Minnesota, majoring in psychology and minoring in Spanish. She is interested in learning about human behavior and how it impacts our society and criminal justice system.

Chase is confident as she looks forward to the future. As Tom Petty might say, she’s runnin’ down a dream.

Millennium Garden Senior Portrait Session | Nash

Today is Nash’s birthday. I’m betting he will celebrate by playing poker with the guys. It’s one of his favorite ways to unwind.

Nash has had a busy senior year. In addition to studying (his favorite class is Marketing), Nash is a captain of the varsity football team, plays baseball, and is manager of the basketball team.

He also participates in DECA, a marketing and entrepreneurial organization for students. At the state competition this spring, Nash qualified for the international level. I predict Nash will do well in the business world~ he is savvy and full of personality.

This fall, Nash will continue his business studies as a Finance major at the University of St Thomas. He will also play football for the Tommies. And he will probably host some poker games in the dorm.

In poker and in life, Nash knows to play the hand you’re dealt, stay focused when the stakes are high, and have some fun too.

He’s all in.

Millennium Garden Senior Portrait Session | Nora

This fall, Nora will head to the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study biology, with plans for a career in medicine.

Nora has a heart for helping others find their strengths and live full lives. She coaches differently-abled students in soccer and flag football through the Unified program at school. She is also a captain of the varsity soccer team and represents her classmates as co-student body president.

Nora is close to her family which includes her parents, an older sister and two pet ducks. The ducks know their names and get excited when she brings their favorite treat: frozen peas.

Before Nora heads to UNC, her family will gather around a bonfire for their annual end-of-summer s’mores contest. It’s a competition to see who can make the most creative and delicious s’more. Past entries include salted caramel, apple cinnamon and lemon meringue. Last summer, Nora won with her Samoa s’more, inspired by the Girl Scout cookie with coconut, caramel and chocolate.

This family definitely thinks outside the [graham cracker] box!