The Stephanie Newman Photography Journal

  A Fall Family Session at Schaar’s Bluff with the Blackwell Family As a photographer, there are few things more rewarding than working with a new family and capturing the beauty of their unique dynamics. The Blackwell family was one of those wonderful sessions that I will remember for a long time. They were such […]

Emily H.’s senior session was one for the books! I’ve had the privilege of photographing several members of her friend group this year, and when it was her turn, I knew we were going to have an amazing time. From her involvement in high school theater, choir, and mock trial, to her love for baseball and dream of becoming a sports agent, Emily is the kind of person who brings passion and energy to everything she does. Her senior session had all the right vibes—fun, unique, and full of personality.

I had the pleasure of photographing Parker, a senior from Farmington High School, during her September senior session in the charming town of Northfield. Parker is hoping to pursue a career in fashion merchandising after graduation, so I knew this session was going to be special—not only did we have to capture her personality and beauty, but we also wanted to bring her dreams and interests to life through the images.

Senior photo sessions are always exciting, but sometimes, a little chaos can make them even more memorable. That was certainly the case for Emily’s session in downtown Northfield. It was the first day of Defeat of Jesse James Days, one of the biggest events in town, and let’s just say I wasn’t fully prepared for the festival vibes to kick off so soon! I had thought the event started the following day, not on the day of Emily’s session. That little mix-up led to an unexpected twist in our plans, but one thing remained constant—Emily’s amazing energy, which kept the session fun and relaxed from start to finish. 

When we planned Abby’s session at the Lyndale Rose Garden, I was a little nervous. The last time I had been to the garden was in the summer, and it was in full bloom—every corner was bursting with color. But September is a tricky time for flowers, and I wasn’t sure how much of the garden would still be alive with blooms. Would the roses still be vibrant? Would there be enough natural beauty to create stunning portraits?

Colette is the kind of person who radiates kindness and warmth. From the moment we began her session, it was clear that she’s not only incredibly intelligent, but also genuinely down-to-earth and friendly. She has this natural, effortless grace about her that makes her such a joy to photograph. Whether she was striking a pose or simply enjoying the outdoors, Colette’s smile was contagious and her easy-going nature made the session flow perfectly.

August is such a magical time for senior portrait sessions. The warm sun, vibrant skies, and the anticipation of a new chapter make it the perfect backdrop for capturing the essence of a young person about to embark on their future. I had the incredible opportunity to photograph Allison, a senior from Farmington, at the beautiful Spring Lake Park Reserve in Hastings. Allison is a remarkable young woman who is deeply involved in a wide range of activities—making her senior session an exciting reflection of her diverse passions and talents.

As summer comes to a close and the golden hour light grows softer, there’s a special kind of magic that fills the air—especially when you’re capturing a milestone like a senior portrait session. I had the pleasure of working with Aly for her senior portraits at Ritter Farm Park, a place that’s always been close to my heart.

When you plan a senior session, you always hope for the best: the perfect weather, the ideal location, and a relaxed, fun atmosphere. But sometimes, you get a curveball—like the day I met Nathan for his summer senior photos in Savage. Let me take you through the session that turned out to be a beautiful blend of improvisation, family, and an unexpected dose of joy.