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.

The Festival Frenzy: A Little Game of Marco Polo

Every time I have a session in downtown Northfield I always park in the same parking lot next to bridge square because I feel like that is the easiest place to meet up with my clients. When coming into town and driving closer to Hwy 3 I noticed a massive white tent sitting in the parking lot where I park. I had to circle around the area to find a parking spot and to quickly call my client to let them know that we have a bit of a situation.

I wasn’t expecting the crowds, so it took a bit of Marco Polo to find Emily and her mom amidst the chaos. Imagine me walking around trying to spot them through a sea of festival-goers. After some quick thinking and a few phone calls, we finally connected.

Once we found each other, we adjusted our plans. The downtown area was bustling, so we decided to shoot in smaller pockets of quieter spots, shifting gears as the day went on. But honestly? The little hiccups didn’t phase Emily. She remained calm and easygoing, completely rolling with the flow of the day.

Emily’s Sweet and Bubbly Energy

One of the best things about working with Emily was her warm, bubbly personality. From the moment we started, she was upbeat, laughing, and having fun. Even though the Defeat of Jesse James Days festivities were in full swing, Emily stayed cool, confident, and ready to go with the flow. She wasn’t bothered by the crowds or the need to adjust our location plans on the fly.

In fact, her easygoing nature made the entire session feel effortless. We laughed together while navigating through the busy streets, and I couldn’t help but appreciate her patience as we worked our way through the crowd. It’s not every senior who handles a bustling festival like a pro, but Emily made it look easy. As a side note, Emily is one of 4 senior girls that I will have the privilege to work with this season that is apart of a friend group at school. She is one of 3 Emily’s that I also will get to work with this year.

The Maui Situation: A Bird, Not So Cooperative

Of course, what’s a senior session without a little surprise, right? In addition to capturing Emily’s personality, she had a special request for her session—she wanted to include her pet bird, Maui. I love when clients bring something personal to their sessions, so I was all in. We had planned to meet at the studio at another time to get some adorable photos with Maui.

However, when the time came to bring Maui into the mix, it turned out he wasn’t quite ready for his close-up. Let’s just say the bird had other ideas that day. We instead used the studio time to get photos of Emily with her little sister, in her choir dress and some sheet music surrounding her.

A Hidden Gem: Water, Nature, and a New Location

In Emily’s booking questionnaire, she mentioned that she loved being outside and near water. It was a request I absolutely wanted to honor, so I set out to find the perfect spot. I discovered a new-to-me location near one of the local colleges in Northfield—a serene spot by the water that perfectly matched Emily’s vision.

The location was quiet and peaceful, with a beautiful backdrop of nature that created the perfect setting for some relaxed, natural shots. Emily was in her element here, completely at ease in front of the camera. The water, the trees, and the soft light all came together to make the session feel like something out of a dream.

Final Thoughts: A Session Full of Laughter and Flexibility

Reflecting on Emily’s senior session, I can’t help but smile. The combination of festival chaos, unexpected bird drama, and beautiful nature shots made for a truly unique experience. Throughout it all, Emily remained calm, positive, and fun—exactly the kind of person you want to photograph. Her joyful spirit and relaxed nature were infectious, and it was clear that she was up for anything.

I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity to work with Emily. From navigating Downtown Northfield during one of the busiest times of the year to finding a quiet lakeside spot for her nature-inspired photos, this session was full of memorable moments.

Emily, you are one amazing person, and I can’t wait to see all the incredible things you’ll do in the next chapter of your life. Thank you for letting me capture your senior year—I hope these photos remind you of the fun, laughter, and adventure that made your session truly unforgettable.