Fall Senior Session in Downtown Northfield

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.

A Shy Start, but a Fun Finish

When I first met Parker, she seemed a little shy and nervous about the whole senior photo experience—totally understandable! Most people feel that way in front of the camera at first. But as soon as I asked her what kind of music she liked, her face lit up. “Anything 90s,” she said, and I was instantly on her side! (I mean, who doesn’t love a good 90s playlist?) I started playing some throwback hits and it didn’t take long for Parker to loosen up and start having fun with the session.

As we moved through the shoot, Parker’s natural humor and personality really began to shine. She had me laughing so much during the session, and we even had a little adventure near the Cannon River. I was trying to avoid stepping into a muddy patch of water, and she ended up helping me jump across a small gap so I wouldn’t fall on my bum. (Talk about teamwork!) That moment perfectly encapsulated the energy of the entire shoot—fun, spontaneous, and full of good vibes.

Two Special Requests

When we started planning Parker’s session, she had two very specific requests. First, she wanted to run around in tall grasses—something about the freedom and movement of it appealed to her. Second, she was hoping we could find a colorful door for her to pose near. I was all in on both requests!

For the colorful door, I immediately thought of a spot I knew in downtown Northfield—a beautiful blue door tucked in a cozy alleyway off the main drag. It was the perfect backdrop for Parker’s bold yet laid-back style, adding a pop of color that complimented her personality and the overall feel of the session.

As for the tall grasses, I had just visited Carlton College the week before with another client, and I knew the perfect location to fulfill Parker’s wish. There’s a peaceful spot near the water with tall grasses—by this time, the wildflowers were gone for the season, but the long grass still offered a beautiful, natural backdrop. I was excited to let Parker run free and show off her playful side, even going barefoot in the grass. She had so many great ideas for poses, and it was fun to see her creativity come to life in front of the camera. Her joy and sense of freedom were palpable, and the photos turned out absolutely stunning.

Parker’s senior session in Northfield was such a memorable experience—full of laughter, adventure, and some seriously beautiful photos. I’m so excited to see where her journey takes her in the world of fashion merchandising. Whatever she chooses, I know she’ll bring her unique sense of style and infectious personality to everything she does.

Parker, thank you for letting me be a part of this special time in your life. I had so much fun with you—and I’ll never forget our little jump over the river! Wishing you all the best in your senior year and beyond.