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.

We had chosen a beautiful park in Prior Lake as the backdrop for Nathan’s senior photos, where both of his older siblings had done their senior portraits.  It was the perfect setting for capturing the essence of Nathan’s personality: easy-going, adventurous, and full of life.

But as I pulled into the park, I saw something that made my stomach drop: a large group of elementary school-aged girls in matching cheerleading uniforms, loud and excited, running all over the place. At first, I thought, “Okay, no big deal. Maybe they’ll be done soon.” But as I got closer, I realized that this was no short-term cheer camp. The girls were everywhere—cheering, practicing stunts, and adding an unexpected dose of chaos to what was supposed to be a serene setting for Nathan’s photos.

At that point, I had to think quickly. I called Nathan and let him know about the situation. Thankfully, he was super chill and totally understanding. “Let’s just find another spot,” he said. So, we quickly packed up and began driving around, scouting for another location nearby. That’s when we stumbled upon an idyllic, tucked-away field, just outside the park. It wasn’t on our original list, but it was perfect—wide open, with tall grasses swaying in the breeze and a natural, earthy backdrop that seemed to fit Nathan’s vibe even better than the original park.

The moral of the story? Always be flexible, and never underestimate the beauty of improvisation.

One of the highlights of Nathan’s session was his decision to bring along his two adorable family dogs. They were the perfect addition to the shoot! Having the dogs there made the session feel even more personal, and they brought an element of fun and warmth that was impossible to ignore. Nathan’s connection with his dogs added an extra layer of authenticity to the photos, and they definitely stole the spotlight more than once!

In the end, Nathan’s senior photos turned out to be a perfect mix of unexpected moments, joyful improvisation, and beautiful family connections. We made the most of the last-minute location switch, and the dogs were an absolute hit in every shot. Nathan’s session reminded me that senior photos aren’t just about the location or even the perfect outfit—it’s about capturing the personality, the relationships, and the stories that make each individual unique.

Thanks to Nathan, his amazing family, and those adorable dogs, this summer senior session in Savage, turned out to be one of the most memorable sessions of the year.

Nathan, you were a natural in front of the camera, and I can’t wait to see all the amazing things you’ll do in the future. Best of luck in your senior year—and give those dogs a big hug from me!

 

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