The Stephanie Newman Photography Journal

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.

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.

Brook is a great friend of one the seniors I photographed last year, and it was so much fun hanging out with her, her step-mom, Taylor and sister- who I totally thought she was much older than Brook, but I was wrong! I hadn’t done a senior session at Lebanon in the summer time in a long time, so it was kind of fun to go back there and find some fun new spots to take my seniors.

Brook arrived dressed for summer in a stylish, flowy sundress adorned with vibrant colors that echoed the lush greenery around her. The lightweight fabric danced with the breeze, perfectly complementing the carefree spirit of summer. She paired the dress with cute sandals and delicate accessories, striking the right balance between casual and chic. I always encourage seniors to choose outfits that make them feel comfortable and confident, and Brook’s choice was spot on! I also loved the 90’s vibe she brought with her other outfits, including pink colored Chucks! 

As the world awakens from its winter slumber, spring brings a refreshing burst of color and life—a perfect backdrop for celebrating milestones like high school graduation. Recently, I had the joy of photographing Charlie’s senior session at Whitetail Woods in Farmington, Minnesota. The combination of blooming flora and vibrant energy made for a truly unforgettable experience, capturing both Charlie’s personality and the beauty of this season. Charlie is my son’s best friend and I was so honored to photograph him for his senior year. Charlie arrived wearing a polo shirt, but had a flannel shirt to change into, that reflected his laid-back personality.

The historic buildings, quaint shops, and beautiful parks all contribute to a unique atmosphere that beautifully complements the colors of fall. As we strolled through the streets, the crunch of fallen leaves underfoot and the crisp autumn air set the tone for a memorable day. We made our way to Bridge Square, where the iconic bridge over the Cannon River provided a stunning viewpoint. With the river reflecting the fiery colors of the trees, it was the ideal spot for capturing the essence of autumn.

Ava was my second to last senior girl of my Class of 2024. I was a little sad that my season with this senior class was coming to an end, but happy that I got to spend it with this beautiful bubbly girl. It was windy and a little chilly the day we met for her session and that didn’t seem to bother her at all. Girl was so used to being outside in cooler temps as a cheerleader. The wind helped create some great Beyonce moments when we were down by the lake. Which sometimes is awesome, others it was a pain in the behind trying to not let her hair get into her face so much.