The Stephanie Newman Photography Journal

Senior year is right around the corner, and while your calendar is about to fill up with everything from college visits to football games and final dances, don’t forget one of the most fun and memorable parts of the year—your senior photos!

Choosing to invest in a senior photographer is a big decision. With so many talented photographers out there, finding the right one for your budget and style can feel overwhelming—especially if you’ve never hired a professional photographer before.

Whether this is your first time “shopping” for a photographer or you’ve had family portraits done in the past, navigating all the options can be a lot.

As a high school senior, there’s a lot to look forward to—graduation, parties, and all the moments that lead up to it. One of the most exciting milestones, though, is your senior photoshoot. Those pictures will be a lasting memory of this special time in your life, and you want to make sure they turn out exactly how you envision them. So, when is the best time to book your senior pictures? While it might feel like there’s plenty of time, booking your session early is the key to a stress-free and successful photoshoot. Here’s everything you need to know about the ideal timing for your senior pictures.

There’s something extra special about capturing moments for families who are not only wonderful clients but also dear friends. That’s exactly how I felt during my recent fall mini session with the Moe family—Jason, Melissa, Grayson, Elijah, Rowan, and the ever-adorable Joah (affectionately known as “Joah Moah”). This sweet, fun-loving crew has been part of our church family for a couple of years, and getting to photograph them is always a treat.

  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.

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.