::| Como Conservatory :: Cindy, Aron, Natalie, and Lauren |::

One thing I strangely love is being in a close quarters with tons of other people, 

trying to get intimate or adorable shots of a delightful pair of people.

I love being able to get the right angle and exclude the crowds.

I love the challenge and the reward.

This pair of pairs could not have been cuter.

The Como Conservatory on a frigid winter day is a fantastic place for some lush Christmas photos!

 

and if that wasn't cute enough....

::| Parenteau Family |::

With Angie and Jake, we go way back. 

Not the "way back" like a few years ago, but it's longer than some other friends you have.

No way.

We go more than 20 years back - to when they were dating in high school.

To when they bought their first house and let me sublet their apartment for the final months of their lease (it was my first non-college apartment on my own!).

To when their babies were born and we celebrated.

To nowadays when those kids like to hang out with us, too: bowling, snacks, and sometimes photos.

It was a perfect day in Stillwater at Aamodt's apple farm. 

We couldn't actually *pick* apples, but there were plenty of apple activities and beautiful places for us to enjoy! 

I actually freakishly love the challenge of taking fun and cozy family pictures even when literally hundred of people are around. 

You'd (almost) never know it looking at these great smiles, laughs, and silly faces that I caught.

::| Tanner | Senior Pictures |::

I know Tanner and his family through work.

I've been lucky enough to get to know the family well. 

And when Tanner's mom found out that I do photography, 

she insisted that I take Tanner's senior pictures when it came time.

That time was a few weeks ago on a cloudy, but decent Minnesota late-summer day. 

We chose Baker Park Reserve for it's lovely woods, beach, and water. 

People all around us were grilling, fishing, boating, and sitting on the beach

 - all while we marked the milestone that is Senior Year.

Tanner had expressed that he wasn't super excited about the prospect of spending 

any significant amount of time in front of the camera, 

but I assured him I'd make it as painless as possible. 

His older sister had a not-so-great senior photographer, 

so we made sure to get the right variety and fun session that she unfortunately didn't have.

I think senior guys are often the most fun to photograph because the more comfortable they get,

the more their attitudes and smiles shift, 

especially as they see a few choice images straight from the camera that look great. 

Senior girls often have tons of ideas, 

and though I love that, I also love the challenge and freedom 

of walking into a photo shoot with nothing planned,

just hanging out in a space and seeing what works.