Photography by Kari Blog-- Southeastern Minnesota Senior, Children, Newborn, Maternity, Engagement, Family photographer. Updates and recent photoshoots from Photography by Kari. Photography by Kari is located in Spring Valley, MN.

Friday, November 4, 2022

National Adorable Children and Pawsitively Adorable Contest Winners {SE MN Photographer}

We are proud to announce we had 9 winners in the National portion of the Adorable Children and Pawsitively Adorable contests. The National portion of the contest took place at the lab and was judged by a panel of judges based on quality, appearance, charm, expression, and personality.

In the National Pawsitively Adorable contest…

We had First Place for Me & My Human. They won a $100 Visa gift card.

We had Second Place for Newborns. They won a $75 Visa Gift Card.

We had a Third Place for Dogs. They won a $50 Visa Gift Card.

We had an Honorable Mention for dogs. Super exciting as this is my dog, Maverick. We won a $25 Visa Gift Card.

We had an Honorable Mention in Buddies. They won a $25 Visa Gift Card.

In the National Adorable Children contest…..

We had a Second Place for Bloopers. They won a $75 Visa Gift Card.

We had a Third Place for Bloopers. They won a $50 Visa Gift Card.

We had a Third Place for 13 Months- 2 Years. They won a $50 Visa Gift Card.

We had an Honorable Mention for 9-12 Years. They won a $25 Visa Gift Card.

The lab where these took place is having some website issues, but as soon as we can see the other winners, I will post them here, too. Congratulations, everyone! Thanks for participating and voting! =)

And since we did not do the local portion of the Pawsitively Adorable as it was mostly my assistant’s dogs and family pets, and I had not posted the Pawsitively Adorable images, these are the other images we submitted. So they each received a 16×20 print from their session.

Tags: 2022, Adorable Child Portrait Contest, Dog Portrait Photographer, MN Dog Photographer, NE IA Children's Photographer, Pawsitively Adorable Contest, Rochester MN Area Children's Photographer, Rochester MN Dog Portrait Photographer, SE MN Dog Portrait Photographer, Southeast MN Children's Photographer, Southeastern Minnesota Dog Photographer, Spring Valley MN Children's Portrait Photographer, Spring Valley MN Dog Photographer

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Tuesday, May 27, 2025

Cassie’s Senior Session | Stewartville High School Class of 2025 | Spring Valley MN Senior Photography

Cassie’s senior portraits were the perfect blend of natural beauty and bold spirit—captured over two separate shoots that celebrated every side of her personality. As a member of the Stewartville High School Class of 2025, Cassie brought confidence and energy to every part of her session.

We began the day in the Photography by Kari studio in Spring Valley, MN, capturing classic senior portraits with timeless head-and-shoulder portraits. These clean, timeless images were a great way to kick things off before we headed outdoors.

The next stop was a beautiful country property near Spring Valley, Minnesota—a location full of charm and beautiful nature settings. With a restored black truck, tall grasses, wildflowers, fresh flowers, and a rustic ladder, the setting created the perfect mix of photos.

Later, we reconnected in the studio for a second session focused on her passion for cheer. Dressed in her Minnesota Xtreme all-star cheer gear, we cranked up the creativity using smoke and colored gels to create portraits that showcased her athleticism, determination, and vibrant energy. These cheer portraits added a dynamic finishing touch to her senior photos.

Congratulations, Cassie!

Thank you for trusting me with this milestone. Your joy, confidence, and spirit were present in every frame. Wishing you an amazing finish to your senior year and all the best in your next chapter!

Cassie, Stewartville High School senior, in classic studio portrait

Senior girl posing with restored black truck in Spring Valley MN"

Looking for Senior Photography Near Stewartville or Spring Valley, MN?

If you’re searching for a senior photographer in Southeast Minnesota—whether you’re into wildflowers and vintage trucks or bold studio sessions with athletic flair—I’d love to help you create a session for you.

Click here to view session option s

Tags: MN Senior Photographer, Photography by Kari, Senior Photography, Southeast MN senior portraits, Southeastern Minnesota, Spring Valley MN Senior Photographer, Stewartville MN Senior Portrait Photographer

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Friday, May 23, 2025

Jackson’s Senior Session | Mayo High School Class of 2025 | Plummer House in Rochester, MN

Jackson’s senior session was the perfect mix of classic and creative, set against the historic charm of the Plummer House in Rochester, Minnesota. As a member of the Mayo High School Class of 2025, Jackson brought his own style and interests to the session—making it both meaningful and memorable.

We began the session with timeless senior portraits throughout the beautiful gardens and stone architecture of the Plummer House estate. The soft light, historic textures, and peaceful setting gave us a stunning backdrop for Jackson’s formal and casual photos.

What truly made this session stand out were the personal items Jackson chose to bring. His sword and a few of his favorite books added a unique and creative element to his portraits—reflecting both his personality and passions. These one-of-a-kind props helped tell a story that went beyond and made his senior portraits truly his own.

Whether we were capturing a traditional headshot or a cinematic pose with his sword, every image from this session felt thoughtful and genuine.

? Congratulations, Jackson!

Wishing you an incredible finish to senior year and all the best as you begin this next chapter. Your quiet confidence, creativity, and individuality shined through every image.

Mayo High School senior boy posing at Plummer House in Rochester MN

Senior boy holding sword during creative photo session at Plummer House

Looking for a Senior Photographer in Rochester, MN?

If you’re searching for a senior photographer in Rochester, MN or planning a session at the Plummer House, I’d love to help you create senior portraits that reflect your personality and passions.

Click here to view senior session options

Tags: MN Senior Photographer, Photography by Kari, Rochester Minnesota Senior Photographer, Rochester MN Portraits, Senior Portraits, Southeastern Minnesota

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Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Seth’s Senior Session | SE MN Senior Portraits Class of 2025

Seth’s senior portrait session was the perfect blend of sports, family, and small-town pride—a true reflection of who he is as he wraps up his time at Kingsland High School and heads into what’s next.

We kicked off the session in the Photography by Kari studio with some clean, classic portraits. From there, we brought in some personality by incorporating a custom locker setup to highlight the sports that have shaped his high school experience—football, basketball, and track including his gear, medals and uniforms.

After the studio, we took to the country roads for a more rural and personal touch. We visited a few meaningful locations, including his brother’s property, a family friend’s land, and a gravel road near his home. Seth brought along several important items for this part of the session—his bow, rifles, tractors, and his truck—all symbols of his lifestyle, hobbies, and roots. We also took a few portraits with his brothers, which added a heartfelt layer to the session and made it feel even more personal.

From athletics to agriculture and everything in between, this session was a full snapshot of Seth’s senior year and the things he values most. This session feels like a snapshot of who Seth truly is—hardworking, grounded, and proud of where he comes from. It was such an honor to capture this chapter of his life!

Congratulations, Seth!

Wishing you all the best as you graduate and step into your next adventure.

Seth posing on gravel road in rural Spring Valley, MN with his truck during HIS SE MN senior photo session

Looking for Senior Photography in Southeast Minnesota?

If you’re looking for a senior photographer near Kingsland, Spring Valley, or the surrounding Southeast MN area, I’d love to help create a session that tells your story—from studio portraits to the gravel roads that shaped you.

Click here to explore senior session options

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Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Talan’s Senior Session | Stewartville High School Class of 2025

As graduation nears, it’s the perfect time to share some highlights from Talan’s senior photo session—a session filled with charm, natural beauty, and meaningful connections.

Talan’s session was not only fun to photograph, but also incredibly special for me personally. I’ve known his parents since before our own high school days, so capturing this milestone for their family was an absolute honor.

We kicked things off in the Photography by Kari studio in Spring Valley, MN with some classic and timeless portraits. After that, we headed to one of my favorite portrait locations—Lanesboro, Minnesota.

Our first stop was downtown Lanesboro, which provided the perfect small-town charm and character. Then we made our way to the Lanesboro Stone Dam, where the natural textures and scenic beauty gave us a stunning backdrop. We wrapped up the evening at the Lanesboro Golf Course, nestled high on the bluffs overlooking the valley, where the golden light gave the perfect glow to end the session.

This session truly had it all—urban vibes, nature, meaningful locations, and a senior who brought style and confidence to every shot.

Congratulations, Talan!

As you wrap up your time at Stewartville High School, I hope your next chapter is filled with success, adventure, and endless opportunities. You’ve got a bright future ahead!

Talan posing near brick building in downtown Lanesboro for senior portraits

Talan’s senior portrait on the Lanesboro Golf Course with golden hour light

Looking for a Southeast Minnesota Senior Photographer?

If you’re searching for a senior photographer near Stewartville, Lanesboro, or Spring Valley, MN, I’d love to help capture a session that reflects your senior’s unique personality and story.

Click here to view session option s

Tags: Lanesboro MN Portraits, Photography by Kari, SE MN Senior Photographer, SE MN Senior Sports Portraits, Senior Photography, Senior Photos, Southeast MN senior portraits, Southeastern Minnesota

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Monday, May 19, 2025

Senior Session with Bailey | Kingsland High School Class of 2025

Bailey’s 2025 senior session was packed with variety, personality, and meaningful details—just the way we love it! As a Kingsland High School senior, he brought a perfect mix of formal style, athletic pride, and family legacy to his portrait experience.

We began in the studio here in Spring Valley, MN, where Bailey rocked both formal and casual looks. From sharp, clean images to relaxed and confident poses, the studio portion gave us a great foundation for his gallery.

Then came the bold and dynamic part—GMLOKS track photos. Using smoke and colored lighting gels, we created a dramatic, athletic vibe that perfectly highlights Bailey’s track & field accomplishments and school spirit.

One of the most memorable parts of the session took place at his grandmother’s farm, where we captured photos next to a beautifully restored family tractor. It was a meaningful setting, tying in family history and adding a sentimental touch to the session that made it truly personal.

We wrapped things up downtown in Spring Valley, using the architecture, texture, and golden evening light to finish the session on a perfect note. The mix of urban and rural elements gave Bailey’s senior gallery a unique and well-rounded feel.

Congratulations, Bailey!

Wishing you an amazing final stretch of your senior year and nothing but success as you head into your next chapter. You brought style, strength, and a whole lot of heart to your session—and it was a privilege to capture it all!

Interested in Spring Valley MN Senior Photography?

If you’re looking for a senior photographer in Spring Valley, MN, who can create a session that tells your story—from studio portraits to sports shots to sentimental family locations—I’d love to help.

Click here to view session options