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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Wednesday, August 19, 2026

Nathaniel Drees| Kingsland High School Senior Portraits

With his family’s permission, I wanted to share a few photos of Nathaniel.

On Friday, Audra and I had the privilege of taking Nathaniel’s senior pictures. His mom was there watching him smile and “enjoy” having his pictures taken, as much as most high school senior boys enjoy having their photos taken, and he was mostly doing it for her.

We started at the studio, made our way around downtown Spring Valley, stopped at the Kingsland football field, and finished at the Grand Meadow track and field with the very last bits of light. We worked around the rain and were able to capture not only his senior pictures, but some of the places and things that were part of Nathaniel’s life and that he loved.

The very next day, Nathaniel was in an accident, and on Sunday, he passed away.

There really are no words. I am just so grateful that we went ahead with his session that Friday and that his mom had that time with him, watching him smile, laughing, going from place to place together, and making memories that none of us could have known would become so incredibly precious.

It means more than I can express that I was able to be a small part of Nathaniel’s life and capture these photographs for his family and friends.

These are so much more than senior pictures now. They are pieces of Nathaniel’s life, his smile, his senior year, the places and things he loved, and memories that will forever be held close by the people who loved him.

My heart is with his family, his friends, his classmates, and everyone who loved him.

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Thursday, June 25, 2026

Pine Island High School Senior Photos | Brecken’s Cedar Lake & Lanesboro Senior Session

Pine Island High School Senior Photos | Brecken’s Class of 2026 Senior Session at Cedar Lake & Lanesboro

As I continue sharing my Class of 2026 seniors, Brecken’s session is one that stands out for so many reasons.

Brecken’s senior portraits were especially meaningful because I’ve known his family for years. His parents are longtime friends, and his dad, Brandon, is one of my best friends from high school. Getting the opportunity to photograph the children of lifelong friends is one of the greatest privileges of my job, making this milestone even more special.

This senior session took place over two seasons, allowing us to capture two completely different sides of Brecken’s story.

Summer Senior Photos at Cedar Lake

We began the first session at the family’s cabin on Cedar Lake near Faribault, Minnesota. The lake has been a special place for Brecken and his family, making it the perfect location to start his senior portraits.

We photographed around the cabin, on the dock, and with the family boat before creating one of my favorite images of the entire session. To make that portrait happen, my assistant, Taylor, was out on a pontoon holding an off-camera light while I photographed from shore. It took a little teamwork, but the final image was absolutely worth it.

Taylor also photographed Brecken waterskiing from the pontoon, capturing incredible action images that added even more personality to his senior gallery.

Although it was technically summer, the weather certainly didn’t feel like it. Temperatures only reached the lower 60s, but Brecken never complained. He climbed into the lake, waterskied, and gave every part of the session his best, despite the chilly conditions.

Fall Senior Photos in Lanesboro

Later in the fall, we met again in beautiful Lanesboro, Minnesota, to finish the second half of Brecken’s senior session.

We explored downtown Lanesboro, photographed near the historic dam, captured trap shooting portraits, and included several family photos along the way. The combination of historic architecture, scenic river views, and fall colors created the perfect backdrop to complement the summer lake images.

By photographing Brecken during two different seasons, we created a gallery that showcased not only the places that mean the most to him but also the activities and people that have helped shape his high school years.

Congratulations, Brecken! Thank you for trusting me to capture this exciting milestone. Wishing you all the best as you begin your next adventure.

Senior portrait with family boat on Cedar Lake

Pine Island High School senior near Lanesboro dam

Looking for a Pine Island Senior Photographer?

Photography by Kari specializes in personalized senior photography throughout Pine Island, Rochester, Lanesboro, Stewartville, Spring Valley, Faribault, and Southeast Minnesota. Whether your perfect session includes a lake, sports, hobbies, family property, or your favorite small town, I’d love to help create senior portraits that tell your story.

Tags: MN High School Senior Portrait Photographer, Photography by Kari, Pine Island Senior Portrait Photographer, SE MN Senior Photographer, Senior Photography, Senior Photos, Southeast Minnesota Family Photographer, Southeast MN senior portraits, Southeastern Minnesota, Spring Valley MN Senior Photographer

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Wednesday, June 24, 2026

Kingsland High School Senior Photos | Emma’s Downtown Rochester Senior Session

Kingsland High School Senior Photos | Emma’s Class of 2026 Senior Session in Downtown Rochester

As I continue sharing my Class of 2026 seniors, Emma’s senior session is one I couldn’t wait to feature.

Emma’s senior portraits took place in downtown Rochester, Minnesota, on one of those rare October days that felt more like late summer than fall. With blue skies overhead, warm temperatures, flowers still blooming, and beautiful evening light, the conditions could not have been much better for a senior photo session.

One of the things I love most about downtown Rochester senior sessions is the variety of backdrops available within a few blocks. Throughout the evening, we incorporated downtown architecture, city streets, urban textures, flowers, views from the parking ramp, and the city lights that began to glow as the sun set.

The combination of modern city elements and soft evening light gave Emma’s senior gallery a fun, timeless, and urban feel. From bright blue skies to downtown lights, every location offered something a little different while still creating a cohesive collection of images.

Of course, beautiful locations only go so far. Emma brought a natural smile, relaxed personality, and positive attitude that made every part of the session enjoyable. She made my job easy and helped create a gallery full of genuine expressions and beautiful portraits.

Sometimes a senior session doesn’t need a long list of props or activities. A beautiful day, a great location, and a senior excited about this season of life are more than enough.

Kingsland High School senior girl posing in downtown Rochester Minnesota

Urban senior portrait featuring downtown Rochester architecture

Senior girl posing near flowers during downtown Rochester session

Class of 2026 senior photo in Rochester MN

Senior girl portrait with downtown Rochester skyline view

Evening urban senior photo session in Rochester Minnesota

Outdoor senior portrait in Rochester Minnesota

Urban senior session downtown Rochester Minnesota

Looking for Senior Photos in Rochester or Southeast Minnesota?

Photography by Kari specializes in custom senior photography throughout Rochester, Stewartville, Spring Valley, Chatfield, Grand Meadow, Preston, and Southeast Minnesota. Whether you’re looking for an urban downtown session, a country setting, sports portraits, or a session built around your hobbies and interests, I’d love to help create senior photos that tell your story.

Tags: Kingsland, Photography by Kari, Rochester Minnesota Senior Photographer, Rochester MN Portraits, Senior Photography, Southeast MN senior portraits, Southeastern Minnesota, Spring Valley MN Senior Photographer

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Monday, June 22, 2026

Stewartville High School Senior Photos | Greta’s Class of 2026 Senior Session

Greta’s senior session was fun because I’ve known her family for years. Her parents are friends, her mom was a classmate of mine in high school, and a few years ago I had the privilege of photographing her brother’s senior portraits. It’s always special when families return and I get to document another milestone in their story.

One of the things I loved most about Greta’s senior session was how personal it was. Some seniors choose to focus on a sport, an activity, or a favorite location. Greta’s session included a little bit of everything that makes her who she is.

We began in the studio with classic senior portraits before incorporating one of her favorite hobbies—knitting. These images added a unique and personal touch to her gallery while highlighting a creative interest that has been part of her life.

From there, we headed to Good Earth Village for outdoor senior photos. Unfortunately, Mother Nature had other plans, and our session was cut short by rain. Thankfully, we were able to meet again later in the fall to complete the second half of her senior portraits.

Our next stop was Maple Valley Golf Course, where we captured photos celebrating Greta’s love of golf. We then visited the tennis courts at Stewartville High School to highlight another activity that has been an important part of her high school years.

To finish the session, we stopped at the Stewartville Public Library. Outside, Greta posed with her two dogs, and inside we created portraits that reflected her love of reading and learning. These final images helped tell a complete story about the interests, hobbies, and passions that have shaped her high school experience.

From golf clubs and tennis racquets to knitting needles, books, and her beloved dogs, every part of Greta’s senior session reflected something she genuinely enjoys. By the time we finished, we had created a collection of senior portraits that felt completely and authentically her.

Congratulations, Greta! Thank you for trusting me to capture this exciting season of your life. I wish you all the best as you prepare for the adventures ahead.

Outdoor senior portrait at Good Earth Village in Minnesota

Stewartville High School senior golfer at Maple Valley Golf Course

Looking for a Stewartville Senior Photographer?

If you’re searching for a senior photographer in Stewartville, Rochester, Spring Valley, Chatfield, Grand Meadow, Preston, or anywhere in Southeast Minnesota, I’d love to help create a senior session that reflects your personality, interests, hobbies, sports, and the things that make you unique.

Photography by Kari specializes in custom senior photography throughout Southeast Minnesota.

Tags: MN High School Senior Portrait Photographer, MN Senior Photographer, Photography by Kari, SE MN Senior Photographer, Senior Photography, Senior Photos, Southeast MN senior portraits, Southeastern Minnesota, Stewartille Minnesota Senior Portraits

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Friday, June 19, 2026

Southland High School Senior Photos | Brede’s Class of 2026 Senior Session

As I prepare to photograph my first Class of 2027 senior next week, I realized I still have amazing Class of 2026 seniors to share, including Brede!

Brede’s senior session was spread across two separate sessions and perfectly captured the activities, accomplishments, and interests that have shaped his years at Southland High School. One of my favorite things about senior photography is creating images that tell a senior’s story, and Brede’s session did exactly that.

We began in the studio, where we highlighted two important parts of his high school experience, volleyball and One Act Play. Brede brought along his volleyball gear and One Act Play trophies, creating portraits that showcased both his athletic and theatrical accomplishments.

For the outdoor portion of his senior session, we visited Good Earth Village and the track at Grand Meadow High School. These locations provided a variety of backdrops and helped capture another important part of Brede’s high school journey as a student-athlete.

Later in the year, we met again for a winter cap and gown session at Southland High School. We also incorporated several of his Spring Musical shirts and photographed him in the Southland auditorium, a meaningful location that represented the many hours, performances, friendships, and memories he experienced through theater.

From volleyball and track to One Act Play, spring musicals, and graduation, Brede’s senior photos celebrated the activities that made his high school years uniquely his own. His session was a great reminder that senior portraits are about more than just taking pictures; they’re about preserving memories and telling the story of this important season of life.

Congratulations, Brede! Wishing you all the best as you begin your next adventure.

Cap and gown portrait in Southland High School auditorium

Senior portrait at Good Earth Village in Southeast Minnesot

Looking for a Southeast Minnesota Senior Photographer?

If you’re searching for a senior photographer in Adams, Rose Creek, Spring Valley, Grand Meadow, Austin, Rochester, or anywhere in Southeast Minnesota, I’d love to help create a custom senior session that reflects your personality, interests, activities, and accomplishments.

Photography by Kari specializes in senior portraits, sports photography, cap and gown sessions, and custom senior photography throughout Southeast Minnesota.

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

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