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.

Monday, August 25, 2025

Maverick the Black Lab Turns SIX – A Wild West Dog Birthday Portrait Session

Maverick, my loyal black lab and studio sidekick, officially turned six years old today! ? To celebrate, we saddled up for one of our favorite yearly traditions, a themed birthday photoshoot. This year’s concept? A Six-Shooter Country Western Dog Birthday Portrait Session, complete with all the Wild West fixin’s.

Wild West Birthday Photoshoot for a Dog

From his red bandana to his toy gun vest and cowboy hat, Maverick was dressed head to paw for the occasion. His attitude? All seasoned cowboy.

Cowboy ha t? ??
Red bandana? ??
Toy gun vest? ??
Cowboy confidence? Double ??

Maverick rolled into year six with six-shooter style and didn’t waste a minute before holding up the treat jar. Let’s just say the snack stash didn’t stand a chance! This birthday bandit is officially Most Wanted for, stealing hearts, chasing frisbees, and robbing the treat jar.

Themed Dog Birthday Photos – A Yearly Tradition

Every year, as silly as it may sound, I put together a themed portrait session for Maverick’s birthday. What started as just a fun idea has become one of my favorite personal traditions. These sessions make me laugh, challenge me creatively, and let me celebrate Maverick.

This year’s shoot was especially meaningful. I borrowed my cousin Court’s cowboy hat to complete the look. It was a little snug on my head (Court must’ve had a smaller noggin than me!), but we made it work. I know she would’ve loved these photos and that makes them even more special to me.

Gratitude and a Smile

Big thanks to my assistant Taylor for helping capture the photo of me and Mav together, and to my cousin Kylie for doing my hair and makeup.

I’ve been terrible about posting this summer, but I couldn’t let the day pass without sharing this cowboy cuteness.

I hope these Wild West birthday portraits of Maverick bring a smile to your face this Monday, they sure brought one to mine.

? Looking for Themed Dog Birthday Photos in Minnesota?

If you’ve ever thought about doing a fun, creative portrait session for your own pup, birthday or not, I’d love to help bring your ideas to life! Whether it’s in-studio or outdoors, I offer custom dog photography in Southeast Minnesota for families who want to celebrate their four-legged best friends.

Based in Spring Valley, MN, serving Rochester, Stewartville, Chatfield, and beyond.

Tags: Dog Portrait Photographer, MN Dog Birthday Portrs Photographer, MN Dog Photographer, Photography by Kari, Rochester MN Dog Photographer, Rochester MN Dog Portrait Photographer, Rochester MN Portraits, SE MN Dog Portrait Photographer, Southeastern Minnesota

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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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