As a senior portrait photographer based in the Twin Cities, I’m always on the lookout for unique stories to tell through my lens. This time, I had the pleasure of capturing the vibrant spirit of Kayla, an ambitious senior from the North Metro area. While her school mandates a uniform headshot for the yearbook—yawn!—Kayla was determined to showcase her personality in a more creative light. And who could blame her? After all, this is a moment she’ll cherish for years to come.
We met at Centennial Lakes Park, a gem tucked away in the heart of Edina. With its stunning
landscapes, picturesque architecture, and an abundance of natural light, it was the perfect backdrop for our photo adventure. The day was unseasonably warm for fall, which made those inviting pockets of shade created by the park’s trees feel like pure bliss. The ducks also decided to join the fun, quacking along as we posed, twirled, and danced—yes, you read that right! A little whimsy goes a long way in senior portraits.
Kayla is no ordinary senior; she’s taking all her classes as part of the Post-Secondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) program, a feat that speaks to her ambition and drive. With dreams of becoming a financial wizard, she’s got her sights set on a rival university just across the Minnesota border. But don’t worry, we won’t hold that against her—every great financial expert needs to keep their options open, right?
From the moment we started, it was clear that Kayla was ready to embrace the day. Her openness to try anything I threw her way made our session not just a photoshoot but a joyous experience. We shared laughs, made silly faces, and even drew inspiration from a wedding procession taking place at the amphitheater nearby. Nothing like a little romantic music to elevate the mood and spark some extra special poses! This was a spectacular Minneapolis area senior portrait venue on a lovely fall day.
Photographing Kayla was a dynamic shoot that kept me on my toes. The fluctuating lighting, a gentle breeze, and fellow park-goers added a layer of excitement to the shoot. But that’s what makes photography fun—the spontaneity of it all! Capturing those genuine smiles and laughs amidst the beauty of Centennial Lakes Park was my goal, and I think we nailed it.
By the end of our session, I couldn’t help but feel that we had captured not just Kayla’s image, but her essence—an ambitious young woman ready to take on the world, one financial equation at a time. So, here’s to Kayla, a bright future, and the adventures that lie ahead! If you’re looking for a photographer who knows how to make your personality shine through the lens, let’s chat. Your senior portraits deserve to be as unique as you are!
All photos on this blog are copyright of Dominic Joy Kirkpatrick @ MinneBrand Photography
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