Senior Feature - Jenna, Class of 2022

September 09, 2021

On August 8, 2021, I had the pleasure of working with Jenna and her mom, Lisa. Jenna will be graduating Albia High School in the spring of 2022, and I was so honored to be able to capture her senior pictures!

I was prepared to start shooting at 3:00pm, but because there was a chance of rain in the afternoon, Lisa, Jenna, and myself all agreed that going earlier was going to be the better option. So I headed out to our designated meeting spot, which was a sunflower field outside of Eddyville and Ottumwa. I have to say, I’ve never been to a sunflower field, and it was quite an experience! I was instantly in love!

The three of us made the walk from the driveway to the field as Jenna told me about how she was keeping herself busy during the summer. Once we made it to where I wanted to start shooting, we went to work!

I also want to make it known that I love these stripped bell bottoms! Aren’t they they cutest things you’ve ever seen? After we exhausted all of our ideas at the sunflower field, we made our way to the Indian Hill’s campus. Jenna knew of a cute little suspension bridge there. It was hidden behind a couple athletic buildings, but we found it and continued working. The location was a dark, which is a style I personally love! I think these photos turned out quite nice!

We left the campus and decided to get some food at Jimmy John’s. As we were driving through town, I got a call from Lisa - who was just ahead of me - Jenna liked the vines along the fence we were driving next to - so we made an impromptu stop and got more photos! A couple strangers drove by and paid Jenna some unexpected compliments, which was kind of cool!

Finally, we made the trip back to Albia to our final stop at the Country Club. Jenna wanted photos in a wildflower field, so that’s what we did! I’d like to give a shout-out and big “Thank You” to Chris and Connie at the Country Club for allowing us to use their property for photos!

Jenna is accomplished both academically, and athletically. She has made it on the honor roll throughout high school and is a member of the National Honor Society. So far, she has lettered 3 times in Volleyball and has set a number of school records in Track.

Along with NHS, Volleyball, and Track, she also participates in Tennis and is an active member of the Student Council. She enjoys helping, organizing, and overall, volunteering her time for her student community.

Although she won’t miss the school lunches and having to go to classes all day, every day, she will miss spending time with her close friends and the activities in which she participates. She specifically mentioned that she will miss PE Volleyball with Marty Hermsen.

Jenna’s future plans include attending Iowa State University to study Nutrition, and eventually go on to grad school to become a Physician’s Assistant.

Jenna, I would like to wish you the best of luck on your endeavors! You are already an accomplished and driven young woman, and there is no doubt you will achieve great things! Enjoy your senior year!

∆ Abbi

Senior Feature - Eric, Class of 2020

October 14, 2019

I was a little unsure about how the day was going to work out when I woke up the morning of October 5th. It was cold, rainy, and honestly pretty gross. But as some of you may know, I’m a positive individual, and I don’t let a little weather issue get in my way.

So I headed down to Oronoco, Minnesota to meet Eric at his family’s acreage. His little sister, Sara, was there and she proved to be very helpful!

We walked around the prairie/pasture and played around with some different ideas. It was misting a little bit, but luckily, it tapered off. It sure was muddy, though! As far as footwear goes, I was NOT prepared. Oops, I’ll have to remember that for next time.

After wandering around the property for a little while, we made our way to the track to get some photos with Eric’s Cross Country uniform.

Eric has always been an avid outdoorsman. After graduation, Eric wants to help run his family’s fishing resort Timber Edge Camps in Ontario, Canada.

His friends, teachers, and sporting events are among some of the things he will miss once he leaves high school, but he says he won’t miss math class (Can relate! Math is not my favorite either!).

His Dad has been an influential individual in his life. He looks up to his Dad’s ability to strive and achieve his dream in owning a fishing resort and hopes to follow in his footsteps someday. Eric also credits Danny Langworthy, his former teammate who has previously graduated, with pushing him to work harder and improve in track.

As an enthusiastic athlete, a few noteworthy achievements include going to state for the 4x800, the 1600 and the mile. His fastest mile time is 4 minutes and 31 seconds (which is like a third of my normal mile time, yikes).

Lastly, a “fun” fact about Eric is that once, upon falling off of his snowmobile on his way to school, he broke his back, but got back on the sled and kept going. I can’t personally say that I would’ve done the same, but to each their own!

It is so fulfilling to see that people (especially young people) have someone close in their life that they look up to. It makes all the difference when you can see how others before you have achieved their goals, so you can then make steps to achieve your own.

Eric, enjoy your final year in high school. It will fly by before you know it, but I know you’ll have an awesome future to look forward to!

Δ Abbi

Senior Feature - Morgan, Class of 2020

October 07, 2019

The Friday of September 19th was quite warm for fall, but it was a great start to the weekend.

I was so eager to meet up with Morgan and her family. We met at the Quarry Hill Nature Center in Rochester, MN and let me just say, what a cool place! There were a lot of trails, we could’ve explored the place all afternoon.

We we ended up walking around the pond and then we made our way around some trails where we found an interesting brick wall, some stairways and the stream.

After graduation, Morgan plans on attending Minnesota State University to attain her Bachelor’s in Social Work. She mentioned that she’s done some job shadowing and was really interested in the field. In 10 years, she hopes to be working as a social worker in the Rochester area.

If I can offer any advice to future graduates who are reading, high school or otherwise, I would say that if you aren’t sure what you want to do, get out there and explore every option. There is something for everyone.

Morgan says she looks up to her Bonus Mom, Kelly, as she has taught her more than anyone how to be a good person. There can never be too much kindness in this world. It never hurts to show a little more compassion, understanding, and grace to others.

Morgan participated in the school year book, and is now undertaking post secondary education during her Senior Year. She is also an avid photographer, dressing up her sisters and doing photoshoots! I can obviously relate to this! Photography has a way of bringing people together.

Life after high school is rarely easy, but knowing where you want to go and having people who are willing to push you to achieve your goals make all the difference. Morgan has an awesome adventure in front of her and a great family to help her along the way. Morgan — Enjoy your senior year and best wishes to you!

Δ Abbi

Your Senior Photoshoot - What to Expect!

September 30, 2019

From my own senior photoshoot (almost 8 years ago), I remember having fun, I remember having an incredibly tired face, and I remember being really excited to see the pictures afterwords. My parents took care of booking the photographer and paying her. But I also remember not knowing what to expect.

To my future Senior Photo clients (both parents and seniors), this blog post is for you!

Before Your Shoot

When you contact me for a session, you can expect me to offer you a half-hour consultation with you and your soon-to-be graduate. I usually like to meet up at a coffee shop, because coffee is life, am I right? This allows me to get to know you and your soon-to-be graduate, but it also allows you to get to know me. Getting in front of a camera can be intimidating on its own, but having a stranger behind the camera can add even more pressure. Knowing who’s behind the camera can make the experience a little easier.

During the consultation, I’ll ask questions such as, “How/where do you plan on displaying these photos?“ “What colors do you have in your home?” “What school activities is your graduate involved in?” “Do you have any specific locations in which you would like to shoot?” “What is your graduate’s personality?”

These questions can help you figure out what colors would look best in your home and gives me an idea of how I want to portray the person I am photographing. I want to be able to capture who they are.

We will also discuss any questions you may have, such as cost, how many photos you may getting, how I will get your photos to you and other options and products I offer.

After your consultation, we will discuss scheduling a time that works best for both of us. I set aside between one and a half to two hours of shooting to allow for walking around, traveling to a different location, or outfit changes.

During Your Shoot

When we meet at our agreed-upon location, I will give you a run down of any ideas I have already come up with. We will then discuss outfit changes, so we have a clear-cut plan to streamline the process.

After we get coordinated, we start shooting! I like to have fun and I do my best to keep the experience low-key and relaxed. The last thing we need are photos that come out looking forced and stressful. I like to walk around with the client and let my creativity come to me, but I am always up for outside ideas. So if you have any ideas, don’t be afraid to stop me!

I have a list of my go-to poses, but as an artist, I always work with the location and the individual to achieve something completely unique to each client.

Once we are done shooting, I will give you the run down of what you can expect in the next couple weeks, and I will answer any questions you may have. I will provide you with a printing release and a business card if you hadn’t already received one. I will also collect payment at this time.

After Your Shoot

I will upload the photos to my computer right away. As time allows, I will edit a few and post them online so you can have something to look forward to! I usually allow two to three weeks to get all the photos processed.

After the photos are complete, I will send them to you on an online portfolio or I will send a flash drive in the mail (or both depending on our agreement). It will be at this time that we discuss professional prints and mounting options, if that is something in which you are interested.

I want my clients to have as much fun as I do. It is my job as a photographer to make sure you have a seamless and enjoyable experience in front of the camera.

So what are you waiting for? Let’s schedule your shoot!

Δ Abbi

Senior Feature - Meghan, Class of 2020

June 24, 2019

This Saturday, I had the opportunity to shoot senior photos for Meghan. I had a blast, and I think she did too! If you are ever in the town of Henderson, MN, check out the Ney Nature Center. There are some interesting buildings and trails to explore.

Before making our way to the Nature Center, we took a few photos around downtown. We showcased some of her school spirit and achievements in sports.

The Nature Center provided all kinds of different colors, textures and backdrops, which, as a photographer, definitely got me excited! The weather was perfect, too. Overcast, 65˚F, but no rain! So we didn’t have any issues with sun glare, but I did employ Mom with the reflector. She was a natural!

My brain was all over the place with inspiration. As you can see, we had a lot of background options. I was running these guys around like crazy. Meghan was a good sport, as she was wearing heels! She rocked it.

In only one more year, Meghan will graduate and be on her way to North Dakota State University, studying Radiology!

Her years in high school have provided her with many adventures. Some of which include placing 3rd in Dance at the State Competition her rookie year, and participating in National Honor Society since 10th Grade. She says that although she won’t miss her math classes (I sympathize there, math was not my favorite either), she will miss seeing her friends and teachers.

Meghan, if I can leave you with any advice, I’ll just say that your senior year will be here and gone before you know it! Embrace your final year, but remember that when high school is over, there is so much more fun ahead! Enjoy it, girl!

Δ Abbi