I apologize in advance for what must be my longest blog post ever. ;) Growing up in Minnesota and having all of my family still there means we spend a lot of time back and forth throughout the year – mostly in the summer months. Last summer I made a few fun trips for Minnesota summer mini sessions. The location was a farm place just outside of my small hometown. IT WAS PERFECT! That barn.

If I could just pick it up and transport it with me every day for the rest of my life, I’d be set. I swear, Lincoln has no rundown, paint chipping, perfect-for-photo-sessions, barns left. Pout. (If you happen to know of one, PLEASE drop me a hint, because I have looked everywhere! I am happy to trade my 1st born. No really.) And not just the barn, but grain bins, and sheds, short grass, and long grass…such a great variety for beautiful summer portraits. If there is a photographer’s heaven, I was in it. :)

I’ve been fortunate to photograph Cash since the first time his parents brought him home. I’ll never forget it. They had just adopted him and were driving through Nebraska on their way back to Minnesota and stopped for a newborn session. What an honor. Every year since then we’ve gotten together for a session. One of the things I cherish the most about my job is really getting to know my clients and seeing their families change and grow over the years. I always look forward to my sessions with Cash – like giddy with excitement. I’ve been smitten with him since day one and it’s obvious to see why. I love this kid.

So cute I just want to smooch him.

Nope, he doesn’t have any personality at all!! ;)

Handsome fella.

This next family is a photographer friend of mine that I’ve known online for many years and we’ve gotten together a few times for some photography fun when I’ve been back visiting. Angie owns Angela Kalthoff Photography in Delano and photographs newborns, kids, families, and seniors. It’s always an honor to be asked to photograph another photographer, and I was so excited to capture her family and images of Angie with her kids. With their mom being a photographer, these kids were pros. ;)

Love these outfit colors together!

Definitely a favorite!

SUPER LOVE. Hailey & Addison are twins. So special.

Up next is my cousin Dan and his family. His boys were none too thrilled to have their pictures taken. A little shy at first, but I think they came around just fine. :)

Last, but certainly not least, this next family would be a bright spot in anyone’s day. Lee was a few grades ahead of me in high school, and Susie was an acquaintance from a neighboring small town – I couldn’t wait to photograph their big family. These kids are just the best…even meeting them just for the brief time during their session, I could tell each has a personality all their own. I immediately knew there was probably never a dull moment in their house. I knew it was full of love and laughter – a lot of laughter. I completely adore so many of the images we captured that day – I know their mom does too. :)

Such a beautiful family.

This is real life right here. Too funny!

FAVORITE!!

And now this is the last thing, I promise. ;) For anyone in the southwest Minnesota (New Ulm/Redwood Falls area), I will be back doing mini sessions again this summer. See info below and shoot me an email at info@uniquelyyouphoto.com with any questions or to reserve a spot! I’d love to meet ya!