Avery and Jake Part I | Twin Cities Senior Pics by Monda Goette Photography
High school senior photos are underway in my new studio space in my hometown of South St. Paul, Minnesota!
What a crazy year, right? My summer has been a little crazy but in a GREAT way! Since the pandemic lockdown in March, I’ve moved out of my old studio space in Bloomington, and have relocated my studio to my hometown in South St. Paul. A blog post of progress of my space is coming soon, watch for it!
I had the honor of photographing these two step siblings mid-summer, and I could not be more happier with how both of their sessions turned out. Meet Avery and Jake!
The session started out with a fresh natural makeup application by one of my very dear friends, and professional makeup artist in the Twin Cities, Petra. Avery, Class of 2021 senior at Centennial High School, went first for her senior photo session experience, and Jake followed. (Note: This “Part I” blog post will focus more on Avery’s senior session experience. Be sure to check out Part II highlighting Jake’s amazing rockstar experience!
In working closely with Avery’s mom, I was made aware that Avery wasn’t thrilled about the idea of a photo session, as getting her pictures taken isn’t her thing. Sometimes kids just don’t like their pics taken.
“I was able to be myself”
As someone who isn’t very comfortable with getting my picture taken and not a huge fan of it, I quickly felt very safe and comfortable.
Before we really got into Avery’s photo shoot, I had a small pep talk with her, letting her know that senior photos are all about the person she is - and that while this process was initially because “mom was making her do it” - my goal for her is to really capture who she is in those photos, and just let her be herself. And you know, it’s like a little bit of magic fairy dust sprinkled on her and you would never know that she prefers to not be in the spotlight! Avery nailed it. Take a peek at some of her session images below!
On Tuesday, we had Avery’s senior session reveal and ordering appointment and wouldn’t you know it?
Avery LOVED her images! She said, “I was definitely nervous to see how the pictures turned out and once I saw them I was blown away. I knew the pictures were going to be amazing but these are so much better than I could have ever imagined.” Wow! All of the feels on that testimony! That blew me away to hear those words from her. I’m so happy and proud of her! I hope she can carry these moments of confidence and positivity into her senior year and beyond - remembering she is WORTH it. We are our own worst critics sometimes, and it is huge that Avery walks away from her senior pic experience at my studio with her head held a little higher. That is gold!
Be sure to check out Jake’s senior shoot in “Part II” of this session extravaganza!
Avery, seriously, doing your senior session was like a transformation happening before my very eyes of a young girl who didn’t realize just how special and amazing she really is, and she came out on top BEAMING from head to toe. Especially in those kickass black pants you wore. Show stopper!!
You guys! This is why I do what I do as a professional photographer! So that people like Avery can truly see themselves for the beautiful person that they are, without changing their story of who they are. Senior pics don’t have to suck! You’re not a number in my studio. You never should be made to feel that way.
One of Avery’s mom’s favorite images!
Come see for yourself and let’s get started on a customized senior portrait experience fit to tell YOUR story. For more information on senior sessions (there is still plenty of time in 2020 to book your Class of 2021 session) - start your journey here!
Fondly,
Monda the Photographer
