Finally being able to blog about my 2018 high school seniors is so much fun and rewarding at the same time! I’m always reminded of some of the most amazing young men and women that the world has yet to see. 

One of those people is Gillian, Class of 2018 senior at New Prague High School. Gillian is the stunning daughter of my good friends Brent & Mandy. (Brent and I go way back to the days of high school!) A few years back, I had the honor of taking Brent & Mandy’s first daughter, Autumn. Fast forward the clock, and it was now Gillian’s turn to be in the high school senior moment with Monda Goette Photography!

When I met with Gillian to do her senior portraits, I instantly fell in love with her platinum blond hair-and the style! I knew that her senior session experience was going to be something special. 

She enjoys dabbling in make up and hair styling, so naturally she was her own hair and makeup artist. Flawless! Take a look!

Our adventure started down in New Prague to take some pics, and then we ventured out to Minneapolis to take in the warm rays of the summer sun! The drive was nearly an hour from where we were, so that gave me plenty of time to get to know Gillian in and out! 

The 411 on Gillian:

Here is a girl who is into everything from cars to the theater-AND takes college classes, AND works at a nearby convenience store, and still finds time for regular classes and hanging out with friends. A full schedule, I tell you! Let’s get to learn more about Gillian: 
School: New Prague High School, MN
Team Mascot: Trojans

What I enjoy: Speech Team, theater, cars, creating art, messing around with makeup
Best described by my friends as caring, goofy, fun, easy to talk to
My favorite hangout with friends: Our houses, the mall, food places, amusement/water parks, music festivals

My plans after high school: Go to college to receive my 4- year degree, possibly in design.
What’s on my playlist: Billy Joel, Panic at the Disco, Musicals (too many to name!)
My fav places to shop: Rue/Forever 21, Charlotte Russe, and ULTA

I am inspired by my sister Autumn. She has always been ambitious and believes in the “Go after the dream, not the money” theory.
My message to underclassmen: Don’t overthink it!
My ultimate dream job: To work behind the scenes during New York Fashion Show week!

What a fantastic senior session, Gillian! Our day was so much fun…we never did find those sunflowers but we improvised and found a field of yellow blooms (and a yellow wall!) instead! To be able to share this time with you, to be able to tell your story in photographs- girl – you’ve got it! I was able to explore my own creativity in storytelling with you because you were so easy going and willing to go that extra mile to get an amazing shot. 

All the best to you in your future – I have no doubts whatsoever that you will go on to do great things. You are super talented in so many facets…Speech Team Captain, uber-creative mindset in all that you do. It was once again an honor to spend the afternoon with you. An awesome experience had by all!

I was super excited when her mom & dad purchased a 12x18 metal print in black and white of their favorite portrait as part of their Create Your Own Collection purchase! I am ordering a sample for my studio and will do a live video soon when that comes in and show you how glorious it looks! Smokin! 

Click HERE to download a mobile phone app of Gillian's senior photo highlights!

Monda is a senior portrait photographer serving the Twin Cities metro area. For more information to get started on your 2019 senior session, click here so we can chat! Dare to dream, dare to be different.