Welcome back to “Part II” of the Avery and Jake photo session reveal! If you want to check out Part I of this two-part series, look here!

I’m naming Jake and Avery’s senior sessions as part of my own tribute to my grand relaunch for my new studio location at Monda Goette Photography!

Let’s get to it.

In Part I of Avery and Jake’s session, I shared moments from Avery’s session, and I briefly introduced you to Jake.

Part II is going to be featuring Jake and his crazy awesome senior session.

Let me tell you a few things about Jake. This is a talented young man who plays many instruments, mainly his saxophone and the flute - but he dabbles in all sorts of them. I was pumped when he wanted to incorporate his sax and the flute into his senior session experience. This was one of his favorites!

Jake is a Class of 2021 senior at Anoka High School. It’s no secret that Jake wants to become a music major where he can hit all the notes in a jazz setting with his saxophone and just do what he loves doing: creating music for people.

But this young man has options. He told me if music isn’t in his cards, then he’d love to become a nurse someday. We had some really cool images from his “Sportrait” portion of his senior shoot (where we showcase the special activities for seniors during an in-studio session) which featured his musical high notes. (Do you see what I did there…musician…high notes…ok. I’m not good at puns. Moving on!)

Jake’s personality is carefree and kind, with a side of adventure. His sense of style for his outfits blew me away. Everything he chose to wear for his senior pics radiates that of a confident young man ready to take on the world. He took and combined his look classic with trendy, and paired a unique look for that urban/retro vibe. Texture and bold patterns, layers…he had it all.

I really enjoyed my time photographing Jake. These images were taken in my new garden backlot studio space at The Grevas Building on Concord St. S. in South St. Paul. I love it there! A stunning waterfall, landscape rocks that are out of this world - surrounded by nature for unique looks. Perfect for the kid that enjoys things in the outdoors such as being in the park, hammocking, bonfires, and rock climbing. Take a glimpse of these images captured from Jake’s session in my backlot!

I asked Jake what is something unique that nobody may know about him and his reply was “When (rock) climbing, I’m afraid of falling and sometimes it gets to me but most of the time I push through it.”

I hear you. I don’t think there’s anyone out there that wouldn’t think that at some point. But the cool part is you know how to get through those moments of doubt and you are victorious.

Jake, I so appreciate the opportunity to work with you for your senior pics. I love that we were able to connect and you could share all the wonderful things about what makes you - Y-O-U. You are a natural in front of the lens, which in turn makes my job effortless to capture you and tell your story. Invite me to your first official music gig when you’re out there making it big! I wish you the best in your future. Always surround yourself with positivity and people who support you that will love and accept you for who you are. You will go on to do great things, my friend!

And thank you so much to your dad and Jill for hanging out with us at the studio on the day of your session. Both of these remarkable people had nothing but praise and wonderful things to say about you. It was fun to have you all back in my studio for the session reveal and ordering appointment-the first family to have their session reveal in my new space! I’m so happy that you can walk away feeling good and more confident having gone through this senior session experience with my studio.

All the best,

Monda the Photographer

I invite anyone who wants to feel empowered, to feel confident, to unapologetically have your story told in photographs to come check out a portrait session with me at my new studio. Start here! xoxo