A few weeks ago Emma Zinsli reached out to me about needing senior pictures done. I’ve known Emma for about two years now. I met her at TEC (Teens Encounter Christ), a two-day retreat on the teachings of Christianity. They have the retreats every spring and fall. I went to both during my senior year, and I got to know her more during the Spring.

Emma had many ideas of what she wanted right off the bat, and that made figuring out a location a lot simpler. She sent me images through Pinterest of what she wanted, what kinds of backgrounds or poses she could possibly do. From these images, I knew she wanted a city background, and I suggested Downtown Minneapolis, near the Foshay Tower. She told me she was interested in images with flowers too, and that her mom had suggested the Como Observatory. Overall Emma had three locations. She wanted a couple of images at Cossetta’s, while eating dessert (They have a bunch of fancy treats there!).

I made sure Emma felt comfortable throughout her shoot. I asked her so much if she felt comfortable I hoped it didn’t bother her. She told me, however, that she loved her shoot and that made me so happy. I asked Emma if there were any activities or passions she wanted to show through the images with props and such, and I’m so happy that I was able to take shots of her in dance shoes. This was something new to me even, and was outside of my comfort zone.

Emma updated me throughout her shoot of what was going on in her life. She’s entering her senior year at Owatonna High School, and is considering various college options, including MCCAD or U of M. She wants to study art therapy and loves to shop. I wish Emma the best and I hope she enjoys her life-long images!

I had my senior pictures taken with Natalie and they turned out amazing! She made taking pictures feel fun and found some really amazing and creative places to take pictures. I will definitely have her be taking more pictures for me in the future.

-Emma Zinsli