Ten Things I Didn't Expect From Motherhood | Maris Ehlers Photography

Ten Things I Didn’t Expect From Motherhood

by Maris Ehlers

• I chased the school bus for 12 years.  I didn’t realize that once my own children started school I would spend another decade chasing it again.   

• While never a math all-star, I never expected that I would be humiliated more than once by not understanding my second grader’s math homework.

• In my pre-motherhood life, I didn’t worry.  Even when I really should have.  Now, I can worry about anything and everything surrounding my children.  I don’t know that I actually do much about it, but I’ve perfected the art of it.  Please note:  Worrying wasn’t on my list of things to perfect.

• I didn’t anticipate that my second job would be to manage the sheer amount of papers with random important tidbits on them that come home in all shapes and sizes in their book bags each day.  Frequently, it’s like a timed treasure hunt to find the piece of paper that I need before we leave to chase the bus.

• I never expected that I could act more immature than my child, but um, it has happened.  Once.  Maybe twice. 

• I did not EVER expect that I would read a book called Captain Underpants.  All eight of them in fact (there may be more now).  And laugh.  BTW, we are still searching for Captain Underpants Crunch O Rama Book of fun 2.

• I never expected that a three year old girl could know exactly how to push my buttons, wear me down, get me to do the opposite of what I said, do exactly what she wanted. Thankfully, now she is able to get us to the same end result with much less effort and pain on both our parts.  She would say it's all about consistent parenting on her part.

• I never expected that I would really honestly without even pausing, say to my son as I did last weekend, “What?  Were you raised in a barn?” and mean every word of it.  How cliché am I?

• I never guessed that the things we hand down to our children would be so transparent and meaningful:  Not just the fact that my daughter has her father’s beautiful amber brown eyes, or his sweet smile, but his love of routine, desire for rules, and of knowing what to expect.  Admittedly, I find these traits less than endearing in him at times, but the fact that she is her dad’s “mini me” in these ways is utterly charming to me and thus connects me to him in new ways every day.

• I never expected motherhood to leave me speechless.  But it does. Frequently. For a variety of reasons.  Most of them wonderful.

Join us in reading our other Mother's Day Essays in these posts listed below: 

You can find Sara Biren's post on motherhood here. 

Read Marly Cornell's post about her mother Elma here.


We will be posting new essays from other guest blogging contributors throughout the entire coming week as well. 

Maris Ehlers is a lifestyle photographer in the Twin Cities area, and owns Maris Ehlers Photography. She lives with her husband, two children and a dog, and is busy cramming life as it happens into every available moment.  She is also the owner of this blog. 

Petit Fours, The Moon and The Royal Wedding | Maris Ehlers Photography

Ok, fine.  


Call me a sap, a hopeless romantic, call me whatever you want.  Yes, I did get up at 4:00 a.m. with my 6 year old daughter to watch the royal wedding, but honestly... we enjoyed EVERY moment of it.


I remember watching the wedding of Charles and Diana at the age of 11 and being completely enthralled with it all, and I wanted to experience history again (because like it or not, it is history in the making) but this time through the eyes of my daughter.  

Bride Kate Middleton- via @cnn.com

At this point, it should be noted that my daughter is NOT into princesses, and if you want to bring out her temper, just call her one.  Not even her daddy can get away with that.  But even she couldn't resist the idea of seeing a real prince marry his princess (title or no).  We did however, have a brief tutorial before bedtime last night in which I introduced all of the royal players to her via youtube.  I also explained that Diana was no longer living, and therefore would miss her son's wedding day.  


While I was definitely looking forward to seeing the bride soaking in the details, I think I was more excited about an opportunity to create a special memory for both my daughter and myself.  One of getting up in the middle of the night to share an experience and a special treat.  Together.  


My husband typically gets up around 5:00 a.m. to go to work, and he was completely befuddled that we got up in the middle of the night to watch a wedding.  He peeked at the TV for a moment, grunted, packed his lunch and kissed us goodbye. 


Shortly after the nuptials were completed, the phone rang.  It was my mother-in-law, Grace.  She had gotten up to watch as well. We  recapped it all, from the dress and veil to the similarities and differences between this wedding and that of Charles and Di.  


The best part of the call?  Grace shared that in the summer of 1981 the TV in their house had been banned for the summer at her demand. She even had my father-in-law take the TV down to the basement so it couldn't be watched if the parents weren't home. I've heard the "TV in the Basement" story many times, but apparently the best part had been left out. Until this morning.  


While we were on the phone, Grace admitted that the night before Charles and Di's wedding, after the kids went to bed, she asked Fred to go get the TV from the basement.  He did, and she got up in the middle of the night and watched the royal wedding via contraband TV.  In her own home.  Oh, how I chuckled at that one.  And I thought I was bad!  


For our private wedding festivities this morning I bought some adorable little lady hat petit fours for us to enjoy with tea.  Amelia couldn't believe we could have such cute, delectable sweets before breakfast.

There was a lovely yellow one that looked just like the Queen's hat, but it was the first one eaten.  The light on them is from the rising sun in our dining room.

I hope you reach for the stars and grab the moon. 

As I walked into her dark room a little after 4:00 a.m., I simply put my hand on her shoulder and whispered, "Amelia, do you want to get up to watch the wedding?" 

Silently and quickly, she reached for my outstretched hand and we crept out of her room in the quiet darkness to go downstairs.  She stopped at the window on the stairwell and with her wide-eyed loveliness said "Look at how big the moon is, Mama.  It must be shining for the Princess."  

Yes, my darling.  It sure is.  But I promise not to call you that.  

My own little princess asleep on the couch after the festivities, unaware that the sun also shines for her.

"Let's Hide" by Minnesota Author Marly Cornell on the MEP Photo Blog | Maris Ehlers Photography

As Mother's Day approaches, I asked my friend and writer Sara Biren to write a post on her motherhood reflections. I hope you enjoyed her essay. Once I posted it, I realized that I have quite a few talented friends in my network who either write in some capacity professionally, have a unique perspective on motherhood or parenting, or... both.  I decided to see if any of them were interested in sharing their stories for the MEP Photo Blog, and I am delighted with their response.

Stay tuned over the next couple of weeks.  You'll be inspired, delighted, amused, and you just might shed a tear or two as well. If you have a story about motherhood you'd like to share, send us an email at:  info@marisehlersphotography.com.  There is still plenty of time to be included!  

Today's post is by Minnesota author Marly Cornell.  Marly wrote The Able Life of Cody Jane: Still Celebrating, the story of her daughter's remarkable life journey with spina bifida and Marly's role as her mother and caregiver.  

I met Marly a couple of months ago when she asked me to photograph her for new publicity materials.  I'll be sharing a post about our time together closer to the launch date of The Able Life of Cody Jane: Still Celebrating, which is May 1st.

Let's Hide

by Marly Cornell

Marly's Mom Elma

Mom believed it was important that little kids not come home to an empty house. She was there when I arrived home from school every day. Dinner wasn’t served until Dad came home from work around six o’clock. One evening he was a little later than usual, and my little brother and I were in the kitchen looking for a snack to tide us over.

When we heard Dad’s car pull in the driveway, Mom said, “Let’s hide.”

She directed us to huddle with her under the dining room table where we were out of sight behind the drape of a long tablecloth. We listened as Dad came in the door from the garage and hung up his coat and hat in the hall closet. Mom put her finger to her lips motioning us to be still and quiet. I held my hands over my mouth to keep any giggle or snort from escaping. We heard Dad’s slow footsteps as he walked through each room of the house. We heard doors open and shut. Finally he came into the dining room, lifted the tablecloth, leaned down, and smiled.

Mom was eighty-three when my father died. He had been treated for prostate cancer for a few years and had a couple of related surgeries. On a Friday in April, his doctor predicted (accurately) that Dad had about three weeks left. The cancer had spread to his bones and internal organs. Dad decided not to spend his last days in a hospital, and went home.

Dad's Favorite Picture of Mom

My brothers and I, all of whom lived in different states, made immediate plans to help Mom and Dad. We took turns spending several days at a stretch for as long as we each could. During the five days I spent with my father, he was in pain much of the time, and I rubbed his back until each dose of morphine took effect. Then we talked and laughed, and he instructed me about what to do with his things. He insisted that I take Mom in for a mammogram while I was there. With tears in his eyes he said he didn’t want Mom to ever go through what he was experiencing with cancer. When the hospice nurse came, Dad expressed his wishes. He wanted to be as pain-free as possible, but wanted no extraordinary measures taken to extend his life.

Mom did not accept this. She wanted Dad cured. As a person of faith, she was holding out for a miracle. Her face contorted in worry, she pleaded, “If only you would get up and take a walk. If only you would eat something!” She kept caring for Dad, massaging his feet, rubbing his back, and refusing to discuss his imminent departure. Her anxiety was palpable.

Mom and Dad

The day Dad died, Mom’s worried face was gone. Her mood was calm. She asked me to remove all of Dad’s personal items from the house as well as the two matching lounge chairs where she and Dad read and watched television together. She said they made her feel sad.

I made all the arrangements by phone for a simple funeral at my parents’ church. Despite the funeral director’s urging that we come in to see his display of caskets and other accessories, I explained what we wanted and remained firm. When he asked, “But how will I be paid?” I promised to give him a check after the service.

At my father’s funeral, when the pastor invited anyone to say a few words about my dad, I sat amazed as Mom rose and turned to address the church full of friends. She spoke about what a man of character and integrity my Dad was, and graciously thanked everyone for coming.

As people came forward to shake hands with our family, a man who arrived late walked through the crowd, looking from face to face.

“I bet that’s the funeral director coming for his fee,” I said.

Mom grinned and said, “Let’s hide.”

Mom and Marly

Elma in her 90s

Marly Cornell is a writer and artist living in Minneapolis, Minnesota. Her mother, Elma Fay, lived to be 100 years old and died gently without any illness, pain, or suffering.

The Able Life of Cody Jane: Still Celebrating was published with the support of the Spina Bifida Association. 

You can find Sara Biren's post on motherhood here. 

How to Describe My Mother: Local Writer and Guest Blogger Sara Biren Shares Her Insights on Motherhood | Maris Ehlers Photography

What one word would you use to describe your mother?

For my mother, generosity.

My mother married at a young age in the early 1950s and had her first child at eighteen.   Over the next 21 years, she had six more children and she has been giving of herself endlessly ever since.  In her own small way, my mother has made this world a better place.  

My mother gave us opportunities to learn and be challenged; she took us to the Bookmobile and later, the tiny library in town; she let us read the World Book Encyclopedia and National Geographic.  She gave us chores (mine were birdbaths and bathrooms) to teach us responsibility and work ethic.  She gave us choices, sending us outside to play, to create our own games, to fight and learn how to get along – or not.  She gave us rules and she gave us freedom.  She gave us guidance, the tools to make decisions, to make mistakes, to learn right from wrong, to do the right thing, to do the wrong thing.   She gave us a home and welcomed us back – of the seven of us, only two have not moved back in at some point in our adult lives. 

She gave as much as she could, all the while showing by example that it was important to be generous with friends, neighbors, the school, the church, charities.  She gave support and sympathy and salads for funerals.  

She is still generous with her love, her time, her resources, her solicited and/or unsolicited advice. She is there for us whenever we need her, even though we are all grown up and have homes, children, and challenges of our own.  No matter what, if I need my mother – for a recipe or cooking advice, for a couple of hours of child care, for someone to listen to my rants – she is here for me, still giving, always generous. 

I am grateful for my mother’s generosity to me, my dad, my brothers and sisters, to my friends, my husband, and my children.  I am grateful for the example that she set to give to those in need.   Over the years I have thanked her for all of this – and so much more – but it seems that the words thank you don’t say enough.  

I know that I am not nearly as generous as my mother.  As Mother’s Day approaches, as I reflect on my mother and her generosity, I hope to change that as a way to honor her and to thank her.  Someday I hope to be half as generous as my mother has been, to set an example for my children as she has done for me, and in my own small way, make the world a better place. 

Sara when she was still small enough to be bathed on the kitchen counter

Sara and her family at her First Communion

Leave us a comment and describe your mother to us.  


Catch up with Sara and her writings on her new blog, Crow River Writer. 

My list of Photography Dreams | Maris Ehlers Photography

Life is short.  It should be sweet.  For me, the best dreams are the ones that come when I least expect them, and I'm inspired to dream them.  Sometimes, the only thing to write them on is the back of a napkin.  In this case, a Caribou Coffee napkin (no surprise there).

Here is my napkin list that I had created several months ago.  I just came across it, and while I've made progress in some areas, in others - not a drop.  So this is my reminder to get dreaming and get moving.

1.  An Asian Indian wedding - they are so full of color and vibrancy - I'm DYING to photograph one. 
2.  A Jewish wedding and / or a Bat or Bar Mitzvah - I think some of the Jewish wedding traditions are fabulous and so would love to capture one.
3.  An out-of-state wedding.  Hmmm... this one might actually have a chance.
4.  A wedding at the Minneapolis Institute of Arts
5.  A rustic outdoor wedding / reception in a barn in Minnesota (complete with barn dance, please).  :) 
6.  A baby in a crib in the evening summer light (outdoors, of course).
7.  The perfect silhouette of my children
8.  A live birth (any takers?).
9.  A life transition.
10. Something completely unexpected.

Now.  It's out there.  When we keep our dreams hidden, sometimes even to ourselves, we don't have to risk rejection by reaching for them.  We can take them out and think about them when we want, and pretend they don't exist when we don't feel confident or like we aren't entitled to have them.

Once you say or share them, it's game changing.  Now it's known.  Now it's in print.  Now it's time to make them happen.

What's on your napkin list?  Please share.

Josh and Lindsey's Wedding Portrait Video | Maris Ehlers Photography

Photo Credits:

Maris Ehlers
Alyssa Lund for Maris Ehlers Photography
Angel Petit for Maris Ehlers Photography

Baby and Balloons Spring Portraits | Maris Ehlers Photography

This preview is from the spring mini sessions over spring break.  This little guy was a continuous source of drool and so cute!  Yes, even when drooling.  :)

Here he is dreaming of catching a balloon (and perhaps eating it). 

Every child should have a lambie to love.  I know both of mine did!

Enter the Maris Ehlers Photography SPRING Photo Contest | Maris Ehlers Photography

UPDATED:  ENTRIES WILL BE ACCEPTED UNTIL MAY 15TH!  

Just when I think no one is paying attention what what I write, post or share, I get a message from a facebook follower named Nicole with the subject line "BEING NOSY".

What was she being nosy about?  She wanted to know where the MEP photo contests are!  Not only that, but she specifically wanted to know the details of when and theme.  So Nicole, this one's for you!

Tulips always say spring to me.  This was taken in March, right around the first day of spring, and since it's snowing here today, this is what spring in MN looks like!

MEP Spring Photo Contest

SPRING can have any interpretation or meaning: It can be anything that represents the season, the word, the idea of renewal, spring color, you name it!  Whatever comes to mind.  

We gotta have rules, so here they are:

1. Entries accepted between now and the end of the day on 5/15/11 (before 12 midnight).  Images must be taken between now and the contest deadline. 

2. Entries MUST be emailed to MEP (and not posted on facebook) at contest@marisehlersphotography.com with the word "SPRING" in the subject line! 

3. The file MUST be a jpeg.  No other files will be accepted.  You will be asked to resend it.  

4. Please feel free to spread the word that you've entered a contest, and "likes" are welcome and encouraged. 

5. Please note that in order to be able to "like" an image, you must "like" Maris Ehlers Photography - that's Facebook's rule, not mine.

6. Please be AWARE that if you use a face or person in your image, in the body of your entry email you MUST tell me that you have a copyright release from the person in the image, or the parent/guardian if the person is a minor.  YOUR PICTURE WILL NOT BE POSTED WITHOUT this statement in your email.  

7. This contest is open to amateurs, professionals and anyone in between.

8. "Likes" of an image are ONE element of the judging. An anonymous guest judge has been chosen by MEP to pick the winning image.

9. The winning image will receive all sorts of kudos, a blog post and you may become famous.  

10. Entrants can be local or from anywhere else - the more the merrier!

11. Photo editing is acceptable.

12. MEP reserves the right to decline a photo for any reason (including inappropriate content, irrelevancy to theme, etc, etc).

13. When MEP posts your photo to the contest album on facebook, you will be tagged in the image if you are a "friend".  If you wish to be tagged then please send a friend request.  

Please allow for up to 48 hours for your image to post.  Winners will be announced sometime this spring.  Ha ha.  Actually, no later than  May 20, 2011.

I think that's it!!! Good luck, and if you have any questions at all, please let me know!

MEP's Final 2012 Senior Rep - Kaelie from BHS | Maris Ehlers Photography

If I were to have a photographic muse (someone who inspires me artistically), it would be Kaelie.  I've known Kaelie for a few years, and this girl is just amazing. If we both had time, I could find reasons to photograph her at least once a week.  :)  

A couple of years ago we did a Sweet Sixteen Session of Kaelie, and giddy is the only way I can describe feeling about seeing her images at the end of the day.  Oh, it was so much fun and I think we were all so surprised at how she came across on film, most of all her mother (I would guess it's a rather strange feeling seeing the child you know look so different in print, and yet so themselves.  

She's a great subject mostly because she has this great energy, and she POURS herself into her own artistic ventures, and I so appreciate that. I wish I would have had the courage and ability to do the same when I was her age (heck, any time before I hit 40 would have been good).  

And of course it helps that she's so darn cute, but that's not really what she's about.  Kaelie is just... different.  Most girls in high school are obsessed with their hair, how they look, and how others perceive them (I don't mean this in a negative way at all - it's truly part of being a teenager), but Kaelie is so not afraid to be her true self at all times.  

Gorgeous to the core.  Happiest when on a stage of some sort.  Filled with a need for self-expression.  Driven to make a difference.  

In 2010, when the earthquake hit Haiti, Kaelie and her peers sprung into action.  Involved in a benefit to raise money for the devastated country via hair dying and a concert, Kaelie ended up with hair the most intense shade of purple you could possibly imagine.  She and that purple hair did good things.  And when it was over, well, she was left with the satisfaction of a job well done and purple hair.  She cut it, died it brown, died it again and just couldn't make it right, so with the confidence and daring soul that few have, just a few weeks before starting her junior year in high school, she basically shaved her head.  Not completely bald mind you, but pretty darn close.   

She wore it well. 

We decided to commemorate this hairstyle with a quick session, and boy did I feel old when I told her to channel her inner Sinnead O'Connor, and she replied "Um, who's that?"

Legos and Childhood Dreams Portraits by Guest Writer Sara Biren | Maris Ehlers Photography

Minnesota writer Sara Biren talks about her son Jude's obsession with Legos, making childhood dreams come true, and Hoth. 

 My son Jude lives and breathes Legos.

It’s no surprise that he wants to be a Lego set designer when he grows up.  One of the first things on the baby registry was the My First Lego Shape Sorter.  It didn’t matter to my husband if we had a boy or a girl, as long as he or she liked to play Legos.

Fast-forward eight years.  Legos are in this kid’s blood (his little sister’s, too) and our home is filled and overflowing with Legos.  Star Wars.  Castles.  Atlantis.  Indiana Jones.  Lego City.  Harry Potter (my personal favorite).  His favorite video games are Lego games.  Santa Claus, the Easter Bunny, even St. Nicholas bring Lego sets.  Birthday lists are copied directly from the Lego catalog.  Most of the gifts he picks out for his friends – and for his dad (“We can share this one, right, Dad?) – are from the Lego aisle. 

Jude knows the history of Lego, knows what year what sets came out, which are “Hard to Find.”  He will offer random Lego facts at any moment of the day.  He is proud to say that the first mini-figures with natural skin tones (as opposed to the classic yellow) came out the year he was born.  He celebrated the 10^th anniversary of the introduction of Lego Star Wars all year long.  This past Christmas, instead of our usual scene of Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer figurines on the fireplace mantel, Jude and his dad built Lego Hoth.

He reads gigantic books about Legos.  He has saved every single Lego catalog and Brickmaster magazine that has come into this house since he was four years old.  Every now and then he pages through them to look at retired sets.  He once figured out how many chores he would have to do to earn enough money to buy the Death Star, the most awesome Lego set ever – 1,200 chores, plus extra for tax, in case you’re wondering.  Last summer he tried more than thirty different vegetables and earned the Battle of Endor as an incentive.  That poor kid tried vegetables even I didn’t like.

Jude’s Lego obsession sounds a bit excessive, and there are moments – especially in the early morning when I walk across his room barefoot to wake him and step on yet another sharp little brick – when I look around in exasperation.  What on earth are we going to do with all these Legos?  He’s just about to turn eight – what will it be like when he’s 18? 

As overwhelming as it can sometimes be to live in a house of bricks, it’s amazing and wonderful, too.  Ask Jude the question, “What do you want to be when you grow up?” and you’ll get the same answer that he’s been offering for more than two years.  Lego set designer.  

And why not?  Why not do something that you love, that’s exciting, that burns inside you?  There are no limits, there are no boundaries.  That’s what childhood dreams are all about.   And I love that Maris was able to capture that in the portraits from Jude’s Childhood Dreams session.

Jude, you can be anything you want to be.  You can be anything and go anywhere.  And I will do whatever I need to do to help you get there.






Check out Sara's blog! 

MEP Announces Second Maple Grove High School Senior Photography Rep | Maris Ehlers Photography

Today we announce that Brandon, currently a junior at MGHS, will be a senior rep for Maris Ehlers Photography for the class of 2012.

Brandon is a great student, works at Target Stores, and is active with his friends and at his church.  We look forward to having Brandon be a part of the group this summer.

What to Wear Senior Style with guest blogger stylist Dawn Fryxell

Meet the Reps: 

MEP Senior Rep Megan - BHS 

MEP Senior Rep Dylan - MGHS

Seniors, don't forget to SIGN UP on our mailing list in order to receive a free 5 x 7 print at your session! 

A Garden Wedding Inspiration | Maris Ehlers Photography

Oh, spring wedding goodness.  Love, love, love this snippet of wedding garden detail from Style Me Pretty.  Photography by Jessica Claire. 


Wedding style is all about hand made, vintage, one-of-a-kind homespun goodness, and this can't get you any closer to all of these.  

MEP Announces Senior Rep from Maple Grove High School - Dylan | Maris Ehlers Photography

Meet Dylan, our first of two guy senior reps from Maple Grove.  I've not had the chance to work with him before, so I think it will be a lot of fun.

Don't forget, seniors!  Sign up on our contact list and get a fun freebie from your session, plus be included in and/or eligible for other fun session "goodies" over the spring and summer months!

Other Senior Posts This Week: 

What to Wear Senior Style with guest blogger stylist Dawn Fryxell

MEP Senior Rep Megan - BHS 

Maris Ehlers Photography Announces First 2012 Senior Rep Megan | Maris Ehlers Photography

Today Maris Ehlers Photography is pleased to announce the first of our four 2012 high school senior reps, Megan.  Megan will be a senior at Buffalo High School.


I first met Megan this past fall when I did a shoot with her, and I'm pleased to note that modeling agencies have taken notice.  Yay, Megan!  You can see my images of Megan on the Agency Models Talent website.


But that's not why I chose her.  Why did I, then?  Truth be told, I invest a lot in my senior reps, and will even more so this year.  I have some exciting things planned for their shoots, and so when people apply, we select the ones that we know will take the commitment seriously, work hard, have fun and most of all not get tired of long sessions in front of the camera.  :)  Megan is a great fit for all of these reasons.  


Here are a few of our favorites from her session last fall.  Congratulations, Megan.  I know you'll have many more assignments ahead of you!

Other Senior Posts This Week: 

What to Wear Senior Style with guest blogger stylist Dawn Fryxell

Senior Portrait Sessions - What to Wear with guest blogger Dawn Fryxell | Maris Ehlers Photography

Senior pictures are a rite of passage for most high school students.  They are fun to think about and look at, but planning them can be stressful for both students and parents.  

As you plan for your senior portrait session with Maris Ehlers Photography, planning ahead about what to wear can help you make the most of your senior portrait time and investment.  

As a fashion stylist who has worked with Maris for over a year now, here are some tips and ideas that I hope you will find helpful:   

 Dawn's Senior Portrait Fashion Advice: 


Stick to solids or subtle prints.  Not only can they overwhelm the portrait, but they can limit what your photographer can use for a background, etc. 

Girl Look 4 - Hipster by dfryxell featuring low rise bootcut jeans

Scoop neck tee
$14 - kohls.com

Faux leather motorcycle jacket
$51 - macys.com

Low rise bootcut jeans
$89 - macys.com

MICHAEL Michael Kors flat booty
$160 - macys.com

Crystal earring
$12 - jcpenney.com

Doodle Heart, Wall Words and Decals by Trading Phrases
$22 - tradingphrases.com

Mallory, (Buffalo High School 2011) had on a great cream blouse.  Had she been wearing something really busy, we couldn't have taken advantage of this great mural behind her. 

Same goes for clothing with lots of words and numbers on them.  They look cool now, but what about in 5 years?  Remember, these will be hanging on the walls for a LONG time.  


div>

Guy Look 1 - Classic by dfryxell on Polyvore.com

Polo Ralph Lauren Shirts, Classic Fit Woven Shirt
$33 - macys.com

Gap The Vintage Khaki
$50 - gap.com

Search for Women's Shoes, Men's Shoes and Shoe Brands - DSW
dsw.com

Here Devon (Wayzata High School 2011) shows just the right amount of "text" on a shirt.  Simple, not overwhelming, and not the focal point of the image. 

Skip the trendy trends.  A senior portrait investment is a significant one, and so you don't want to hate the clothes that you chose a few short years later. Classic styles look fresh year after year.  Think polo or button down shirts for guys and feminine dresses or blouses for girls.

Guy Look 3 - Casual but Cool by dfryxell on Polyvore.com

Search Results - Macy's
macys.com

7 For All Mankind Jeans, "A" Pocket New York Fit
$155 - macys.com

SM Men's Braidenn Sneaker
$60 - dsw.com

Add a splash of color.  Incorporate some color in your outfits.  Guys – try a colored polo or shirt with your jeans.  Girls – wear color in your shirt or dress or a pop of color with your shoes or scarf.  

Grant chose a colored t-shirt and dark hoodie for this series, dressed up a bit with a pair of grey cords.  It was a cold morning and the sun added just the right touch of light for a dramatic and unique portrait.  One of my favorites. 

Girl Look 2 - Casual and cool by dfryxell featuring a rose print dress

As U Wish rose print dress
jcpenney.com

Macy's | Juniors Jackets, Juniors Blazers - Macy's
$54 - macys.com

Frye button boot
$328 - nordstrom.com

Silvertone jewelry
$18 - kohls.com

Kohls jewelry
$14 - kohls.com

Handbags & Accessories at Kohls.com
$6 - kohls.com

Start with your favorite jeans.  Simply a must, and then dress them up or down with your other choices.  Girls – pair your jeans with a blouse, sweater or leather jacket.  Guys – your jeans go perfectly with your favorite tee or button down shirt.

Girl Look 3 - dress it up! by dfryxell featuring a military jacket

Kelsey (Buffalo High School 2011) chose a gorgeous feminine blouse for this series.  Not only did it set off her eyes, but the greens and pinks worked really well with the tall grass. 

Make sure your clothes fit well.  Don’t squeeze into a tight shirt or tight pants.  Ill fitted clothes, whether too big or too small, do not capture YOU at your best.  Clothes that fit well will create a more polished, finished look. 

Girl Look 1 - Feminine and fresh by dfryxell featuring skinny jeans

Skinny jeans
$34 - nordstrom.com

Lauren Conrad chiffon top
$36 - kohls.com

Lauren Conrad shoes
$65 - kohls.com

Kohls jewelry
$12 - kohls.com

Wallace White Curtain Panel
$60 - crateandbarrel.com

Accessorize.  Add some of your own style with your accessories.  Girls – add in earrings, necklace, bracelet or cocktail ring.  Just keep it simple and don’t OVER accessorize.   Guys – not much to do here - your favorite watch can work well, but sometimes a photographer will ask you to remove it if it is too distracting.  

Rachael is also from Buffalo High School (2011), and this flower in her hair is not only one of her favorite hair accessories, but was a PERFECT add on for this image.  It makes it playful, exotic, and shows of her hair.  Gorgeous!

Create multiple looks – Be sure to choose a variety of of clothing designs and patterns, such as formal, trendy, sporty, preppy, casual, etc.  Most importantly, make sure your looks represent YOU!!  Also remember that moms and grandmothers probably want something a little more traditional, and you can easily accomodate them with at least one of your choices.  

Guy Look 2 - Preppy by dfryxell on Polyvore.com

Gap The Vintage Khaki
$50 - gap.com

Macy's |Men's Polo Shirts, Shop Men's Polo Shirts at Macy's, Polo...
macys.com

Shop Men's Shoes: Casual  – DSW
dsw.com



Props do matter.  From Maris, adding in props that are personal to you can create memorable images that capture your personality and interests.  A musical instrument, a hobby, sporting equipment, can all help tell a story in an image, so don't be afraid to tell Maris what your interests are, or if you have something specific in mind for your shoot.  Even if it's your car or truck. 

Katie, from Maple Grove High School (2011) loves to read.  She brought a set of antique classic novels to her session, and you can just feel the vibe of an idyllic summer afternoon spent with her nose in a book. 

Grant brought his guitar to his session, and it was a great way to infuse his personality into his images. 

Alex, another guitar player (and already a student at McNally Smith College of Music), let me capture this fantastic series by his family home while he played.  It was awesome!

Lastly, modest IS hottest.  Fun and flirty work, but this is not the time for over the top sexy.  Go for classy, stylish, and a look that’s you, and you really can’t go wrong.  

Here Nina, from Buffalo High School (2011) chose a simple blue sweater with a great neckline and tiny pattern of color.  It was easy to work with, kept the focus on her, and photographed beautifully. 

Yet to come this week, we'll be announcing the MEP 2012 Senior Reps, the new MEP Senior Session Packages and Products, and much more! 

20 x 10 custom collages now available mounted and framed or ready to frame! 

If you are going to be a senior and AREN'T on our mailing list already, click here.  You'll receive a FREE 5 x 7 professional print from your session with us just for signing up! 

Of course Dawn is available to style you for your MEP Senior Session, {wow} session or do a closet revamp / shop for style.  She can be reached on facebook and via email.