class of ’26 Senior Photo Sessions
Not just a photo. A chapter in your unfolding story.
These past three years of high school have been your personal masterpiece in the making. You’ve curated your style, discovered your happy places, and filled your days learning things that light you up. Shouldn’t your senior photos be about that?
From my cozy spot in downtown Excelsior to anywhere across the Twin Cities, I’m all about capturing the spectacular uniqueness that is YOU! Let’s skip those been-there-done-that poses at the same old parks everyone uses. Instead, we’ll create images bursting with your vibe, packed with your passions, and absolutely radiating your personality! This is your moment to shine exactly as yourself—no cookie-cutter photography allowed!
Celebrate Your Journey
with Senior Photos as unique as you are
Professional Vision
Editorial-style photography with magazine-quality lighting, posing & creativity that smartphone cameras simply can’t replicate
Complete Planning
Personalized styling consultation, location selection, and free professional hair & makeup for girls or guys who want it! All included.
Lasting Memories
Custom albums and wall art options to showcase your story for years to come
Emily John Photography Studio
35 Water St Suite 202
Excelsior, MN 55331
the FULL SERVICE experience
Why I'm a little different
As a busy working mom, I value my time as much as I’m sure you do. Full service means I don’t have to manage the project because there’s an expert on the other side providing guidance, managing deadlines, and doing high quality work from start to finish.
Imagine wanting to order a custom closet and the business you’ve chosen hands you a link to an online gallery of parts, leaving you to wade through a sea of decisions and research to figure out what will work for your needs. This is what some photographers do – they meet you at the park for 20 minutes but leave you to figure out all the details of what to wear, what images look best, specific retouching requests you might have, where to print your images, how to handle the files and on and on.
In today’s world, phones let everyone snap photos, but that’s not why my amazing clients trust me. They show up, and I handle everything else. Which outfits photograph beautifully? I’ll guide you. Need your teen to relax and smile genuinely? Consider it done. Overwhelmed by hundreds of images? I’ll select the absolute best. Stress about that surprise pimple that appeared right before our session? Gently retouched. Confused about transforming digital files into stunning wall art that perfectly fits your space and decor? I’ve got all the details covered, right down to proper sizing and safe hanging. You just enjoy the experience—I’ll take care of the rest.
THE PROCESS
REGISTER & PLAN
To book your session simply click the link below next to the session of your choice, or contact me directly to chat first.
All senior sessions recieve a complimentary planning apt via Google Meet. I’ll help guide you on what to wear, we’ll decide locations and specific images you’d love to create, and put a plan together for the flow of our shoot.
ENJOY YOUR SESSION
This is the fun stuff! During your session we are creating sets of images like chapters of your story. There could be a ‘chapter’ near or on the lake, a ‘chapter’ with your whole sneaker collection in the studio, a ‘chapter’ on the ball field at sunset, a ‘chapter’ at home with your doggie. All custom created and all about you!
VIEW & ORDER
AND DELIVERY
This is the part you don’t get with other photographers! Together we’ll enjoy looking through your beautiful images. We’ll then complete your experience by putting together a custom order of digital files, fine-art products, and gifts for family or friends. All retouched to your specific liking and designed to be enjoyed in your home for years to come.
⭐️ OUR MOST POPULAR OPTION ⭐️
Signature Senior Session
$950
The Signature Session is my most popular session that encapsulates the full custom photo experience. We’ll plan out a custom session thats all about you! No time limits, all the fun ideas, and possibly a celebratory Lick’s Ice Cream cone when we’re done!
√ 2-3 Hour Shoot
√ Complimentary hair and makeup at EJP studio
√ Studio + 2 Locations of your choice including the Landscape Arboretum
√ Includes 18 images in an 8X8 Hard Cover Coffee table book with their matching ePortrait files. You’ll have the option to upgrade & add-on more images and art-products at the Ordering Session
√ Includes a complimentary styling & planning session before the shoot
√ Includes In-Person Selection & Order Session after the shoot (within 2 weeks)
OUR BEST VALUE
Express Senior Session
$490
√ 60 Minute Shoot
√ Offered as back-to-back sessions once a month between June and Sept. Spots fill quickly and rescheduling is limited. If rain/severe weather we will reschedule.
√ Located at EJP Studio and uses both in-studio and downtown Excelsior & Lake Minnetonka locations within a short walk from the studio. You pick up to 3 spots with up to 3 outfits
√ Includes 5 images as ePortraits with the option to upgrade & add-on more images and art-products at your Order Session
√ Includes a complimentary styling & planning Zoom call before the shoot
√ Includes in-person or Zoom Selection & Order Session after the shoot (within 2 weeks)
Hi, I’m Emily!
I believe everyone who steps in front of my camera is beautiful and deserves to be celebrated. Regardless of your style, shape, size, or how uncomfortable you might feel about being photographed, I’m dedicated to helping you shine. Each session is a creative collaboration where you’ll feel at ease, confident in your own skin, and free to enjoy the experience.
Here’s a little bit about me:
√ DOG LOVER
I love dogs, but especially my baby girl Tillie! She’s a 5 yr old golden retriever, and very spoiled.
√ FAMILY TRAVELER
This is my tribe on vacation in Alaska. I have 2 boys who in school at MME in Minnetonka and have been married to my best friend for 16 years!
√ THE TALL LADY
That’s right, I’ve been 6 ft tall since I was in 9th grade. That was back when it was nearly impossible to find women’s jeans in a 35″ inseam.
√ LOVE THE OUTDOORS
I love being outside biking, gardening, taking Tillie to the dog park, and of course taking photos! Every year our fam bikes the “Tour de Tonka” together too!
Good vibes from happy clients
★★★★★
“The photos alone were 5 stars, but the professionalism, communication and kindness makes this a 10 star experience. Is that even possible? For Emily, it is.”
Jonathan K
Dad of Jackson – Westonka
★★★★★
“Emily did a PHENOMENAL job!!!! Her work is absolutely AMAZING!! Emily worked with my son and she made him feel so comfortable. In addition she is a very nice & sweet person!
I highly recommend her!!!!!”
Kristin L
Mom of Will – Minnetonka
★★★★★
“Emily was such a joy to work with! She is so creative and fun. She made my teenager feel so comfortable and confident. Definitely the right choice for our senior photos.”
Meg R
Mom of Miles – Wayzata
★★★★★
“Wonderful experience! Beautiful, artistic photos.”
Joan B
Mom of Chloe – Minnetonka
Frequently Asked Questions
Every photography session comes with questions, and I’m here to make the process as smooth as possible. These FAQs address the most common inquiries about booking, preparation, what to expect during your session, and how to make the most of your images afterward. If you don’t see your specific question answered here, please don’t hesitate to reach out directly. I believe that clear communication leads to better experiences and exceptional results, so no question is too small or insignificant. My goal is to ensure you feel completely comfortable and prepared for your photography experience.
When should I take my Senior Photos?
In Minnesota, most teens are getting their Senior Photos taken in the summer after junior year or into the early fall senior year. In the west suburbs, most schools have Senior Photo submission deadlines around Nov 1st, but check with your school’s yearbook!
How many outfits can I bring to my session?
For example: Sophie has many loves, but we narrowed it down to 4 looks. One that highlighted the beautiful red dress she wore for her quincinera in my studio – it highlighted a very special milestone to her. One that represented her love of sunshine and outdoors with tall grass fields and Lake Minnetonka behind. One that sported her favorite jeans and brand new letter jacket she bought herself, pared with big trees in the background. And finally sunset shots at the horse farm where she regularly volunteers with her favorite horse Shadow. All of these chapters created a beautiful story of who Sophie is and what she loves.
What days of the week and time of day do you offer sessions?
As a mom of two boys, I only work weekdays so I can spend weekends with my family.
Typically, I’m scheduling senior photo sessions on Mon, Tues or Wed late afternoon/evenings. Planning calls and Order Sessions are scheduled on Monday, Tuesday and every other Friday in the mornings/afternoons.
What if I have acne or a scratch on my face the day of the shoot?
Don’t worry! Professional retouching will take care of temporary blemishes while preserving your natural look. For girls, professional makeup application helps create a flawless base, and everyone receives basic retouching. If you have a more serious injury like a fat lip or black eye, that might call for a reschedule. We can determine that as needed, but don’t worry! We can find another day or time!
What if it rains? Can we reschedule?
Rain can really “dampen” our plans (get it?!) but we can certainly reschedule or do half the shoot on one day and the other half another day if it starts raining mid-shoot.
**I do ask that once our date is booked you take it seriously and plan work schedules, vacations, or other events around it. We’re all busy people and our best chance of success is to adhere as best as we can to our plan!
Do parents come to the photo session?
Parents are welcome! They typically attend the beginning of the session and sometimes join for location changes. It’s always helpful to have an extra set of hands to hold reflectors and reposition hair and clothing in between shots – that can be a parent’s job or even a friend or sibling who wants to come and help. Some teens prefer more independence during the shoot, which I also respect.
When can I see my images?
When you schedule your photo session date, we’ll also schedule 2 other appointments along with that: a Planning Apt over Zoom about 1-3 weeks before your session, and an Ordering Apt a few days to two weeks after your session.
At the Ordering Apt, we’ll look through all the images together, select your favorites, and add-on any art pieces (wall art, albums, tabletop or gifts) the parents might want to have in the home or give as gifts. I am committed to giving you a full-service experience with amazing final products!
Do we get the digital files of our images?
Yes!
All Wall Art pieces and Albums come with their matching digital file in an online gallery for you to download. You can also purchase additional digital images at your ordering session!
Being a full service art-centered photographer, I start with the end in mind. In 25 years, I don’t want you to have a heap of “kinda good” photos sitting on a hard drive in a box in the basement. In the end, I want you to have enjoyed a beautifully curated collection of images you’ve smiled at every day as you pass the artwork in the hallway, looked through an album on the coffee table, and showed the framed print on your desk to colleagues at work. Photos are most valuable when they are seen and enjoyed.
Do you offer payment plans?
Yes I do! Please ask when we connect!