Ellen Stark Photography

06/04/2026

To the Class of 2026....

Congratulations!! YOU DID IT!!! 🎓🎉 What a special chapter of your story with exciting new chapters ahead!

Every single senior is a unique story and it is such a joy to capture that.

Class of 2026, your stories included:

• 8 high schools

• 13 locations

• 4 dogs, 1 horse, 1 sheep, 1 turkey

• 9 sports/hobbies

• and 4 pairs of cowgirl boots 🤭

I am so grateful to be a little tiny part in sharing your story through your photos. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this chapter in your life. (You really are the nicest and way too fun!) ♥️ I wish you the very best as you step into your future. And I’ll continue to cheer you on! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

06/01/2026

You want urban vibes for your senior photos? Say no more! I’ve got you!

There are so many great ways to add a more bold, modern look to your session. And we don’t even have to travel far!

Downtown streets and alleyways, parking garages, brick walls, metal staircases, storefronts…the possibilities are endless! It all adds texture, personality, and a stylish edge to your images.

One of the best things about an urban setting is you can easily capture a wide variety of looks and backgrounds within just a few blocks. This makes your gallery feel diverse and dynamic! ✨

So tell me, what would you choose? Urban, nature, or both?!

04/15/2026

Give me all of the flowers!! 🌹🪻🌸🌷🌻💐

Flowers are such a beautiful way to add a fun detail to your photos!

There are so many ways to incorporate flowers into your shoot!

🌼 Location! We can pick a garden filled with gorgeous blooms or try to find some wildflowers! 🌷

🌼 Bring a bouquet! We aren’t always lucky with flowers being in bloom at location, so a fool proof way to add flowers is to bring your own! You can contact your local florist to help create a bouquet that perfectly coordinates with your outfit. A bouquet also makes for a super fun prop for posing! 💐

🌼 Flower crown! Imagine a flowy dress, a field, and the cutest accessory of a flower crown 😍 Yes, please!

🌼 Floral installation! If you really want to go all out, you can work with a local florist to create a floral arch. That would be a show stopper! ✨

Now I want to know…what is your favorite flower?! Share in a comment!! 🌸☺️

04/09/2026

Let’s talk outfit changes!

Every senior package I offer includes multiple outfits so you can have a variety of looks in your photos and show off your personality! ✨

So maybe you’re asking, “Where do I change my clothes during the session?!”

Don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! 🙋🏼‍♀️

I bring along a pop-up changing tent to make sure you always have a private place to change your outfits.

Most locations we use for sessions don’t have a public restroom available nearby or even at all. I want to be sure I’m taking care of all of my client’s needs so I provide you with a spot to easily switch into all of your amazing outfits.

(Yes, your car is still an option if that’s what you prefer. 🤭 But otherwise, the pop-up tent is ready for you!)

So now I want to know, what would be your go-to outfit for photos?! ⬇️ Share in a comment! ☺️

03/25/2026

Hey, Class of 2027! It's your time!! ✨🎉

If you're looking for bright, vibrant, joyful, & FUN senior photos, you've found the right page! 😉 And I'm so glad you're here! 🎉

Spring is here! And it is time to start planning your senior photos!!

I'm already gearing up for the 2026-2027 senior season and I can't wait!! 😍 Seriously....I can't wait!!

Reach out now to start chatting about YOUR dreamy senior photos! ✨☺️

01/21/2026

Psst, hey guess what!

There's a NEW blog post! 🎉

I'd love for you to check it out!

A description of a joyful, fun, and memorable experience for high school senior pictures with a Mankato, MN senior photographer

01/13/2026

Hi, friends!

I took a long social media break here to really focus on family time, but I couldn't miss the chance to send you all a big THANK YOU!

As we start off the year of 2026, I've been thinking about 2025 and how immensely blessed I am. I'm so grateful for all of the wonderful people that support this small business of mine. Whether you are a client that has been in front of my camera or a support from afar by engaging here on social media, I want you to know how thankful I am for you. Your support positively impacts my business which positively impacts my family. That is a big deal and it means so much to me.

I am blessed. Thank you!!!

I hope your 2026 is your BEST year yet! 🎉 I appreciate you, friend! Thank you for being here! ☺️

11/20/2025

I couldn't believe it....

A November session with 53 degrees and sunny weather?!? AMAZING!! While November weather can be iffy and potentially very cold, we totally hit the jackpot! What a win! ☀️

Another win of this session, this senior was super nice, fun, and awesome. 🎉 And another win? Blake's dog was the goodest boy. He was the best listener and I'm convinced he knows how to smile for the camera.

So I got to hang out with a great client, a sweet dog, and scored sunny, warm November weather. A total win! ☺️

Thanks so much for a wonderful session, Blake! I hope the rest of your senior year is fantastic!

10/28/2025

"That was so fun!"

This sweet senior gave me one of my favorite compliments to receive...she had fun! 🎉 I always want my clients to genuinely enjoy their experience, feel comfortable, and to have FUN so it makes me beam to hear they had a good time. And boy, did we ever have a good time! We had a blast walking around downtown Mankato and then exploring Red Jacket Valley Park on a beautiful, sunny day. ☀️

Grace, thank you for a great session! I had fun too! ☺️ Hope you have the best senior year!!

10/15/2025

Raise your hand if you know how to change the oil in your car! 🙋🏼‍♀️

This girl does! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

There were so many times throughout the session where I learned something about Kylie and thought/said, "Girl, you are amazing!" It was so fun to get to know her and we had a blast running around together on a gorgeous, sunny day.

Thank you for an amazing session, Kylie! Have the best senior year!