Isn't it funny that
day by day, nothing changes,
  but when you look back,
   everything is different.

     -C.S. Lewis

welcome! I’m Nealy Lanzen, and I LOVE taking pictures of high school seniors! I am based in the Twin Cities and have clients all over the state of Minnesota as well as Wisconsin, Florida, Iowa, Nevada, and the Chicago area. And I am always available to travel!

My goal as an artist is to find the LIGHT and inner beauty in everyone. I strive to make you feel completely comfortable and confident in front of the camera and to capture the real, beautiful YOU! 

As a wife and mom of four kiddos, I have learned quickly that life moves way too fast. That is why I love to capture such an important milestone, which is your senior year of high school! All too soon you will be all grown up and leaving the house, on your way to adulthood. It is my passion to be able to capture you at this never-again moment in time.

Prepare to be AMAZED at just how beautiful you are...I simply cannot wait to show you!

Nealy Lanzen
owner/lead photographer
hello@nealylanzen.com
651-336-2424

" When I saw the pictures, I was moved to tears.
They were beyond good...they were stunning!"

portfolio

AMANDA

"The whole experience was amazing, I wouldn’t have wanted it to go any other way. I had heard nothing but good things about her from past girls and it was the best experience of my life!"

BETH

"My experience with Nealy was SO much fun! We laughed a lot and had a great time taking pictures. Nealy knew exactly what poses looked amazing and the outcome of the pictures was exactly what I wanted!"

ETHAN

"My senior pictures were AMAZING! Nealy just didn’t take my photograph, she made a portrait of who I am. She has an amazing talent and made it so easy for me as she knew the perfect spots to take my pictures and how to take them, so I felt so natural. Nealy really listened to what I wanted in my senior pictures and captured that moment in my life perfectly!"

MADDY

"My senior portrait experience was amazing. I loved getting my hair and makeup done, and getting all dressed up. I felt comfortable getting pictures taken of me and it wasn't akward at all."

ALLY

"My experience with Photogrpahy by Nealy was truly unique! Not only did the pictures turn out absolutely beautiful, but they captured who I am on the inside as well. I couldn't have asked for a better senior photo experience, from the atmosphere the day of the photoshoot to the final product. I'm SO grateful that I had the opportunity to work with Nealy. Thank you so much!"

LILLY

"I heard all about you through one of my neighbors and they said if I took pictures with anyone else, it wouldn't be the same quality (or have as much fun) as with Nealy. So, how could I not listen to their advice?! Of all of the senior pictures I've seen on instagran, Nealy's were my favorite, by far!"


HANNAH

"Oh how lucky I am to be showered with Nealy's talent. Thank you to the astonishing photographer! She demonstrates so much passion and creativity while finishing off her work with a professional magazine-style outlook that offers timeless taste. I couldn't be more satisfied!"

MICHAELA

"I saw other friends who also go their pictures down by Nealy and I thought they turned out really nice so I wanted to do it as well. She's so sweet and makes the effort to form a personal connection with everyone. It was so fun and Nealy was amazign to work with! My pictures turned out great!"

LEAH

"Nealy has a lot of great ideas about what to wear, locations, how to pose, etc. She is an amazing photographer with lots of experiecne shooting seniors. The shoot was relaxed and I am very pleased by her work!"

     "It was the best experience of my life!"

Q: How far in advance should I book?

For your choice of dates, plan to book at least 2-3 months in advance. However, last-minute appointments are sometimes available, so it never hurts to ask!

Q: What should I wear to my session?

This is the fun part! Once you've booked your senior session, Nealy will send you her custom what-to-wear guide for lots of great fashion advice, where to shop, and basically everything you need to know to prepare for your session.

Q: How do I choose a location?

Nealy has numerous favorite spots around the Twin Cities! If you have a style preference, please let Nealy know the style of pictures you are wanting in your pre-session quiestionnaire. Nealy will then come up with the perfect spot with the best lighting and backgrounds for your portraits!

Q: What is your payment process?

The session fee is due at booking via PayPal. No sweat, the session fee is refundable if you have to cancel (within 48 hours notice, please).

Q: Should my parents come to the photo session?

It is not required that parents attend the photo session, but it sure is fun to have mom or dad come along. Nealy also loves to snap a mom-daughter (or dad-daughter, dad-son) picture at the end of the session!

Q: What should I bring on my session day?

Nealy's guide that you will receive in the mail will include all of this in detail, but for the most part, please make sure to bring ALL clothing, jewelry, hats, shoes, accessories (hats, jackets, scarves, etc.) that you plan to wear. Make-up for touch-ups and a brush also come in handy.

Q: Where will I change my outfit?

Most seniors find it easiest (and quickest) to change outfits in their car, which serves as our "closet" during the photoshoot. Nealy has some giant reflectors that can help for privacy, too. 

Q: What equipment do you shoot with?

Nealy only shoots with the finest equipment available: Canon's 5d Mark IV. Favorite lenses are Canon's 85mm and 35mm L-series lenses, and Art Sigma 50mm. She then culls and color-corrects all of the images in Lightoom, and retouches and finishes the images in Photoshop, spending extra time of eye-brightening and skin softening to give you a flawless and glowing, yet natural, look!

Q: Where does the ordering session take place?

The address to Nealy's studio is: 13172 Aulden Ave Rosemount, MN. 

Q: Who needs to come to the ordering session?

Mom or dad must be present at the ordering session, as well as the senior. Any other decision-makers in the family are welcome to come along.

Q: Are the digital files included in the session fee?

Digital images are not included in the session fee but are available to order separately.

Q: How long until we see the photos?

Your ordering session will most likely be scheduled within 2-3 weeks of your session.

Q: Is there a minimum order requirement?

At this time Nealy requests a minimum order requirement, depending on which session you choose.  You can see the minimum order requirements listed here.

Q: I'm ready to book a session! What are the first steps?

Please fill out the this form to book your session and Nealy will be in touch asap!

Let’s Connect!

Please complete the contact form and I will be in touch wihtin 48 hours. I can't wait to hear from you!