This past summer I made my first DIY fashion gown, and I'm so proud of it. I've always considered myself a creative person, but certainly not in the area of fashion! If you know me at all, you know I'm no fashionista and have never claimed to be. But, give me a stack of encyclopedia and a hot glue gun, and who knows what I can come up with! I've got the bug now, and this photographer has a new passion...custom DIY gowns for portrait sessions. I'm finding inspiration everywhere for new gowns. Now, I just need to find the time to create them.

Alexis was an amazing model for me to photograph in my map gown. She drove up to my studio in Pine Island, and we spent an hour or so getting her into the dress and ready to shoot. She's no stranger to the camera, and she knows how to work a look, so I had no doubt I'd end up with some stunning images. Sadly, the gown was too big to keep in my studio, so a few weeks later, I deconstructed the gown to make way for another.

When looking for a photographer in the Rochester, MN area, please consider what it is you want from your portrait session. If you're looking for portraits that stand the test of time and will become family heirlooms, then I'd like for us to meet! I'm invested in what I do and the art I create, and very much look forward to providing you with the best portraits you've ever seen of yourself!

Here are some images of the construction of my map gown...and of course, my beautiful model Alexis wearing it.

Nicole Mills Photography specializes in photographing girls and women of all ages. If you live in SE Minnesota and are looking for a photographer that is dedicated to her craft and will provide you the most amazing portraits you've ever seen of yourself, then please get in touch with Nicole Mills Photography to schedule your complimentary consultation.

Located in downtown Pine Island, the Nicole Mills Photography studio offers everything you need to make your portrait experience one to remember forever. You'll find a full studio wardrobe to choose from, including beautiful gowns, casual separates, and even unique, custom designs created by Nicole for a one-of-a-kind portrait you and your family will treasure forever.

Nicole Mills Photography offers fully stylized sessions both in her Pine Island studio and outdoors in Rochester, MN and surrounding areas. Whether you're looking for senior photographs, maternity, business head shots, or simply some beautiful images of you and/or your family, Nicole Mills Photography provides unparalleled service, quality of work, and unique artwork you'll want to hand down for generations to come.

Now serving: Rochester, Pine Island, Byron, Kasson, Mantorville, Oronoco, Stewartville, Zumbrota, Wanamingo, Eyota, St. Charles, Elgin, Plainview, and more.

Contact Nicole for all questions, inquiries and to schedule a complementary consultation.

Rochester MN Senior Photographer - Hallie

I've watched this beautiful girl grow up, and the time has gone by amazingly fast. And I say that even though she's not my own daughter. She's is, however, one of my beautiful nieces.

Hallie graduates this June with the class of 2018 from Byron High School. Being able to photograph her over the years has been a pleasure as she has a bubbly personality, is always ready with a smile, and was always willing to model for me while I was first trying to grow my Rochester MN photography business. When the time came to take her senior portraits, it was an honor to be her photographer, of course, but it was also a bit bittersweet for me as a mom. My own daughter will be a senior before I know it (10 short years!), and watching my niece grow into such a smart, beautiful woman that's about to venture out in to the big world is a little surreal. I can't imagine what it will be like when it's my own daughter graduating from high school.

Hopefully, even though Hallie will be leaving the Rochester area to go to college next fall, she'll be back in front of my camera again before too long. Congratulations Hallie...and thank you for always being willing to model for your old auntie. :)