High School Graduation Portraits at the Landscape Arboretum in Chaska, MN


The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chaska is always a stunning location for portraits—especially in the fall, which is when I’ve visited in the past. This time around, we caught the Arboretum just as winter was making its exit and spring was starting to bloom. Even though the gardens weren’t in full swing yet, the landscaping was still breathtaking. We even made use of the cozy greenhouse for a few shots—one of my favorite hidden gems for portraits there.

Someone sitting casually on a wooden bench surrounded by lush tropical plants and palm fronds in a garden setting.
Portrait of a young person with long dark hair wearing a white button-up shirt against a blurred tropical foliage background.
Someone in a crisp white button-down shirt smiles warmly while standing in a lush garden setting.

Cue the highschool graduation theme song for class of 2025,


I had the pleasure of photographing Jaydin’s senior portraits for his upcoming high school graduation. He was such a chill and easygoing guy, which made the session a breeze. His sisters came along to cheer him on and help him loosen up in front of the camera (always a win!). The session was full of laughs, sibling banter, and genuine moments.


Fun fact: I actually photographed his sister’s wedding three years ago and have done their family portraits every year since. It was so sweet to reconnect and get to know more of the family. Watching the sibling dynamic was heartwarming—you could definitely tell who the oldest was 😉


Whether you're looking for senior portraits at the Landscape Arboretum, outdoor graduation photos in Chaska, or just want to soak in some natural beauty for a spring session, this spot never disappoints.

Person wearing black jacket stands in front of vibrant yellow autumn foliage in outdoor setting.
A person in a white button-down shirt stands at a wooden railing with flowering trees and hanging moss in the background.
Person in black jacket stands against vibrant yellow autumn foliage of a large tree on a sunny day.
A person in a black sweater sits outdoors with tousled dark hair while smiling and gesturing.
Someone wearing a black jacket and jeans sits thoughtfully on a large rock in a wooded setting on an autumn day.
A person in a black sweater laughs joyfully outdoors with hands behind their head on a winter day.