I'm Liz Allen- the L.A. behind L.A. Seniors. I have been a senior photographer in Minnesota for over 20 years and have had a super cool urban studio in Minneapolis for over 10 years. But don't let my many years of experience fool you into thinking we do old-school traditional senior photos here! (ok...we will take one traditional photo so your grandma doesn't come after me...) These sessions will be as fun and original as my hair color!

beautiful personality.

I take photos that make you look fabulous & show your

I'm liz. photographer, artist, & ALL-AROUND weirdo.

Meet your new photographer BFF...

To be honest...they are life-changing. I can't tell you how many texts and messages I have gotten over the years about what an impact a high school senior picture session has had on someone- just know that it is a LOT. So much so that I am in contact with most of my clients- even years after their session.

what our photoshoots
are like...

"I can't believe how comfortable my daughter was with you. You brought something out of her I haven't seen in a long time. You have completely changed how she feels about herself."
"My son couldn't stop smiling after the session. He actually said that was a lot of fun and can't wait to see and share the photos!"
"I can't wait to tell everyone about this photo shoot! It was so far beyond what we ever could have expected. Thank you for such an amazing experience."
"I feel like you are a part of my family now!"
"Everyone needs a Liz in their life- you make everyone feel and look so good. "
"No one back home has images like this! I am so excited to see the rest of the session!!"

this is what they tell me:

Take a wild guess what this free spirit, purple haired artist
thought she would do with her life...

I bet you guessed Chemical Engineer!
How about Dentist?

No? Weird.

So, there was a time in my life that I was Type A, spreadsheet-making, hypothesis-writing, technical-jargon reading student, who was going to be a Chemical Engineer. But once I realized I didn't want to spend the rest of my life in a lab, I thought I would be a dentist. So I planned to work in a dental lab for one year... that turned into 11. And in the meantime my sister, who was a professional photographer, wanted me to shoot weddings with her. I figured my weekends were free, so why not take up completely stressful side hustle of shooting weddings? So I did that. For 8 years. And I did what so many people in their 20's do, which is question...

"My Big Sister Made Me Do It"

and other tales from a
reluctant artist...

What is my purpose?

make a positive impact in someone's life
inspire and uplift others
help others overcome negative self-beliefs and enhance self-worth
create beautiful things that can be enjoyed for generations
create a life and legacy I am proud of

For me this was:

So, why am I telling you all of this? Because I have been both a Type A and a B+ (at least that is what I call myself. The experience I have from shooting weddings taught be to think fast on my feet, handle tough lighting situations and all kinds of personalities. It helped me get people comfortable really, really fast. It helped me take charge of a situation and accomplish a lot of great things, in a short amount of time. But it also helped impress the importance of story-telling and legacy into photographs. About being authentic and creative, no matter the situation, and remain cool even when things don't go as planned. My experience in a dental lab showed me that creativity and high technical ability could go hand-in-hand. I was a stickler for quality and being proud of what I produced. These similar traits are important in being able to understand and manipulate light for photography, and creating a beautifully edited and retouched image. All of these seemingly random bits of my life have made me an excellent senior photographer. Why?

I can take the most reluctant senior guy and photograph him in a way that he doesn't want the session to end. I'm not kidding. Guys want to feel good about themselves, just as much as girls.

I can handle the most self-conscious, introverted senior girl and make her feel like she is comfortable walking on a runway in a fashion show. (And this has actually happened.)
I can help a busy senior parent figure out a beautiful and archival way to enjoy photos of their amazing child. I will take all the work and hassle out of their hands and make this the most enjoyable part of their child's senior year. I will make their child feel gorgeous, confident and worthy. They will be such a great parent for giving this experience to their high school senior. (We all need wins, amiright?) I had my own senior last year, and let me tell you, I have a whole new appreciation with what senior parents go though. So. Many. Things. To. Do.
You won't find a better photographer to photoshop teeth, then one who actually made them for years. :) I mean, how many other photographers say that? That's weird. I know.

So, if I look at my "purpose" list and what I have been doing for the past 20 years, it only took me until I was mid-40's to realize what I was doing was in line with what was important to me all along.
And if you are wondering why I don't photograph weddings anymore? Senior photos are waaaaaaaaay more fun.

If you read all of this, you get a sticker!

Ask me about...

the time someone gave me 2 bags of dog hair...as a gift.

??

the time i bought a taxidermied skunk

?

how often i photograph special agents of the fbi.

????

the time i accidently grew a trail mix garden...in my car.

???

Campaigners (ENFPs) are true free spirits – outgoing, openhearted, and open-minded. With their lively, upbeat approach to life, they stand out in any crowd. But even though they can be the life of the party, Campaigners don’t just care about having a good time. These personality types run deep – as does their longing for meaningful, emotional connections with other people.

Personality Type

extroverted, optimistic, versatile, and spontaneous.

Enneagram Number 7

WOO
Positivity
Connectedness
Learner
Maximizer

My Strengths Finder:

FAVORITE TV SHOW:
Gossip Girl (the Original!)

FAVORITE THINGS TO DO:
Pottery
Hug my family
Talk to my 3 dogs
Reading
Gardening
Talk to random strangers

MY HAPPY PLACES:
The North Shore
MN Landscape Arboretum
Silverwood Park
Leech Lake
Glacier National Park

Faves:

see more work

Latest Photo Favorites

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My daughter just had her photo session with Liz. I was expecting to have a nice session with beautiful photos but what we received was so much more. It became a spiritual journey, she gave my daughter (for the first time in her life) a sense of empowerment, I saw my little girl grow into a beautiful woman in one afternoon. As a mother I was overwhelmed and full of emotion, i cried, I laughed and my heart was so full of love. I can't thank Liz enough for everything she did for us and for Laura who did her make-up and hair, Laura was amazing and my daughter looked too beautiful for words. thank you so much, we are blessed to have found you... Life is Bliss

"It became a spiritual journey, she gave my daughter (for the first time in her life) a sense of empowerment..."

now booking class of 2023!

My daughter’s photo session with L.A. Seniors was more than we could have ever hoped for. Liz listened to what Natalie wanted and did her research ahead of time to make it all happen. Choosing the rockstar session meant that the day was not rushed and some amazing photos came out of the session. Having not to worry about hair and makeup was a bonus.

"If you are looking for some amazing and unique senior pictures plus a once in a lifetime experience then L.A. Seniors is for you!!!!!"

I searched for a senior photographer for months before deciding on Liz. She took the time to meet with us and listen to what our vision was for senior photos. Upon meeting her, my daughter and I instantly loved her and knew she was going to be our photographer! We were not disappointed! The shoot was fun and easy.. full of laughter and smiles. Liz's personality put my daughter at ease and we were able to enjoy ourselves the entire time. No stuffy personalities, no stuffy, boring pictures! We had some of our own ideas, and Liz took them and made magic happen! What I loved the most is her passion for her work and her willingness to help my daughter's personality shine through.

"I would recommend Liz to anyone who was looking for that 'something special' experience."

Liz and Laura made my daughter's senior picture experience something we will forever remember! The attention to detail, warm personalities, amazing locations... I could go on and on!!! We wanted something different, urban, fun, different than the rest of her classmates. Liz exceeded our expectations!!! We shot all but one outfit outside, for over 6 hours... My daughters hair and make up looked just as good on the last shoot, as the first! Wow!!! I am amazed!! I have 4 more children to go and ALL will be photographed by Liz!!! Look no further than LA Senior, to capture your son/daughter.

"Unbelievably AMAZING!!!!"

You will NOT be disappointed. She is a true professional in every sense.....and that includes doing the stop, drop, and roll move when necessary, haha. She will do whatever it takes to get the best shot. She sees things that most people would never notice and just goes w it. It's so much fun to watch her work....she is absolutely brilliant at what she does. PLUS....she is a blast!!! I love and appreciate her attention to detail. Her passion is absolutely contagious!!! Seriously. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Liz at L.A. Seniors. She is worth every cent! Just check out the photo's of my daughter and all of her Sr's, in fact. WHOA!!! Btw, her hair and make lady, Laura, is absolutely outstanding as well!!! What a fabulous team! My daughter and I were soooo blessed that we had the opportunity to work with her. Thanks sooo much Liz. We love and appreciate you MORE than you know!!!

"Simply put, Liz is the BEST there is for taking Sr pics (and probably any other kind of pic)!!! Period. Look no further."