Ellen Stark Photography

Ellen Stark Photography Hi there! I'm Ellen! I am a Mankato and Southern Minnesota senior and family photographer

Running into senior year! 🏃‍♀️🥇Kaitlyn’s session was so much fun! We had a little bit of everything with photos at the t...
09/02/2026

Running into senior year! 🏃‍♀️🥇

Kaitlyn’s session was so much fun! We had a little bit of everything with photos at the track, downtown, and a nature setting.

I love how she incorporated her love of track (Look at all of those medals! 🤯 Holy cow!) and her love for Jesus by including her Bible.

The combo of the two makes me think of the verses Hebrews 12:1-2 which says, “Let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith.” How fitting is that for Kaitlyn’s photos!

Thank you for an amazing time, Kaitlyn! Keep running the good race, my friend!

This girl is going places! 👏🏻When Sydney shared a bit about herself, I couldn't believe how many clubs she is a part of....
08/20/2026

This girl is going places! 👏🏻

When Sydney shared a bit about herself, I couldn't believe how many clubs she is a part of. She even started a new club at her school! She also already has great work experience that will look amazing on her resume. And the cherry on top, she is super sweet! 🥰 I really enjoyed our time together and can't wait to see what the future holds for her.

Thank you, Sydney, for a wonderful session! ☺️

This was a dream!! 70 degrees in August?! Are you kidding?! We legitimately had the best weather we could ever ask for.....
08/07/2026

This was a dream!!

70 degrees in August?! Are you kidding?! We legitimately had the best weather we could ever ask for...wow! 😍

Not to mention, Claire and her mom were absolutely delightful to work with. We had such a wonderful time and they made my evening so enjoyable! Beautiful weather and amazing clients? Perfection. I am so blessed!

It was uncertain if Claire's cat would cooperate for photos. He did great! And I'm so glad we were able to snap some photos for Claire with her furry love. Just another way this session was so good!

Thank you, Claire, for a memorable evening! I hope you have an amazing senior year! ☺️

One of the biggest compliments I can receive as a photographer is when a family comes back for another senior session. 🤍...
08/01/2026

One of the biggest compliments I can receive as a photographer is when a family comes back for another senior session. 🤍

A few years ago, I photographed this beautiful senior's older brother, and this year it was her turn. 🎉

I loved getting to capture this exciting season for her and celebrate everything that makes her unique- like her love of soccer! She made me laugh when she endearingly called her mom "queen" throughout the session. 🤭👑 It was such a fun time!

Thank you for allowing me to be a part of another special milestone! Congratulations, Maddie! Your senior year is going to be an incredible one! ✨

We won! 🏆The forecast was nuts for the day of Grace’s session. Four different weather sources said four different foreca...
07/12/2026

We won! 🏆

The forecast was nuts for the day of Grace’s session. Four different weather sources said four different forecasts of when the rain/storm would hit. 🙃 So we took a shot and moved up Grace’s session earlier than originally planned to play the game “Let’s beat the rain.” And guess what…we won!! We were able to complete the session and snap so many beautiful photos before any rain. 🎉🥇All thanks to Grace being so kind, flexible, and ready to go with the flow!

(Spoiler alert….it actually never rained that day 🤪 Gotta love weather forecasts! Ha!)

You were a great teammate, Grace! 🏆😉 Thanks for a fun time!!

A little sneak peek of Penelope’s session! Swipe through the photos to see if you can spy the cute detail she included! ...
07/10/2026

A little sneak peek of Penelope’s session! Swipe through the photos to see if you can spy the cute detail she included! 🦄

There are so many ways to make your photos unique and personalized to you. Penelope brought along her childhood stuffie for a couple of photos to add a personal touch! Senior year is a transition chapter to all that’s to come. Her stuffie is such a cute and special way to show all of the chapters of her story! 😍

Can’t wait to see what your next chapters hold for you, Penelope! Thank you for a great session! ☺️

If we were hanging out the day before your senior session and I gave you a big sister senior photo pep talk, here’s what...
07/06/2026

If we were hanging out the day before your senior session and I gave you a big sister senior photo pep talk, here’s what I would tell you ⬇️

• You’re going to do great. Genuinely. 🤍

• You do NOT need to know how to pose. That’s my job.

• It is totally normal to feel awkward in the first few minutes because we don’t usually take photos with someone we just met 🤭 But I promise that will fade away. And I’ve got your back to make sure you never look awkward!

• Stop overthinking it. You don’t need a Pinterest board. You just need good light and a little trust in me.

• Wear the outfit that makes you feel the most you. Not the outfit you think looks the most “senior photo worthy.”

• Expect to have fun. 🎉 Not “polite smile for an hour or two” fun. I mean laughing, moving, twirling, walking, skipping, dipping toes in the water kind of fun.

And a bonus tip: You’re not here to perform. You’re here to have an experience and walk away with photos that feel like you. 😘

Not every senior session goes exactly as planned... and sometimes that's what makes them unforgettable. ✨We were having ...
06/21/2026

Not every senior session goes exactly as planned... and sometimes that's what makes them unforgettable. ✨

We were having a blast running around the Gustavus Arboretum when the unexpected storm clouds started rolling in...despite the fact I checked the forecast *multiple* times before our session and there was zero sign of rain. Gotta love unpredictable summer weather 🙈 But that's ok because we rolled with the punches and were able to meet up a few days later to complete Tatum's session. And oh it was worth it!!

Tatum wins an award for being one of my most adventurous seniors! Let me tell you...the creek was cold and rocky, but Tatum didn't think twice about it and even went the extra mile by sitting in the creek. And the results were stunning!! 😍

Thank you for all of the fun and adventure, Tatum!! ☺️

Jesus, ice cream, and the lake?! Literally some of my top favorite things! 😍And they just so happen to be Aubrey’s favor...
06/13/2026

Jesus, ice cream, and the lake?! Literally some of my top favorite things! 😍And they just so happen to be Aubrey’s favorites too?! Yyeeessss! 👏🏻🎉

Aubrey was the very first senior session for the Class of 2027 and holy cow what a start!! 😍We had so much fun chasing wildflowers, enjoying a sweet treat, and dipping toes in the water. The perfect summer evening!

Thanks for such a fun time, Aubrey! I hope you enjoy a bunch of ice cream this summer before your senior year! ☺️🍦

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! 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

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Mankato, MN

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Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

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