Greetings from 2026! In the spirit of awards season (and before we get too far into the new year) I'd like to give proper recognition to all of the photography-related goodness and growth that happened in 2025.
Family Photography
As stated elsewhere on my website, family photography is truly the heart of what I do. It's how I got started and I cannot yet foresee a time when I won't be doing this type of work to some degree. I made a point to hold my usual themed mini sessions as I do most years (Mother's Day minis, summer sessions, fall minis, and holiday sessions) but I also chose to shoot in some new (to me) locations which resulted in some fresh inspiration and some really wonderful shots.
I held Mother's Day Minis at Lyndale Park Rose Garden (possibly my all-time favorite mom and me sessions). I held summer minis at White Pine Berry Farm in River Falls. In October I photographed fall minis at Prospect Park (the oldest park in Hudson), The Heritage House in Woodbury (quaint country vibes) and Mill City Ruins Park (the perfect blend of urban and historic and so quintessentially Minneapolis). Lastly, KPT Collaborative in Hudson, WI proved to be the perfect spot for winter indoor minis. Looking back at these locations, I think anything historic proved to be a draw for me this year!
Wedding Photography
Getting the chance to document people promising their love in this crazy world is always near and dear to my heart. In the first half of the year, I photographed a variety of lovebirds and wedding types... a couple winter weddings in Stillwater, a courthouse ceremony in the spring, as well as some traditional church weddings. I also had the chance to associate shoot and second shoot with a variety of photographers that I truly am inspired by. This included Sophia Huber Photography, Render Photography, Christina Naselli Photography, and Scherer Photo. Co.
Senior Portraits
Class of 2026 looked SO good! I can't say enough nice things about these teens I got to work with. It's a fun challenge and pleasure to draw out their personalities and really capture the essence of their identity at 17 or 18 years old.
Branding Photography
I got connected to a variety of businesses this year and I want to shout from the rooftops how amazing these owners and their services are. Since my neighbors would probably be concerned if I attempted this (especially in January), I am going to do these businesses a solid and link their websites below.
Green Pastures Farm (new favorite local getaway/ Airbnb) Nitti Bakery Co. (farmstand offering delicious baked goods featured in the Star Observer this year!), 44 Blooms and Greens (dreamy floral arrangements), Load of Crock (delicious recipes, slow-cooker liners, and midwestern merriment for days) and Urban Olive and Vine (my favorite cafe in Hudson).
Boudoir Photography
I only shot a wee bit of boudoir this year (but a wee is better than none!). These beautiful clients lit my heart on fire and I'm looking forward to giving the boudoir side of my business a little more tending and TLC this year.
2025 Personally
When not shooting with my favorite families, new clients, or with my fellow photogs, I was primarily in a state of unruliness and distress... Just kidding! Haha, but no, seriously.
Last year turned out to be bit of a wild ride in terms of personal growth. I quit the 9-5 job I had taken on for the last 2.5 years last January after getting honest with myself that it wasn't a good fit. Even being semi-prepared, the financial squeeze was very real. I ended up taking on a new contract position doing SALES as of June 2025 and am officially in my era of being cringe/ getting comfortable with being uncomfortable. But I've decided that my new mantra is "be cringe or be broke." And fortunately, this job is flexible enough that I can still continue to do photography in the same capacity that I have over the last decade.
However, in the name of saving money, I quit my CrossFit gym which I had grown to love over the last 5 years, and it was difficult to give up that outlet. In the name of getting honest with myself and the struggles I have with cognitive functioning, I got evaluated and received my official ADHD diagnosis. And I also began working with a new therapist which has been helpful in giving me new tools for productivity, combating anxiety, and giving myself grace. Oh, and adjusting and readjusting meds as needed! That experience is truly a whole other blog post in itself so stay tuned for that.
Aside from sorting through the jumble in my head, navigating my existential midlife crisis (turned 39 last year!), I also did the work of continuing to raise 4 kids (ages 6, 8, 11, and 14) and run our household to the best of my abilities. To be completely honest, very little came easily to me last year aside from photography. It was a little hard to feel like I was in a season of survival while others appeared (at least on social media) to be thriving. But again, seasons. There is a season for everything and there are some years that must happen to you. It also gave me great joy to be on the sideline and cheerlead my own kids on the new chapters in their lives (Highschool, marching band, JV cheerleading, middle school cheerleading, flag football, and kindergarten to name a few!)
Yes, parts of 2025 felt a little unsettled and uncomfortable AND there were some really lovely highlights too. (And I don't just mean the rise of K-pop Demon Hunters). I managed to read 20 books this year and join a couple book clubs too. I connected with new friends and new businesses and even managed one trip home to see my family in Chicago before 2025 ended.
As I reach the end of this way-longer than intended blog post, I've realized that although 2025 certainly wasn't easy, it also wasn't all bad. And it may have laid the groundwork for some big, beautiful things in 2026. My hope is to keep my mind and heart open to what may come.
So, cheers to a new year, to my 13th year in business, and to my 40th trip around the sun!
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I’m Rachel Gaetz
I’m Rachel Gaetz and I am a creative portrait photographer in the Twin Cities. I am also a busy mom of four and can often be spotted with a coffee in hand, a big messy bun on my head, and a baby on my hip. My goal is to create images that YOU will be obsessed with -- pictures you will be eager to post today as well as cherish decades from now. My business BelleAmiss Photography strives to take the stress out of photo sessions while capturing life's beautiful imperfections. You will leave feeling great about YOU and your photo experience.
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