Mary rocks. Literally.
I'm kicking off this year's featured senior sessions with a special edition and a peek into the life of Miss Mary Schwegman. I met this beautiful, young woman many years ago when I had her older brother, John, in my 8th grade English class (you may remember John's featured senior session from 2014 - he was channeling his inner GQ - it was fabulous). Then, a few years later, I was lucky enough to also get to have Mary in class, which is where I witnessed her amazing artistic talent first-hand!
Fast forward three more years (yikes!) to the winter of 2015, and I get an email from Mary's and John's mom, Jennifer, asking if I could take Mary's senior pictures the following summer. I, of course, responded, "Yes, please!" Jennifer continued to explain that Mary was looking for a different type of senior session - she [Mary] had a vision in mind that involved an edgy-black-and-white-rock-and-roll-vibe. I thought, "Sweet. I'm game - let's do it!"
So, why did Mary want this specific type of senior session anyway? To provide a little context, I asked Mary to share with us her journey up to this point:
"I was always singing as a kid but I didn't start singing in front of people until I was in 2nd grade and I entered the local singing contest "Laker Idol". I only got to the semi-finals, but it kickstarted a lot for me. I started singing in choirs more and doing as many contests as I could. I did Laker Idol again going into 5th grade and got 2nd place, but I was determined to be victorious. So when I was going into 6th grade, I gave it one more shot and I won! After that I got heavily involved in musicals at Stages Theatre as well as taking voice lessons at MacPhail Center For Music in Minneapolis, MN.
When I entered high school, I got involved in as much music as I could, I did musicals and choir but I felt like I needed more than that. So I applied to SPCPA (St. Paul Conservatory for Performing Arts), got in, and switched schools the following year. It opened up a giant portal of opportunities for me, like performing at Jazz Fest, getting involved with School of Rock, and expanding my music knowledge as far as the eye can see. These past three years at SPCPA have treated me so well and provided me with resources and connections I need to succeed. I will be attending Berklee College of Music in the fall with Music Business and Songwriting as my intended major."
It only made sense that Mary would want senior pictures to reflect who she is and where she is at. So, this past summer, we met up to bring Mary's vision to life. She had some ideas; I had some ideas, but the thought with most shots was really, "Is this something that could go on a potential album cover?" (Obviously, we still incorporated some token senior pics...well, BECAUSE SENIOR PICS...but for the most part, they don't fit your stereotypical senior session mold.) The evening was a family affair: mom, dad, and to my delight, even big bro made an appearance as we bounced around MPLS. As soon as we started, I knew I was going to love the finished product. Here's a glimpse into our evening:
In my humble opinion, I could totally see these images gracing the cover of Mary's first album (or maybe I just selfishly want them to because I know Mary is On. Her. Way. Up.)!
In MN, she has already performed at the Minnesota Music Cafe, The Pourhouse, Gluek's, The Depot, Goldens Deli, Wildtymes, The Dog House, Jazz Fest, and Honey. In other parts of the country, she has played at Knuckleheads in Kansas City, Graceland in Memphis, Des Moines Social Club in Iowa, Exit/In in Nashville, Third Man Records in Detroit, and Summerfest in Wisconsin!
And now you can see why Mary rocks.
If you would like to enjoy the talents of Miss Mary Schwegman, she will be performing this Friday, December 30th, 2016 at The Depot in Hopkins and at Honey in Mpls on January 7th, 2017!
Additionally, check out her work below on Soundcloud and follow this girl!
And if you, too, want an authentic, simple, and beautiful senior session, you can get a hold of me here...I'll be listening to Mary!
Kelley