SLAYTON -- A picture of a hotdog entered as a 4-H county fair project led to his first professional wedding shoot when Sean Solheim was still in high school, he admitted with a laugh.
Solheim is in his third year working as a portrait photographer, but still in his first year of officially being the owner and talent behind Sean Solheim Photography. He shoots weddings, senior photos, family portraits and just about anything else a customer requests.
A 2010 graduate of Murray County Central, Solheim said it was mostly luck that got him where he is today. When he showed an interest in photography in school, MCC teacher Kara Damm encouraged him and got him started with some general knowledge. In one class at school, Solheim was required to job shadow someone, so he contacted the Daily Globe and ended up spending an afternoon with photographer Brian Korthals.
Working after school and on weekends, he saved the money to purchase a high-end camera and was soon offered a job taking sports photos for a local Slayton newspaper.
"The first year I officially started my business, I wasn't too busy, but by the second year, I did quite a few senior photo shoots," he said.
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He enjoys doing the seniors, because he gets a chance to sit down with the student and talk one-on-one with them, which helps him get a feel for their personality.
"I can incorporate their personality into their shoot doing on-location photos," Solheim explained. "It's very satisfying."
His family photo sessions show imagination and creativity, and reflect Solheim's passion for his work. From an engaged couple smiling at each other to a close-up of an infant's toes, the photos evoke emotion and often an element of humor.
He has several weddings booked for 2012, and even has one booked in 2013. While he does have some studio lighting, he does not have a studio.
"About 90 percent of what I do is on location," he said.
The wedding packages he offers include prints and a CD of photos, so the couple can get photos printed on their own, or have Solheim do it for them. Engagements photos can be part of the wedding package if the couple chooses.
So far, he's handled most weddings on his own, but is considering finding an assistant for the bigger jobs.
"You have to get everything right, because in weddings, there are no do-overs," he said with a smile.
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He hasn't had formal photography training other than what he learned in a high school class. He is currently working toward a business degree, taking online classes at Minnesota West Community and Technical College, Worthington campus.
"I don't have a degree in photography," he said. "Everything I've done has been learning on my own."
His mother Linda has been very helpful, he said.
"Ever since I picked up a camera, she's been giving my suggestions on editing, ideas," he stated. "Now she's helping me keep track of financial records."
Solheim's work can be seen on Facebook at Sean Solheim Photography, and he can be contacted at www.seansolheimphotography@hotmail.com or by phone at (507)-329-1213.
