I have been working in the newspaper field selling advertising and writing a column for over 30 years. I started working at St. Cloud Times in the early 1990’s, followed by seven years at Monticello Times (1993-2000) and Patriot Newspaper (formerly Citizen newspaper) for the past 21 years. I have always enjoyed taking photos as a hobby. I took photos for the yearbook in high school. I also took photos and wrote stories for the Paw Print school newpsaper at Becker High School.

As a teenager, I noticed at many events and reunions that no one was taking photos and felt led to capture special moments on film. I became the photographer at a majority of family gatherings for the past 30 years. My mother would often say: “That picture better not end up in the newspaper!”

One local portrait photographer has a knack for capturing amazing moments. Chris Lommel (Lommel Photography, Master Photographer, Craftsman) truly has a passion for photography. It shows in his work. 

Lommel first discovered his passion for photography during a summer class following sixth grade. He continued his hobby through 4-H and entered projects at the county fair. Chris earned a blue ribbon that he remembers fondly nearly 50 years later.  He took a photography class his junior year at Monticello High School through Community Education taught by Bruce Ellingson (then a photographer for Monticello Times). Ellingson suggested to the publisher (Donald Q. Smith) that Chris join the newspaper staff. Chris agreed and began working at Monticello Times newspaper as a high school junior in 1978. Lommel continued to work part time through journalism school at the University of Minnesota and full time after he graduated. Chris served as graphics director/production manager. Chris and I worked together briefly at Monticello Times. I enjoyed his contagious enthusiasm and great sense of humor and I was inspired by his photographs. After a number of years at the Times, he was looking to do something different. Lommel’s wife, Kim, was working with David Hyttsten at David’s Photography in Monticello. Chris photographed weddings part time and some high school senior portraits. Chris enjoyed working with David,  but the small business could not provide enough year-round work for both families. 

In the fall of 1988, Chris took a job as an associate editor at the Elk River Star News. Lommel was drawn back to portrait photography and started Lommel Photography part time with his wife and their three sons in their home in 1991.

In 1996, Lommel expanded and built a home studio on two acres. Chris began doing photography full time that year. The Lommels’ business was growing. Then, in January of 2002, Chris had a life changing diagnosis - multiple myeloma. He was treated with chemotherapy, but it was not completely successful. The decision was made to proceed with a donor stem cell transplant, which was a risky procedure. Chris shared: “We knew the only way it was going to be successful was with a miracle.” 

Many difficult days would follow, but by the grace of God,  Lommel received the miracle he had prayed for. The transplant proved to be successful and was a turning point in his illness. January of 2003 (one year after his initial diagnosis), Chris was declared cancer-free. 

Lommel continued to take photos during his illness. He snapped over 1,000 photographs during that time, which proved to be therapeutic for him and also served to inspire others. 

Nearly 20 years after treatment for cancer, Lommel strives to make the most of every day. He recognizes God left him here for a reason and makes a point to enjoy the small moments. Chris and Kim also enjoy their children (Eric Ryan and Bret) and their spouses, as well as their four grandchildren. 

Over 50 years after first picking up a camera, Chris is as inspired with his craft as ever. Lommel finds spectacular views and inspiration of what nature has to offer, many times before a majority of the world is awake. He takes senior portraits and also takes many photographs at sunrise on a lake or river with a goal of uplifting others through his work. “There is so much beauty to behold in our natural environment, found just outside our front doors or just a short drive through our communities of Monticello, Big Lake and Becker. The art is made by our creator. My purpose is to plan and prepare for opportunities to be in the right place at the right time to capture key moments with a camera”.

Chris shared:  “Sunrise on the water is an opportunity to commune with nature and get in a workout to begin the day in the kayak. Getting outside and taking photos is healing. I’ve recently found that inviting friends and my son, Eric, to join my pre-dawn adventures has proven to be relaxing and great therapy for all of us!”

Lommel’s portraits continue to touch people.