About Joanna Carina of Carina Photographics

About Joanna Carina

Studio Family Photography St Paul | Irish Family

Family Photographer St Paul MN

If you want studio family photography, you deserve an experience that is both elevated and personal. In my Vandalia Tower studio, I specialize in creating refined family portraits that celebrate connection, legacy, and the beauty of your everyday moments together. Studio family photography offers a timeless, distraction-free setting where your family’s personalities shine, allowing me to craft polished, heirloom-quality photographs that feel both modern and enduring. These St Paul studio family portraits were thoughtfully designed to highlight authentic connection while delivering artwork that will live beautifully in any home for generations.

Studio Family Photography MN

The Irish family wanted to capture photos of them together once their two older children were home during their college winter break. We spent a little time rummaging through my studio’s “client closet” and even found some fun velvet jackets for the boys to play with. We captured a great variety of fun-loving photos as well as the five of them (and daughter’s fiancee in a few too) for some great portraits that will last forever.

When the session was finished, the family chose their favorites at my St Paul studio and ordered a gorgeous Heirloom Print Box filled with fine art prints they can cherish forever.

Thank You!

Thank you, Irish family, for working with me for your studio family photography. I had so much fun working with you, and I am thrilled that you love your beautiful Print Box too!

If you’d like to work together for your family studio photography, give me a call soon!

BONUS: Be sure to check out some other family portrait sessions I’ve photographed too, including Como Park St Paul family photography, more Como Park Twin Cities family photos, even more Como Park MN family photos, additional Minnesota family portraits, more Minneapolis family photography, a blended family portrait session, other Como Park family photos, a Como Park family session, a Minneapolis family picture session, another studio family picture session, a mother-son portrait session, a family with teens photoshoot, a family and toddler session, another studio family session, an LGBTQ family photoshoot, a MN Landscape Arboretum family photoshoot, and a studio mother-daughter session.

Winter Senior Guy Session Como Park St Paul | William

By Joanna Carina

Senior Guy Portraits

For senior boy photography in St Paul, MN, this session is a perfect example of how powerful and personalized senior portraits for guys can be. As a St Paul senior photographer, I specialize in creating senior photos for boys that feel authentic, confident, and true to who they are at this milestone moment. Whether showcasing athletic achievements, personal style, or a laid-back personality, senior pictures for guys should go far beyond basic yearbook photos.

Photo Studio Senior Portraits

William wanted to start his photoshoot at Como Park in a beautiful snowy landscape. The day was chilly but we worked quickly and had a number of great portraits in no time at all. Afterward we headed to my St Paul photo studio to capture a few studio photos of him too. William was happy and easy-going and even seemed to have fun!

Once William’s portrait session was finished, he and his family reviewed the “best-of-the-best” photos with me in my St Paul photo studio to choose their favorite photos and artwork. They chose a beautiful box of Graphistudio fine art prints to cherish William’s senior portraits forever.

Thank You!

Thank you, William and family, for working with me for your senior portraits. I had so much fun working with you, and I am thrilled that you love your photos! And William, best of luck with your future endeavors!

If you’d like to work together for your senior portraits, contact me soon!

Make sure to take a look at some of the other senior guys I have photographed too, including more Vandalia Tower studio senior photos, baseball player senior photos, Como Park senior photos, Hidden Falls senior pictures, a college graduate photoshoot, trans senior boy photoshoot, senior soccer session, a Vandalia Tower senior session, garden senior portraits, a Mill Ruins Park senior portrait session, Como Park senior photos, and Hidden Falls Park senior photos.

Saint Paul College Club Wedding Photos | Emily + Ryan

By Joanna Carina

St Paul College Club Wedding Photography

A Saint Paul College Club wedding in St Paul MN offers timeless elegance, historic charm, and a picturesque setting overlooking the Mississippi River. As a Saint Paul wedding photographer, I love capturing weddings at the Saint Paul College Club because of its classic architecture, manicured gardens, and refined indoor reception spaces that create stunning backdrops for romantic portraits and unforgettable celebrations. Saint Paul College Club weddings blend luxury, tradition, and natural beauty — perfect for couples seeking elevated wedding photography.

Emily + Ryan’s day was so gorgeous! We began their day with preparations in the Groom’s and Bridal Suites upstairs. From there, we held their first look right in front of the gorgeous St Paul College Club. Afterward, we captured more photos of them walking along Summit Avenue in the gorgeous autumn colors, and even gave a “wave” to the governor’s mansion next door. We even came back to capture portraits with their wedding party and families, and snuck in a few more portraits around the gorgeous building itself. Afterward, it was on to the big event!

St Paul College Club Wedding Reception

Emily + Ryan’s wedding ceremony was held in the St Paul College Club ballroom. Once the ceremony was over, Emily + Ryan enjoyed some snacks and quiet time alone upstairs while the guests began the cocktail hour with drinks, hors d’oeuvres, music and games. Emily + Ryan rejoined the party to greet guests, and then it was on to dinner in the ballroom. After dinner, toasts and cake-cutting, everyone had a blast dancing the night away.

Thank You!

Emily + Ryan, thank you so much for working with me for your wedding photography! I had so much fun on your big day, and I wish you a lifetime filled with happiness!

If you are considering a St Paul College Club wedding, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at a few other mansion weddings I photographed too, such as another St Paul College Club wedding, Van Dusen Mansion wedding, a Semple Mansion wedding, another Semple Mansion wedding, a Pillsbury Mansion wedding, and a Cedarhurst Mansion wedding.

Proposal Photography Saint Paul MN | Jack + Natalie

By Joanna Carina

Proposal Photography Como Park

If you’re interested in proposal photography in St Paul MN, there is no setting more romantic and iconic than the breathtaking Como Park Conservatory. With its lush gardens, historic glass dome, and year-round natural beauty, the Marjorie McNeely Conservatory creates the perfect backdrop for surprise proposal photography that feels timeless, elegant, and personal. As a St Paul MN proposal photographer, I specialize in discreetly capturing the exact moment you ask the most important question of your life—preserving authentic reactions, joyful tears, and the first moments of your engagement in stunning, heirloom-worthy photographs you will treasure forever.

Jack hired me to photograph his proposal to Natalie at St Paul’s Como Conservatory. After we held a few phone discussions and made plans, Jack brought Natalie to the Conservatory’s Sunken Garden on a sunny autumn afternoon, where I was hiding and waiting to photograph. I captured photos of Jack’s proposal and their celebration before Natalie even knew I was there. We then spent some time photographing them in the gorgeous Sunken Garden and the stunning Palm Dome before heading outdoors for a few last minute photos of them outside the Conservatory building. They headed out for a celebratory dinner afterward.

Thank You!

Jack + Natalie, thank you so much for working with me for your beautiful Marjorie McNeely Conservatory Sunken Garden proposal! I had so much fun working with you, and I wish you the best in your new life together!

If you would love to capture your own Como Conservatory proposal photography, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to check out some other proposals I photographed at Como Park too, including an autumn Marjorie McNeely Conservatory proposal, Como Sunken Garden proposal, a spring Como proposal, a winter Como Park proposal, another spring Como Park proposal, and another autumn Conservatory proposal.

Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photos | Sydney + Elena

By Joanna Carina

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photography

An engagement session at the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum is the perfect way to celebrate your love story in one of the most breathtaking natural settings in the Twin Cities. As a Minneapolis–St Paul engagement photographer who loves working with LGBTQ couples, I create a refined, joy-filled experience that honors your relationship with authenticity, artistry, and beauty.

LGBTQ Arboretum Engagement Portraits

Sydney was secretly planning to pop the question to her girlfriend Elena, and hired me to be there to capture the big event. I was there not just to capture the big event, but also capture photos of the two of them throughout the Landscape Arboretum afterward. Sydney planned out everything to a ‘T’, and even brought both their parents along to hide and watch the event too. It was a busy autumn afternoon at the Arb, but we all arrived and hid just in time according to plan.

Sydney + Elena arrived and took a seat on a boulder near the Japanese Garden waterfall. Once Sydney knew we were all in place, she got down on one knee and popped the question. Elena gave a resounding YES with a huge kiss! Then their parents came out of hiding celebrating and cheering them, along with a bottle of champagne for everyone to toast the special day. Once they were finished with their quick celebrations, we headed out to a number of gardens throughout the Arb to capture the two of them in the beautiful landscape together. A sweet little frog even jumped out and sat by them at another waterfall as we were capturing their photos together too.

Thank You!

After their photoshoot, Sydney + Elena came back to my photo studio to choose their favorite portraits as well as design a custom photo album to be used as their engagement guest book. It was absolutely stunning!

Sydney + Elena, thank you so much for working with me for your engagement photography! I had so much fun on your amazing day, and I enjoyed seeing the Arboretum’s gorgeous gardens with you. I wish you the best in your new life together!

If you are considering a MN Landscape Arboretum engagement session, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at additional engagement sessions I photographed at the MN Landscape Arboretum, including a Winter Lights engagement session, a summer engagement session, another summer engagement session, an autumn engagement session, a winter Landscape Arboretum engagement session, another autumn Arboretum engagement session, and even an Arboretum engagement session at the dog park!

Como Park Senior Photos St Paul MN | Emma

By Joanna Carina

Saint Paul MN Senior Pictures

If you are searching for senior photographers in St. Paul, you deserve an experience that goes far beyond ordinary yearbook photos. Senior portraits should capture personality, confidence, and the excitement of this once-in-a-lifetime milestone. As a luxury senior photographer serving St Paul MN and the greater Twin Cities area, I specialize in creating customized, magazine-worthy senior photos that reflect each student’s unique style and story. From iconic Saint Paul locations to curated wardrobe guidance and professional lighting, every session is designed to deliver stunning senior portraits that families will treasure for generations.

MN Senior Photographer

I worked with Emma on a gorgeous early autumn afternoon at Como Park, one of my favorite photo locations. Once we were finished with the portrait session, Emma and her family visited my St Paul studio to see the “best-of-the-best” photos from her session. Her grandmother was in tears at how much she loved her photos! They chose their favorites and purchased a handful of beautiful GraphiStudio heirloom fine art prints to cherish Emma’s photos forever.

Thank You!

Thank you, Emma and family, for choosing to work with me for your senior photography. I had so much fun working with you, and I am so happy that you love your photographs. And Emma, best of luck with your future endeavors!

If you’d like to work together for your senior photo session, contact me soon!

Make sure to take a look at some other senior portrait sessions I have photographed too, including more Como senior photos, Saint Croix Boom Site senior pictures, other Hidden Falls Park senior portraits, Long Lake Regional Park senior photos, best friends senior pictures, Willow River Falls senior photos, Stillwater senior portraits, Como Park senior session, Guthrie Theater senior photos, Mill Ruins Park senior pictures, Maple Grove Arboretum senior photos, Cathedral Hill senior portraits, Lyndale Peace Park senior pictures, Silver Lake senior pics, Father Hennepin Bluffs Park senior portraits, North Loop senior session, Cathedral Hill senior photos, Loring Park senior session, Long Lake Regional Park senior pictures, Loring Park senior photos, Stone Arch Bridge senior pictures, and Mill City Museum senior photos.

Minnesota State Capitol Wedding Photos | Bill + Morgan

By Joanna Carina

MN State Capitol Rotunda Wedding Photos

Photographing a wedding in the iconic rotunda of the Minnesota State Capitol is an extraordinary experience for any couple seeking timeless elegance and architectural grandeur. Located in the heart of Saint Paul, this historic landmark features soaring marble columns, a breathtaking domed ceiling, and luminous natural light that creates a romantic, ethereal atmosphere for wedding ceremonies and portraits.

Bill and Morgan were so excited to be married at the MN Capitol. After their preparation for their big day, we met up at the Como Park Lily Pond for their first look and couple portraits. Once their portraits were finished, it was on to the main event!

The Capitol’s rotunda offered a stunning backdrop for their wedding ceremony, with its sweeping staircases and symmetrical lines that turned their ceremony into a work of art. After their big kiss, we captured group photos with family and friends, and a few more photos of the two of them upstairs in the capitol before heading outside and capturing them walking away from the spectacular venue.

French Meadow Reception

Following their beautiful wedding ceremony, Bill + Morgan headed to the French Meadow Cafe Nord Tasting Room and Patio for their reception dinner with close family and friends. It was such a beautiful day!

Thank You!

Bill + Morgan, thank you so much for working with me as your wedding photographer! I had so much fun working with you both, and I’m so happy for you as you begin your new lives together.

If you are considering a MN State Capitol wedding, contact me soon!

BONUS 1: Take a look at Bill + Morgan’s beautiful Como Park engagement photos too, featuring their sweet pup Newton!

Birthday Portrait Studio Photography | Ekaete

By Joanna Carina

Fine Art Studio Portrait Photography

Ekaete’s 50th birthday was coming up, so she started dropping hints to her family that she really wanted a photoshoot to celebrate her birthday, herself, and her love of fashion, style and beautiful clothing. Her daughter ended up secretly hiring me for the photoshoot, but revealed that they eventually had to “spill the beans” on the secret before the big day so her mom could prepare for her session, find new outfits, jewelry, etc. She was so excited!

Portrait Session

The day arrived and Ekaete brought four stunning dresses for her session. We worked with my hair + makeup artist beforehand, and then worked together to capture photos of Ekaete in all four of her stunning outfits, complete with a variety of jewelry and hairstyles. Her sister even flew in from Canada and arrived at the session as a surprise, gifting her with a birthday cake! The whole group had such a wonderful time!

Cinematic Presentation + Design Consultation

After Ekaete’s session, I presented her and her family with the best photos from her birthday portrait session, and they were all thrilled! They were captivated with so many of the photos, and they ended up with a portrait box of fine art prints as well as some gorgeous wall art so she and her family could enjoy her photos every day. Her daughter even called me after they received their artwork to thank me again and tell me how much her mom (and the whole family) loved the entire experience. I was so excited – I love making people happy!

Thank You!

Thank you, Ekaete, for choosing to work with me as your birthday portrait photographer. I had so much fun working with you and your family, and I am so happy that you love your photographs and wall art. Best wishes for a life filled with happiness!

Take a look at other personal portrait sessions I have photographed including another birthday personal portrait session, a portrait photography session, another fine art studio portrait session, and a personal branding session. If you’d like to work together for your portrait photography session, contact me soon!

Stillwater Senior Photo Session | Jazmyn

By Joanna Carina

Stillwater Cave Senior Pictures

Jazmyn’s mom contacted me one afternoon about Jazmyn’s senior photos, and I was so excited. I had just worked with Jazmyn’s older sister Mackenzie a year before for her senior photos, and now it was her sister’s turn. I couldn’t wait to work with her too!

Stillwater Senior Photographer

Jazmyn decided on capturing her photos at the Stillwater Cave and St Croix Boom Site once she saw a few examples in my web gallery. And she included their sweet doggie Tucker just like Mackenzie did too! Jazmyn had a few different outfit options chosen, and we spent a bit of time around the cave, in the woods, along the beach and even in the water. Her whole session was a blast, and Tucker enjoyed being a star along with Jazmyn too.

Once Jazmyn’s photos were complete, we met up at my Saint Paul studio to choose their favorite photos. They opted for a beautiful Graphistudio album similar to her sister’s photo album. It was stunning in final form too!

Thank You!

Thank you, Jazmyn and family, for choosing to work with me for your senior photography. I had so much fun working with you, and I am so happy that you love your photographs. And Jazmyn, best of luck with your future endeavors!

Senior Photographers Saint Paul MN

Take a look at other senior portrait sessions I have photographed too, including Como Park senior photos, St Croix Boom Site senior pictures, more Como Park senior pictures, another Saint Croix Boom Site senior session, more Stillwater Cave senior photos, Hidden Falls Park senior portraits, Long Lake Regional Park senior photos, best friends senior pictures, Willow River Falls senior photos, Stillwater senior portraits, Como Park senior session, Guthrie Theater senior photos, Mill Ruins Park senior pictures, Maple Grove Arboretum senior photos, Cathedral Hill senior portraits, Lyndale Peace Park senior pictures, Silver Lake senior pics, Father Hennepin Bluffs Park senior portraits, North Loop senior session, Cathedral Hill senior photos, Loring Park senior session, Long Lake Regional Park senior pictures, Loring Park senior photos, Stone Arch Bridge senior pictures, and Mill City Museum senior photos.

If you’d like to work together for your senior photo session, contact me soon!

Engagement Photographer St Paul MN | Bill + Morgan

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Dog Engagement Photography

Bill + Morgan hired me to photograph their autumn wedding day ceremony and reception. They also decided to include an engagement session as they were hoping in particular to include their sweet pup Newton in some portraits since he would be unable to attend their big day, and he is an important member of the family! So we decided to capture photos of them at Como Park and include little Newton in the fun.

We met up for an engagement session at Como on a beautiful summer afternoon, and Newton was such a champ! He loved being included as they took him on a walk in a new park, and then he hung out patiently and watched his humans get photos taken of themselves together too. We captured their portraits at the Lily Pond area as well as the Hamm Memorial Waterfall near the Como Lakeside Pavilion by Como Lake. The session flew by and we were done before we knew it. I sent a gallery shortly afterward with a number of beautiful photos of Bill + Morgan, as well as portraits including Newton, to cherish forever!

Thank You!

Bill + Morgan, thank you so much for working with me for your beautiful engagement portraits! I had so much fun working with you, and I wish you the best in your new life together!

If you would like to work with me for your own engagement photography, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to check out some other engagement sessions I photographed too, including a winter Como Park Conservatory engagement session, spring Como Park engagement photos, summer Como Park engagement photos, another summer Como Park engagement session, and even MN Landscape Arboretum winter lights engagement photos!

BONUS 2: Watch this space for Bill + Morgan’s wedding day blog, coming soon!