Photography Blog - Carina Photographics

Minneapolis Newborn Photography | Svendsen Family

Minneapolis Newborn Photography

“POP!” A stream of blue gushed from the balloon after it was hit with the dart. “A BOY!!!!!” Everyone shouted, hugged and congratulated Matt and Amy as they discovered the happy news during the dart game at their newborn gender reveal party last summer.

Matt + Amy spent the next few months planning and preparing the nursery and getting life ready for their new little boy to enter the world. They had to do a lot of work to his room including removing old flooring, painting, and of course adding in all the cute furniture a baby could need. At some point along the way, Matt + Amy talked with me about working together for their newborn photos once their little guy arrived, so we began our plans for our photo session as well.

Newborn Photo Session

William Matthew made his debut just a few days before the beginning of 2016. A couple weeks later, I spent some time at Matt + Amy’s house photographing them spending time together as a new family. Even their dog Strummer wanted to get in on the fun! Little Will was trying his hardest to stay awake so he didn’t miss a moment of the party. After awhile he finally gave in to his urge to nap. We were able to spend lots of time creating great portraits of them together. Then afterward I was able to collect their favorite images into a beautiful album that they will enjoy for years to come.

Thank You!

Thanks again Matt + Amy for working with me as your newborn photographer. I am so happy for you as you begin your new lives as a family together. Congratulations to you all!!! (You too, Strummer!)

If you would like more information about working with me for your newborn and family photos, contact me soon!

BONUS: Make sure to take a peek at other outdoor and home newborn sessions I have photographed, including the Wilson family, Kelzer family, Ford family, Troldahl family, Gangl family, and Ranheim family.

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photography | Robin + Paul

By Joanna Carina

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photos

The day was upon us. We could *finally* go through with Robin + Paul’s winter Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement session after continually delaying it for almost a month. Why the delays? Because even though we live in the mega-snowy state of Minnesota, we had NO snow! Zip. Zilch. Not a flake! We were hoping to get some beautiful snowy engagement photos at the ever-amazing MN Landscape Arboretum. So when we finally had a couple of snow days (I believe it was only a mere 4-5 inches or so) we jumped at the chance!

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Session

Robin + Paul were so much fun to work with. From Paul’s cute one-liners and jokes, to Robin’s infectious laughter, we had such an awesome time together! They brought in some great props and some of their own fun ideas to the mix as well. We ended up spending almost two hours together! The two ways we knew our session was coming to an end: first, the sun was setting (treating us to an awesome sunset) so we were losing light fast; and second, we all started to notice that, as the sun was going down, we were getting reeeeealllly cold.

Robin + Paul, thank you so much for working with me as your engagement photographer! The Arboretum under a fresh snowfall was such a beautiful backdrop. And of course, you guys are SO adorable together. I am so excited to be working with you, and can’t wait for your big day later this summer!

If you’re planning for a Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement session, contact me soon to find out how we could work together!

BONUS: Take a look at Robin + Paul’s gorgeous summer Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding photos too!

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

Watch Robin + Paul’s highlight video to see more images too:

Photographic Wall Art Minneapolis MN | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina

Heirloom Photographic Wall Art

Today I want to highlight Carina Photographics’ gorgeous varieties of hand-crafted, customized, heirloom wall art. Our options include Premium Canvas, Metal and Acrylic Wall Collages, as well as fine art photographic Matted Prints.

Vibrant colors and breathtaking details – the most striking features of our stunning artwork. Carina Photographics chooses to work with Graphistudio to create our heirloom wall art. Graphistudio is one of the oldest and most-prestigious photographic artwork artisans in the world. All artwork is hand-made in a beautiful castle outside of Venice, Italy. True, vibrant, HD colors are professionally printed on cotton canvas, metal or photographic paper for an artistic look and feel. Artwork is mounted with millimetric precision and sharp wrap corners.

Graphistudio uses superior quality materials that will never collapse or allow the artwork to loosen and bulge like other artwork available on the market. Heirloom quality printing keeps our colors true and vibrant. Archival artwork finishing techniques, including UV-protected coatings and velvety laminates, protect and illuminate our pieces with true artistic representation. Carina Photographics even provides professional wall art installation for every order of our Wall Art Collage options. All of these features help to ensure that your artwork will look spectacular in your home and last for a lifetime – and beyond.

Wall Art Collections

Our heirloom wall artwork is featured in several collections. Collections are categorized by sizing. Following are some examples of the beautiful options we offer:

LUXE COLLECTION

SIGNATURE COLLECTION

PREMIUM COLLECTION

CLASSIC COLLECTION

ESSENTIAL COLLECTION

Additional Heirloom Artwork

Take a look at my other gorgeous heirloom artwork options too, including albums, desk prints and more!
Signature Albums
Premium Albums
Engagement Albums
Print Boxes

I’ve got these and other wall art to view as well, so please don’t hesitate to contact me soon to see examples at my Twin Cities photo studio!

Minneapolis Wedding Photographer Best of 2015

By Joanna Carina

2015 Minneapolis Wedding Photography

2015 – what a year! It was a time full of “firsts”. This is the year I opened my very first photography studio, started selling my first luxury products, had my first dedicated second-shooter (thanks Eric!), participated in my first wedding fair, was first published in numerous magazines and blogs, etc etc etc. 2015 will be hard to top, but I’m sure I can do it just based on the amazing couples I have lined up for 2016 and beyond, as well as a few things that are coming down the road already. I am so excited – stay tuned to this blog for more updates!

I have already been lucky enough to photograph my first engagement session of 2016 (watch for a blog post coming soon!) and this year is starting off with a bang. (Again, watch for more blog updates coming soon!) In the meantime, I wanted to take a look back and reminisce on some of my favorite images from the couples I worked with in 2015. I had weddings of all sizes and all types of locations. I had such a wonderful group of people to work with – I really feel so lucky to have gotten to know and spend time with each of them. They were all truly a joy, and it is such an amazing feeling to spend time with people during one of the biggest events of their lives. I hope all of my couples know how much I truly appreciate getting to know them, knowing their wonderful spirits and seeing their love together. I just loved spending time with them, and I so look forward to spending time with my new couples as well!

I want to wish the most wonderful lifetime together to all my 2015 couples, and an equally wonderful time to my upcoming 2016/2017 couples as well – cheers to all of you!

Take a look at some of my other Year in Review blog posts here:
2016

Mother-Daughter Portrait Photography | Michelle + Lauren

By Joanna Carina

Minneapolis Mother-Daughter Portraits

I’ve been hearing about this family portrait session for years. No – really! My step-sister Michelle had told me for years that she wanted to have a Mother-Daughter portrait session with her daughter Lauren. Finally, she told me a couple of months ago “THIS is the year!” I was so excited! It was perfect timing too – as one would expect, the addition of a studio means that I can now photograph people at any time of year, no matter what kind of weather we are having. And of course, Minnesota is blessed with widely varied climates, so at any time we could be in the midst of rain, humidity, cold, heat or snow. My studio also has a wall full of windows, which gives amazing light most any time of day. We opted for an early December date for their portrait session.

Mother-Daughter Portrait Session

After finalizing props, lighting, and the rest of my studio set-up over the past few months, I was ready. They came in with numerous wardrobe options that we could coordinate together. And even though Lauren swore she would never be seen in a dress again, she agreed to wear not just one but two. They were both awesome! After they worked with my hair/makeup artist, we spent time to photograph each of them alone and then the two of them together. I captured them in 5 different outfits. Before we knew it, we had spent almost two hours together.

Image Viewing and Ordering Session

Mo and Lo came out to the studio for their Image Reveal Session about two weeks later. They were thrilled! Even Lauren, who vowed to never wear a dress again, really loved seeing herself in her beautiful outfits. She chose a number of her dress photos as her favorites.

Michelle + Lauren, I’m so happy that you hired me as your family photographer! I can’t wait to see the final photos in your home!

If you’d like more information about a Mother-Daughter portrait session, contact me soon to find out how we could work together!

BONUS: Take a look at a mother-son studio session I photographed too!

Landscape Arboretum Wedding Photography | Lindsey + Mark

By Joanna Carina

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Photos

“Oooooooooooohhh!” All the girls oooh’ed and ahhh’ed when Lindsey had her dress buttoned up, pins and jewelry in place, and finally spun around. “Wow, Lindsey, you look so beautiful!” Several girls, as well as her mom, were tearing up too. It was then that Lindsey let us in on the secret that finally sealed the deal on choosing this dress – “It has pockets so I can hold my flask and traveling shot glass.” Haha!

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Ceremony

Lindsey + Mark were excited for their Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding photos. Their ceremony was held on a warm, late summer day. They chose the Ornamental Grass gardens for their ceremony site, and the tufted grass tops looked really spectacular in the breezes and late afternoon light. The garden had a huge oak tree at one end, and it was a perfectly gorgeous spot for their ceremony. They had chairs and blankets set around the site, and a friend had even climbed up the tree to fasten the sheer panels to create the perfect backdrop.

After their friends lead the ceremony and gave lively readings, Lindsey + Mark read their own hand-written vows. They then took a moment to pull out their custom engraved pocket flasks and shot glasses and toast a ceremonial shot to each other before sealing their vows with a kiss.

MN Landscape Arboretum Wedding Reception

After their ceremony and receiving line, we all headed back through the winding wooded road to the MacMillan Auditorium. Lindsey + Mark celebrated their wedding with dinner, toasts, cake, a photo booth, and dancing. Everyone had such a blast!

Lindsey + Mark, thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer. Your Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding was so awesome. I loved spending the day with you, and it was so great to see the two of you so happy together. Best wishes in all your years ahead!

Planning a Minnesota Landscape Arboretum wedding? Contact me soon to find out how we could work together!

BONUS: Take a look at some other MN Landscape Arboretum weddings I photographed too, including an autumn Arboretum wedding, another autumn Arboretum wedding, a summer Landscape Arboretum reception, another summer Landscape Arboretum wedding, an indoor Landscape Arboretum wedding, and a winter Arboretum wedding.

Watch the slideshow for more images from their beautiful day here:

Minnesota Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photography | Jesse + Ashley

By Joanna Carina

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Photos

“A willow tree. Do you know of any places that have a willow tree?”

“Why yes, of course I do. Why don’t we plan on having Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement photos?”

So went my conversation with Jesse + Ashley when talking about ideas for their engagement photos. They were really drawn toward willow trees, but they are not always easy to find! So we instantly settled on having a gorgeous Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement session. You cannot get much better than that!

MN Landscape Arboretum Engagement Session

We were so lucky to have a beautiful early fall afternoon to spend our time at the Arboretum. The weather was perfect with awesome temps. There were just a few clouds that appeared to be painted in the sky. The fall colors were absolutely spectacular. I had some ideal spots already picked out, so we were able to travel between each location quickly. Even without the photos, it was fun wandering through the beautiful fields and among the trees and gardens. We made sure to spend enough time out by the willow trees of the Arboretum, as that was on the top of Jesse + Ashley’s favorites list. We even got a quick session in the hedge maze. The sun was setting in the west as we finished our last location.

Thank You!

Jesse + Ashley, thank you so much for hiring me as your engagement photographer. I loved working with you for your spectacular Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement photos. Best of luck on your big day. I wish you every happiness in your new lives together!

Thinking about having a Minnesota Landscape Arboretum engagement session? Contact me soon to find out how we could work together!

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

Take a look at Jesse + Ashley’s highlight video here:

Rum River Barn & Vineyard Wedding Photography | Lauren + Wes

By Joanna Carina

Rum River Barn and Vineyard Wedding Photos

“Look how handsome you are!” Those were the first words from Lauren when she saw Wes for the first time before their wedding ceremony. They were the cutest bundle of hugs, adoration and kisses during their Rum River Barn & Vineyard wedding photos. They were so cute too as we spent time wandering around taking portraits among the grapevines and hay bales prior to their beautiful wedding ceremony.

Rum River Barn and Vineyard Wedding

Wes + Lauren’s wedding took place on a crisp October day at the Rum River Barn & Vineyard in Hillman, MN. The barn and vineyard grounds were spectacularly gorgeous, especially with the fall color and light. The girls got ready in the cute bridal suite building while the guys were getting ready in the little house. Guests were able to meander around the barn and grounds, passing their time playing home-made, over-sized jenga and other lawn games.

The sun had just begun setting behind them as Wes + Lauren gave their vows in a clearing of trees in front of their friends and loved ones. Their ceremony site was set in a half-circle. The two of them stood under the adorable birch arbor while they were married by their newly-ordained friend (an awesome trend I have been seeing more and more!)

Rum River Barn and Vineyard Reception

Once their ceremony was over, guests were able to enjoy cocktails and snacks. Dinner and toasts were followed up by dancing away into the night. It was so fitting as we left for the evening to look up and see a gorgeous star-filled sky over the warm, glowing barn that echoed the sounds of music and laughter over the fields.

Thank You!

Wes + Lauren, I am so happy for the two of you as you begin your new life journey together. And I thank you so much for including me as your wedding photographer for your Rum River Barn and Vineyard wedding photos on one of the biggest days of your lives. I also loved your Bryant Lake Regional Park engagement photos so much. I wish you every happiness together!

If you’re planning a barn wedding, contact me soon to find out how we could work together! And don’t forget to read Top 10 Tips for Having a Barn Wedding from Rustic Elegance too!

BONUS: Take a look at more of my barn wedding photos, Hope Glen Farm wedding photos, farm wedding photos and vineyard wedding photos too!

View more of Wes + Lauren’s wedding images on their highlight video:

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photography | Kim + Lucas

By Joanna Carina

Stone Arch Bridge Engagement Photos

When Kim and Lucas first started planning for their engagement photography, they decided to go to the Stone Arch Bridge. They loved the beauty of the old stonework and archways of the bridge, as well as the city buildings. I absolutely love to create Father Hennepin Bluff Park prewedding photography. It’s so awesome working right next to the Stone Arch Bridge among the trees, trails, wooden bridges, and the river’s edge. Kim and Lucas were more than happy to spend our session at Father Hennepin Bluff Park when I told them how perfect it was for them!

Father Hennepin Bluff Park Engagement Photos

We visited the park on a late weekday afternoon. The weather was perfect and the park was nearly empty – lucky us! We had plenty of time to wander around the trails, bridges, stairways and beach. It was fun chatting and laughing and getting cute photos of the two of them spending time together. We had a great time, and our session seemed to be over in a flash (or at least until the sun went down and it was practically dark outside lol!) The two of them were even able to head out afterward to a nearby restaurant and enjoy a lovely, romantic dinner.

Thank You!

Kim and Lucas, I had such a great time working with you on your engagement photography. Thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your engagement photographer. And of course, I am so excited for your Aria Minneapolis wedding photos next year – it’s going to be awesome!

If you’re planning for Stone Arch Bridge or Father Hennepin Park engagement or prewedding photography, contact me soon!

Take a look at more of my Stone Arch Bridge and Father Hennepin Bluff Park engagement sessions too!
Courtney + Blake
Chantel + Quinn
Alyssa + Dave
Lindsey + Bernie
Stephanie + Travis

Take a look at the highlight video for more images here:

Mill Ruins Park Engagement Photography | Chris + Antonio

By Joanna Carina

Mill Ruins Park Engagement Photos

There is something so sweet about these two. The glances. Cute jokes. The time when Antonio pretended to almost push Chris into the river, causing them to burst out in the most infectious laughter until we were all crying. Yeah, these guys are awesome. Definitely my kind of people! I am so excited to be able to photograph their wedding next summer at the Landmark Center in downtown St Paul.

LGBT Engagement Photos

When deciding on their engagement session location, Chris + Antonio decided they wanted Mill Ruins Park engagement photos near downtown Minneapolis. And of course, why not? It’s a perfect mix of vintage stone structures in a grand natural setting. Old stone and ironwork ruins, grasses and wildflowers, an amazing riverfront, and the stunning Stone Arch Bridge all encapsulated in one location. It’s pretty spectacular!

Minneapolis Engagement Photos

They spent lots of time wandering around beautiful Mill Ruins Park so we could find gorgeous points to photograph the them together. We photographed among the stone and iron ruins and the wildflower fields, as well as down by the river and under the Stone Arch Bridge. We had such an amazing experience cracking jokes, laughing and getting to know each other! Our session seemed to be over in a flash.

Chris + Antonio visited my studio to see their final photos and choose their favorites. They had such a tough time choosing among all the options! They settled on a number of favorite images to use for an engagement photo album and wall art. I can’t wait to see everything in final print. I know it will look absolutely amazing!

Thank You!

Chris + Antonio, thank you so much for choosing to work with me as your engagement photographer. I had such a great time working with you. I’m so excited for your wedding next year. It will be tough to wait until August!

If you’re planning for Mill Ruins Park engagement or prewedding photography, contact me soon!

ETA: Check out Chris + Antonio’s gorgeous Landmark Center wedding photos too!