Photography Blog - Carina Photographics

Senior Picture Photographer Minnehaha Falls | Ariah

Minnehaha Falls Senior Photos

Dayna contacted me one spring afternoon about photographing her daughter’s senior photos. We discussed location ideas and her daughter Ariah loved the idea of working at Minnehaha Falls Park in Minneapolis.

The day arrived and the park, the weather, the flowers – everything was absolutely perfect! The spring weather was gorgeous, the flowers were exploding and fragrance filled the air, and Ariah had so much fun during her senior portrait session.

Minneapolis Senior Photographer

Once we were finished with the portrait session, Dayna + Ariah visited my St Paul studio to see the “best-of-the-best” photos from Ariah’s session. They chose their favorites and then settled on a beautiful custom-designed heirloom Graphistudio photo album to cherish Ariah’s photos forever.

Thank You!

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

Make sure to take a look at some other senior portrait sessions I have photographed too, including Como Park senior pictures, other Como Park senior photos, Stillwater Boom Site senior photos, a best friends senior session, Hidden Falls senior photos, 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.

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

Family Photographers MN | Baker Family

By Joanna Carina

MN Family Photography

The Baker family contacted me one spring day – they were hoping to capture photos of their family and create some beautiful heirloom wall artwork for their home. Their kiddos were 7 and 5 and they had not had professional photos taken before. We talked through ideas, and even talked about capturing the kiddos with their favorite stuffies to hold on to these precious memories forever. We talked through locations and options and settled on a photoshoot in early summer at Como Park. I couldn’t wait!

Como Park Family Photos

The day arrived and the whole family was so excited. The two kiddos brought along their lovies for some portraits too – Bunny Buns and Mommy Puppy. They all were smiles and laughs and had so much fun, even the kiddos were excited for their favorite stuffies to have some photographic attention!

After their session, the Bakers visited my St Paul photo studio to review the “best-of-the-best” photos. They narrowed down to their favorite photos from their session, both the four of them together as well as a few of the kiddos together and with their stuffies. We created a beautiful triptych to adorn their walls, as well as a few extra prints for frames of the kids with their stuffies.

Thank You!

Thank you, Baker Family, for working with me as your family portrait photographer. I had so much fun working with you, and I am thrilled that you love your wall art and prints!

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

BONUS: Be sure to check out some other family portrait sessions I’ve photographed too, including other Como Park St Paul family photography, 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, a Minneapolis studio family photoshoot, 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.

Senior Boy Photographer MN | Noah

By Joanna Carina

MN Senior Guy Photography

I spoke with Holly one afternoon about planning Noah’s senior photo session. She grew up in Sunfish Lake (near Eagan) and he wanted to capture his photos on the lake and land where her mother and other family members still live. It sounded like a beautiful location so I was excited to see it!

Senior Portrait Session

The day arrived with perfectly sunny skies and temps. We met up in the morning and worked around the beautiful property to capture some amazing photos. Noah and I had fun cracking jokes and exchanging one-liners. He talked a little about his plans, school and career ideas, and felt excited for the future.

After Noah’s portrait session, Holly reviewed the “best-of-the-best” photos with me in my St Paul photo studio to choose their photos and artwork. She narrowed down to her absolute favorites and chose a collection of beautiful matted fine art prints to enjoy.

Thank You!

Thank you, Noah, Holly 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! Best of luck with your future endeavors too, Noah!

Make sure to take a look at some of the other senior guy portraits I have photographed too, including Hidden Falls senior pictures, college graduate photos, trans senior boy photos, University of Minnesota senior 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.

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

Sunken Garden Como Park Wedding Photos | Sam + James

By Joanna Carina

Sunken Garden Wedding Photographer

I worked with James + Sam to capture their beautiful wedding day at the Como Park Conservatory Sunken Garden in St Paul MN. (We had worked together last year for their engagement photography too, so be sure to check out their engagement photos too!)

Sunken Garden Como Park

James + Sam’s wedding was so gorgeous (as is the case with every wedding at the Conservatory!) We began their big day by capturing their first look photos at their house in W St Paul. After the fun, we headed over to Como Park for some couple photos before the big event.

They spoke their vows as the sun was lowering and dusk was setting in. After hugs and family photos, we finished their event with more couple photos in the beautiful Sunken Garden. Once we were finished, they headed off to their reception dinner with family and friends.

Thank You!

James + Sam, thank you so much for working with me for your wedding photography! 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 Como Park Sunken Garden wedding, contact me soon!

Graduate Photographers Minneapolis | William

By Joanna Carina

MN Graduate Photography

Lisa contacted me one afternoon looking for portraits of her son William. He was about to receive his Master’s Degree from University of Cambridge in London for theoretical physics, and wanted to celebrate the achievement. It was a great honor in their family, as both his mother Lisa, as well as his grandfather, had achieved their advanced degrees and were proud of their amazing accomplishments. I was so excited to work with them, and we planned a session date when William would be home for his 2024 spring break visit.

College Graduate Photos

William and his family worked with me at my St Paul photo studio one sunny April morning. William wore his master’s degree graduation regalia, as well as a crisp tuxedo, for classic portraits of him, as well as a few with his parents. William also wanted a lifestyle photo of him studying with a few key books and his grandfather’s pocket watch as an homage to his family’s academic accomplishments.

After William’s portrait session, they reviewed the “best-of-the-best” photos with me in my St Paul photo studio so they could choose their favorite photos. They narrowed down to their absolute favorites and chose a collection of beautiful matted fine art prints to enjoy.

Thank You!

Thank you, William and family, for working with me for your graduate and family portraits. I had so much fun working with you, and I am thrilled that you love your photos!

Make sure to take a look at some of the other senior guy portraits I have photographed too, including Hidden Falls senior pictures, a Sunfish Lake photoshoot, a trans senior boy photoshoot, University of Minnesota senior 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.

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

Wedding Album Designer Minneapolis | Jackie + John

By Joanna Carina

Luxury Wedding Album Design

Today I’m so excited to share my latest wedding photo album. Jackie + John were married last fall at the stunning Minnesota Landscape Arboretum. Be sure to take a look at their beautiful Arboretum wedding photos (and check out their fun MN Landscape Arboretum Winter Lights engagement photos too.)

After the wedding, Jackie + John worked with me to design a custom Graphistudio wedding album. These gorgeous albums are designed by me and then handmade in Italy. Together, we created a wedding photo album that perfectly reflected their day.

Custom-Designed Wedding Album

We started with their album box: Jackie + John chose a dark wood box with their custom-designed wedding logo foiled in silver on the top of the box. Inside the box, the album cover features a gorgeous crystal-clear cover photo of the them from their wedding day. The album is also bound with the same gorgeous wood. The pages are printed on metallic professional photo paper and bound into a patented lay-flat binding system. The pages are then finished with a satin coating to protect against fingerprints, dirt and oils. Their box is finished with a blue satin ribbon, taken from their wedding colors of blue, purple and silver.

Thank You!

Jackie + John loved their album, and they even ordered a set of gift album copies to give to their families. These are such a wonderful heirloom for them to share with family and friends. They can enjoy them time and again over the years, and pass them down for generations. Congratulations again, Jackie + John, and thank you for trusting me to create these beautiful albums to commemorate your big day. I hope you cherish your albums forever!

Take a look at some other gorgeous wedding photo albums that I custom-designed for my clients, including David + Elizabeth’s fine art wedding photo book, Karen + Harrison’s heirloom wedding album, Travis + Stephanie’s handmade wedding album, Katie + Brett’s custom-designed wedding book, Chris + Antonio’s bespoke wedding album, and another post showing a variety of custom wedding albums.

Additional Heirloom Artwork

Take a look at my other gorgeous heirloom artwork options too, including albums, wall art and more!
Signature Albums
Premium Albums
Engagement Albums
Wall Art
Print Boxes

I’ve got these and other artwork to view as well, so please don’t hesitate to contact me soon to see examples at my Saint Paul photo studio!

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Photographer | Emily + Jesse

By Joanna Carina

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Photos

Emily + Jesse chose to work with me to capture their leap day St Paul Hotel wedding. They were getting married in the Ordway Suite with their immediate family and best friends. The late February day was warm-ish (for MN weather) and beautifully sunny. After the two of them prepared for their big day, we headed down to the gorgeous Saint Paul Hotel lobby for first look photos and portraits. Once we were finished, we decided to go on a little walk to capture more photos. First we headed over to Rice Park, and then we visited the historic Landmark Center to capture fun photos of the two of them in the beautiful vintage setting. We had so much fun! Afterward, it was back to the Saint Paul Hotel for the big event!

Saint Paul Hotel Wedding Photography

Emily + Jesse held their wedding ceremony in the Ordway Suite with their three kiddos as wedding attendants. Their ceremony was officiated by their family members, and music was provided by a family group too. We captured their big group family photos down in the lobby by the beautiful fireplace too. And then headed back up to the Ordway Suite for a champagne toast, cake cutting a delicious snacks.

Thank You!

Emily + Jesse, thank you so much for working with me for your wedding photography! 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 Saint Paul Hotel wedding, contact me soon!

BONUS: Take a look at other Saint Paul Hotel and Landmark Center weddings I photographed, including a smaller St Paul Hotel wedding reception, a large St Paul Hotel wedding, a larger St Paul Hotel wedding reception, and a large Landmark Center wedding too.

VENDORS
Wedding Venue: The Saint Paul Hotel
Photo Venue: The Landmark Center
Wedding Dress: LUXE Bridal Shop
Bridemaids’ Dresses: KMK Designs
Groom’s Wardrobe: King’s Brothers Clothiers
Hair/Makeup: Brett Dorian
Flowers: Martha’s Gardens
Catering: Elmo Catering
Music: Bride’s Sisters

Trans Senior Portrait Photography | Sam

By Joanna Carina

LGBTQ+ Senior Photography

Deb contacted me to capture her trans son Sam’s senior portraits. Sam really wanted some snowy photos from the Lyndale Park Peace Garden, which was a favorite spot of his. The only trick was – this seemed to be the “winter-that-wasn’t” here in MN, since we had almost no snow, and then had warm temps to boot. We had actually waited since last fall, watching for a nice deep snowfall, and had been very disappointed for a couple months. It wasn’t until February that we finally had a “decent” (4-6″?) snowfall that would actually look OK in camera. So once the snow flew, we jumped on our chance to hold Sam’s senior session.

Trans Senior Photography

We met up on a sunny, chilly winter day at the Lyndale Park Peace Garden, and we were able to capture some awesome portraits of Sam in the fresh snow around the park. After they took a short break for lunch, we all met up again at my St Paul studio to review the photos we had created, and to choose their favorite portraits. Sam and his family chose 5 beautiful photos, and they ordered a wall canvas as well as a handful of fine art prints to enjoy.

Thank You!

Thank you, Sam + family, for working with me for your senior portraits. I had so much fun working with you. I am thrilled that you love your photos, and cannot wait to see your artwork in person!

Make sure to take a look at some of the other senior boy portraits I have photographed too, including Hidden Falls senior pictures, a Sunfish Lake photoshoot, a Master’s graduate photoshoot, soccer player senior photos, 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.

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

Engagement Studio Photography | Baylee + Thomas

By Joanna Carina

Engagement Studio Photography

I talked with Baylee one afternoon about how much she wanted to have beautiful photos taken of her and her fiancé Thomas. Thomas had surprised Baylee by proposing to her at the airport when she arrived back into town – in baggage claim no less! We talked about their wedding colors (red and blue) and the plans they were making for their big day. She really wanted some beautiful artwork in their home to remind themselves of each other, and to celebrate joining their lives together. They both really liked the idea of studio portraits so they were more timeless, so they scheduled a session to capture their photos at my studio.

They arrived late one winter morning for their photoshoot, and were both so excited to capture their photos together as a couple. We worked together to capture some cute photos of the two of them, and then we met up afterward so they could choose their favorite photos. They ended up designing a wall canvas triptych as well as ordering a handful of other fine art prints to frame and enjoy around their home.

Thank You!

Baylee + Thomas, thank you so much for working with me for your beautiful studio engagement portraits! 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 studio engagement photography, contact me soon!

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

Como Sunken Garden Wedding Photographer | Laura + Travis

By Joanna Carina

Sunken Garden Wedding Photographers

Laura + Travis hired me to capture their wedding day at the Como Conservatory Sunken Garden in St Paul MN. They chose a winter wedding, and their day arrived with a small dusting of snow beforehand. (Apparently we were lucky as most of the winter had been very dry for us up until then.)

We started Laura + Travis’ big day with first look photos of them by the Excedra (the pergola above the Frog Pond). We then captured a few photos of them around the Como Park grounds. Then it was on to the big event!

Sunken Garden Wedding Photography

Laura + Travis’ wedding was so gorgeous (as is every wedding at the Conservatory!) They spoke their vows as the sun was lowering and dusk was setting in. After hugs and family photos, we finished their event with more couple photos in the beautiful Conservatory itself, including both the Sunken Garden as well as the Palm Dome. Once we were finished, they headed off to their reception dinner with family and friends.

Thank You!

Laura + Travis, thank you so much for working with me for your wedding photography! 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 Como Conservatory wedding, contact me soon!