Photography Blog - Carina Photographics

Senior Guy Photography Minneapolis | Dylan

Como Park Senior Photography

Dylan and his family were excited for his senior portraits. They wanted to photograph him in the beautiful autumn color, and even wanted to include their dog Pax for some of the photos. I was so excited, it was such a beautiful day and a fun photo session!

We met up at Como Park to celebrate Dylan’s love of nature and have some space to play with Pax and get some cute photos. Dylan also had a great time hiking around through the green space and enjoying the fall color. We had an awesome time!

St Paul Senior Photos

After the photoshoot, I invited Dylan and his family out to my St Paul studio to show them the final “best-of-the-best” photos from his portrait session. We chose their favorites and settled on a beautiful wall art collection to enjoy. I cannot wait to see the collection from Graphistudio on their wall.

Thank You!

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

Make sure to take a look at some of the other senior guy portraits I have photographed too, including a Sunfish Lake photoshoot, a Master’s graduate session, trans senior boy photoshoot, soccer player senior photos, a Vandalia Tower senior photo 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 portrait session, contact me soon!

Family Photography Como Park | Kebed Family

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Family Photography

The Kebed family was looking forward to having beautiful family portraits created. They really wanted photos they could hang on their wall and enjoy every day. We talked through the options and they loved what they heard, so we made plans for autumn portraits at Como Park – such a beautiful location, it’s one of my favorites!

The day arrived and it was a perfect mid-fall afternoon. We worked with both kiddos as well as the four of them together. The kiddos were so excited! They were perfect at cooperating and had a great time running around, rolling in the leaves, tickle fights and having fun together.

Once their portrait session was complete, I then had the Kebed family over to my St Paul studio to show them the “best-of-the-best” from their session. They absolutely loved their photos! They ended up choosing a gorgeous wall art collection (check out the mockup below) and a handful of other prints. I cannot wait for my professional installation vendor to hang this collection in their home when it arrives from Graphistudio in Italy.

Thank You!

Kebed family, thank you so much for working with me for your beautiful Como Park family portraits! I had so much fun working with you, and I hope you cherish your beautiful artwork forever.

If you would love to capture your own Como Park family portraits, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at some other outdoor family portrait sessions I captured too, such as these Como Park family portraits, some additional Como Park family photographs, other Como Park family photos, other Como Park family photos, another outdoor family session, a Como Park extended family portrait session, a MN Landscape Arboretum family session, and a Long Lake Regional Park family session.

Steeple Center + Troy Burne Golf Club Wedding Photos | Emily + Ryan

By Joanna Carina

Steeple Center Wedding Photography

I worked with Emily + Ryan for their beautiful summer wedding photography. They held their wedding ceremony at the Steeple Center in Rosemount MN. It was a beautiful venue, and even more special since one of their uncles was able to officiate too! After their beautiful ceremony, we headed out for a quick stop in Hudson Wisconsin, right at the St Croix riverfront, for wedding party photos. After a quick stop for a toast at a riverfront bar, we headed off to the reception!

Troy Burne Wedding Reception Photography

Emily + Ryan’s wedding reception started off with a fun cocktail hour, then followed with dinner and dancing. Once the first dances had taken place, Emily + Ryan snuck away for sunset photos on the Troy Burne Golf Club grounds in a golf cart! We had sunset photos as well as photos by the creekside and in the woods. The Golf Club staff even brought them a bottle of champagne to enjoy while we were having fun in the woods! We had so much fun, and then they headed back off to the reception to dance the night away.

Thank You!

Emily + Ryan, thank you so much for working with me for your wedding photography! It was so fun working with you on your wedding day. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness!

If you are considering a Steeple Center and/or Troy Burne Golf Club wedding, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to check out some other golf club weddings I have photographed around the Twin Cities, including a Mendakota Country Club wedding, a Bearpath Golf Club wedding, a Columbia Manor wedding, and a TPC Twin Cities wedding!

VENDORS:
Venue: Steeple Center / Troy Burne Golf Club
Bridal Attire: The Wedding Shoppe
Bride’s Shoes: Betsey Johnson
Bridesmaid’s Attire: David’s Bridal
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: The Diamond Center
Floral: Big Lake Floral
Wedding Cake/Desserts: Nothing Bundt Cakes

Senior Guy Photography MN | Nik

By Joanna Carina

Hidden Falls Park Senior Photos

I was contacted by Nik’s mom looking for a senior portrait photoshoot. She talked about Nik’s love of camping, fishing, hiking and nature in general. It made me think of some great options in the Twin Cities area for his photos, and he loved the idea of Hidden Falls Regional Park. It has a waterfall and woods, as well as the riverside area and beach. It was perfect for him!

We met up on a beautiful late summer afternoon. We photographed Nik near the waterfall, throughout the woods, as well as on the beach by the riverside. Everything looked so beautiful – even the sunset was spectacular!

Minneapolis Senior Photos

Once we were finished, I invited Nik and his family out to my St Paul studio to show them the final “best-of-the-best” photos from Nik’s portraits. We chose through their favorites and settled on some gorgeous matted fine art prints to treasure forever. I cannot wait to see them in person when they arrive from Graphistudio in Italy.

Thank You!

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

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

Franconia Sculpture Park Wedding Photography | Deanna + Daniel

By Joanna Carina

Interstate State Park Wedding Reception Photography

Deanna + Daniel had to delay their 2021 wedding celebration due to the global Covid pandemic. They decided to go forward with a small ceremony in 2021, and then hold their larger wedding reception in 2022. I was so excited they chose to work with me for their amazing Franconia Sculpture Park wedding reception photography!

Franconia Sculpture Park Wedding Photography

After they prepared for their big event on their beautiful June day, we headed over to Interstate Park (on the Wisconsin side) for some pre-ceremony couple photos. I absolutely love that park – the rock outcroppings and river views are stunning!

Once we were finished with their portraits, we headed over to Franconia Sculpture Park (near Taylor’s Falls) for their big reception and celebration. They were excited to have portraits with some of the beautiful sculptures before the party started. Then we headed over to the reception venue for the fun! They had dinner from the phenomenal GastroTruck food truck, along with homemade desserts, toasts, lawn games, a shoe game, and dancing. The whole event was so much fun, and went by in a flash!

Thank You!

Deanna + Daniel, thank you so much for working with me for your wedding photography! It was so fun working with you during your wedding reception. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness!

If you are considering a Franconia Sculpture Park and/or Interstate State Park wedding, contact me soon!

VENDORS:
Venue: Franconia Sculpture Park / Interstate State Park
Bridal Attire: Angelique’s Bridal
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Wedding Rings: Shane Company + Helzberg Diamonds
Catering: GastroTruck

Backyard Tented Riverside Wedding Photography | Stacy + Shea

By Joanna Carina

Riverside Tented Back Yard Wedding Photography

Stacy + Shea had the honor of being my first full-day wedding of 2022. They also had the honor of delaying their wedding the longest due to the Covid pandemic – two years! Their big day was finally able to go on this past summer, and it was perfect in every way!

Backyard Wedding Photography

Stacy + Shea’s big day took place on a beautiful, warm June day. They purchased their beautiful property a few years ago right along the Mississippi River just north of Minneapolis, and held the big celebration right in their own back yard. It was amazing!

They prepared separately in their home and their neighbor’s home so they wouldn’t see each other. Then they held their ceremony right in their own back yard, with Shea’s father as the officiant. Once the big event was finished, it was time for the big celebration right next-door in a big beautiful tent. They had yard games, food trucks, drinks and desserts, and an amazing DJ for the big party afterward. Everyone had a blast!

Thank You!

Stacy + Shea, thank you so much for working with me for your wedding photography! It was so wonderful working with you on your big day. I wish you both a lifetime of happiness!

If you are considering a back yard, riverside and/or tented wedding, contact me soon!

BONUS: Take a look at some other backyard weddings I photographed too, including a summer lakeside wedding, and an autumn lakeside wedding.

VENDORS:
Venue: Private home in Minneapolis
Groom/Groomsmen Attire: Men’s Wearhouse
Hair/Makeup: Creative Beauté Agency
Wedding Rings: Filigree
Florist: Play Bouquet
Rentals: Metro Tent
Wedding Desserts: Buttercream + Nothing Bundt Cakes
DJ: Strangelove

Como Park Anniversary Photography | LaDonna + Eric

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Couple’s Photography

LaDonna gave me a call me one early spring day and wanted a photoshoot to celebrate her 10 year anniversary with her husband Eric. Their wedding photos were taken during a rainy windy day, so they never had a chance to get great portraits of the two of them together. They enjoyed spending time outdoors and especially loved beautiful, natural gardens and parks. I proposed Como Park for their anniversary portraits, and they loved the idea. It’s such a beautiful location, and one of my favorite parks in the Twin Cities area!

Como Conservatory Anniversary Portraits

The day came and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. It was just warming up and a number of beautiful spring flowers were in bloom. We had so much fun wandering around in front of the Conservatory, the Enchanted Garden, and the Frog Pond and pergola. We had a great time photographing the two of them – they were full of laughs and just had a ball!

Once their portraits were complete, they came out to my photo studio to review and choose their favorite photos, and then ordered an heirloom photo album. It is truly stunning!

Thank You!

LaDonna + Eric, thank you so much for working with me for your anniversary photography! I had so much fun working with you two. And I wish you both a lifetime of happiness!

If you are considering Como Park and/or Conservatory proposal, anniversary or engagement photos, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at some other engagement sessions I photographed at Como Park, including a spring engagement session, a winter engagement session, another spring engagement session, another winter engagement session, a summer engagement session, another spring engagement session, another summer engagement session, and even a Como Town Amusement Park engagement session!

Como Park Engagement Photography | Ferlyn + Neal

By Joanna Carina

Como Park Engagement Photos

Ferlyn called me one day and wanted to work together for her engagement portraits with her fiancé Neal. They were outdoorsy and wanted to photograph somewhere with beautiful, natural gardens and grounds. I was so excited that they settled on Como Park for their engagement portraits. It’s such a beautiful location, and one of my favorite parks in the Twin Cities!

Como Conservatory Engagement Portraits

The day came and the weather was absolutely gorgeous. It was just warming up and a number of beautiful spring flowers were in bloom. We had so much fun wandering around in front of the Conservatory, the Enchanted Garden, and the Frog Pond and pergola. Ferlyn’s sister came along for moral support as well as helping as my photo assistant lol!

Once their portraits were complete, they came out to my photo studio to review and choose their favorite photos, and then order their heirloom artwork. They settled on a beautiful Graphistudio portrait album and prints.

Thank You!

Ferlyn + Neal, thank you so much for working with me for your engagement photography! I had so much fun working with you two. And I am so excited to see your stunning portrait artwork in person!

If you are considering Como Park and/or Conservatory proposal or engagement photos, contact me soon!

BONUS: Be sure to take a look at some other engagement sessions I photographed at Como Park, including a spring engagement session, a winter engagement session, another spring engagement session, another winter engagement session, a summer engagement session, another summer engagement session, an anniversary portrait session, and even a Como Town Amusement Park engagement session!

Family Photography Preparation Tips | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina

Family Photo Session Prep Tips

Family portrait sessions can be so much fun! However, sometimes people feel intimidated about how to plan for a successful photoshoot. As a family portrait photographer, I get a lot of questions about preparation for family sessions. I’d like to share some simple tips to help you prepare for your portrait photoshoot:

Family Photoshoot Preparation Tips

~ Set your children(s) expectations in advance: let them know a few days in advance, as well as let them know it will be a fun time to spend together!
~ Give yourself plenty of time to get ready: hair or wardrobe malfunctions, bad traffic, or other problems can derail your portrait session. Give yourself plenty of time so you are calm and ready for your session.
~ Make sure the kids are fed and well-rested.
~ Consider props, toys, mementos or special types of photos you want in your session: a favorite stuffy or toy, or even an heirloom quilt, can help to personalize the session for your family.
~ Bring snacks for the kids: consider easy, portable snacks such as cheese cubes, crackers, jelly beans, etc. Steer clear of chocolate, bright juices and other messy snacks.
~ Express yourself and tell your story: we’ll be photographing you together as well as alone, so personalizing for each family member will help capture your unique story.
~ Let kids be kids and give each child time to shine: running, playing tag, tickle fights – all are fun activities for your family and help get amazing photos of you together as well as individually.
~ Have fun! This most important advice will help guarantee portraits you will love!

More Family Photoshoot Info

Need some style tips for your family portrait session? Take a look at my Family Portrait Style Tips blog post for more information. Need some ideas for locations or activities for your family portrait session? Take a look at my Family Portrait Photography Ideas blog post for more information.

Be sure to let me know if you have any other questions or would like to book a family photoshoot. I would love to help you achieve the family portrait photography of your dreams!

Family Photography Style Tips | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina

Family Photo Style Tips

Family portrait sessions can be so much fun! However, I know that sometimes it can feel as if the planning and preparation for a portrait session can be more work and stress than the session itself! As a family and child photographer, I get a lot of questions about style tips in preparation for family sessions. I’d like to share a simple list of things to keep in mind when preparing for your portraits:

Family Session Wardrobe Tips

~ Consider dressier options (sport coat, dress, etc.)
~ Be comfortable. Select clothing that compliments you well.
~ Avoid matching, but compliment and coordinate together in color, style and level of formality.
~ Choose predominantly solid colors (not white).
~ Avoid sleeveless tops, baggy clothing, large logos, clashing patterns, cargo shorts/pants, sweats or track suits, athletic shoes, flip-flops, crocs, and men’s sandals.
~ Layers and textures translate well.
~ Remember details! Accessories, nails, shoes, etc. The level of care on the little things add up.
~ Feel free to bring multiple outfit options. I can give advice on which options work best together.
~ Don’t stress – family photos will be fun if you let yourself enjoy the experience!

More Style Info

Feel free to check my Pinterest “What to Wear // Families” board for visual representations of wardrobes that work well together.

Be sure to let me know if you have any other questions. I would love to help you achieve the family portrait photography of your dreams!

Need some ideas for locations or activities for your family portrait session? Take a look at my Family Portrait Photography Ideas blog post for more information. Need some ideas for how to prepare before your family portraits? Take a look at my Family Portrait Preparation Tips blog post for more info too.

Como Park Senior Photography

St Paul Senior Photos

Thank You!

Como Park Family Photography

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Steeple Center Wedding Photography

Troy Burne Wedding Reception Photography

Thank You!

Hidden Falls Park Senior Photos

Minneapolis Senior Photos

Thank You!

Interstate State Park Wedding Reception Photography

Franconia Sculpture Park Wedding Photography

Thank You!

Riverside Tented Back Yard Wedding Photography

Backyard Wedding Photography

Thank You!

Como Park Couple’s Photography

Thank You!

Como Park Engagement Photos

Como Conservatory Engagement Portraits

Thank You!

Family Photo Session Prep Tips

Family Photoshoot Preparation Tips

More Family Photoshoot Info

Family Photo Style Tips

Family Session Wardrobe Tips

More Style Info

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