OUR FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY EXPERIENCE
Hello there! I'm Joanna Carina, a family photographer based in the Minneapolis-St Paul metropolitan area of Minnesota. As a mother and wife, I understand the importance of capturing your family's most cherished moments, and it's my honor to help you do just that.
My approach to crafting the best family photos centers around capturing the joy and connection that makes your family unique. I create portraits that not only reflect who you are, but also the love and bonds that you share.
Whether we're shooting in a studio or on-location, my goal is to create a relaxed and fun photoshoot environment where you and your family feel comfortable being yourselves. I love to incorporate natural landscapes into my photography to enhance the warmth and personality of your portraits.
I take a thoughtful and personalized approach to every session, taking the time to get to know you and your family beforehand so that I can best capture your essence. I'm passionate about creating family photographs that will become cherished memories for generations to come.
Join me for a family photo experience that is filled with laughter, love, and moments you will treasure for a lifetime. I can't wait to help you capture the beauty and magic of your family.
Our family photo sessions in the Twin Cities include:
FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY: Your family is unique. Your portraits should be too. Celebrate your loving family connections with Carina Photographics family photography.
CHILDREN'S PHOTOGRAPHY: Your child’s first tooth, first steps, first words. Your child’s life is filled with firsts. Capture their once-in-a-life ages and moments with Carina Photographics children's photography.
NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY: The moment you have anticipated is here - your newborn baby has finally arrived! Welcome your newest family member with Carina Photographics newborn photography.
MATERNITY PHOTOGRAPHY: Waiting for a new child to grace your family is an amazing time of life. Celebrate the beginning of parenthood with Carina Photographics maternity photography.
ABOUT JOANNA CARINA
With over 13 years photographing families, children and newborns in the Twin Cities, Joanna Carina specializes in creating timeless, natural portraits that celebrate your unique style. Based in St. Paul Minnesota, Joanna serves clients across Minneapolis and surrounding suburbs - helping families look and feel their absolute best for these milestone moments.
OUR FAMILY PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHY PROCESS
Joanna strives to make your family photography process easy for you. Here is a bit of what you can expect when working together:
STEP 1: First, I connect over a phone call to discuss your family photo vision, our process and our artwork options. Once you book, I'll provide guidance on what to wear and what to expect during your session.
STEP 2: Now comes the big day: your family photoshoot! We'll meet up for your portraits and work together until we get a wide variety of options to choose from.
STEP 3: Next, I’ll present the best-of-the-best photos to you at my St. Paul studio. We’ll choose and order your favorite photos and portrait artwork at this time. All your chosen photos will receive my Master Art Retouching to perfect every detail, and your heirloom artwork will be custom-designed just for you.
STEP 4: Your digital photos will be sent within two weeks, and your gorgeous heirloom artwork will be delivered a month afterward to fill your home with life and love.
MINNEAPOLIS FAMILY PHOTO FAQ
Q: HOW FAR IN ADVANCE SHOULD WE BOOK? To secure your preferred date, I recommend booking your photoshoot at least 4–6 weeks in advance. However, I understand life happens! When possible, I’m happy to accommodate last-minute sessions.
Q: WHAT IS YOUR PAYMENT PROCESS? Your session fee is due at the time of booking to reserve your photoshoot date. Artwork is ordered and paid for during your Cinematic Presentation + Design Consultation, which takes place after your session.
Q: WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
1. Dress to Impress: Choose outfits that feel comfortable and reflect your family’s personality. Stick with colors and styles you love and feel confident in.
2. Think Timeless over Trendy: Avoid overly trendy pieces that may date your photos quickly. Classic, timeless styles photograph beautifully for years to come.
3. Consider Location: Select colors and styles that complement your session location - earthy tones for parks or nature, bold colors for urban settings.
4. Layer and Accessorize: Add depth and personality with jackets, scarves, jewelry, hats, or even statement shoes. Layers photograph beautifully and offer variety.
Q: HOW DO WE CHOOSE A LOCATION? I offer sessions at my St. Paul studio and can also recommend several favorite outdoor spots around the Twin Cities. I’m happy to travel anywhere in the Minneapolis–St. Paul metro area, including Roseville, Mendota Heights, Woodbury, Stillwater, Edina, Bloomington, and many more. Prefer a location special to your family? I’d love to photograph you there!
Q: HOW LONG DOES A PORTRAIT SESSION LAST? Most family sessions take about 30–60 minutes, depending on factors like weather and children’s energy levels. Newborn sessions may take a few hours to allow for feeding, soothing, and breaks. We’ll take the time needed to create a beautiful variety of images.
Q: WHERE AND WHEN DOES THE CINEMATIC PRESENTATION + DESIGN CONSULTATION TAKE PLACE This meeting happens at my St. Paul studio, where you’ll select your favorite images and design your artwork. It can often take place the same day as your session - or we’ll schedule it shortly after.
Q: WHO SHOULD ATTEND THE CINEMATIC PRESENTATION + DESIGN CONSULTATION? All decision-makers should plan to attend the ordering session.
Q: ARE DIGITAL FILES INCLUDED IN THE SESSION FEE? Digital files are not included in the session fee, but the corresponding edited digital photos are included with your artwork purchase.
CONTACT ME!
Contact me soon to discuss working together for your family photos - I cannot wait to fill your life and home with love!