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.

OUR FAMILY PORTRAIT PROCESS

We make our family portrait photography easy for you. Here is a bit of what you can expect when working with us:

STEP 1: First we 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? When it comes to securing your preferred dates, I recommend booking your photoshoot appointment at least 4-6 weeks in advance. That being said, I understand that life can be unpredictable and last-minute appointments may be needed, and I can occasionally fit them in.

Q: WHAT IS YOUR PAYMENT PROCESS? The session fee is due at booking to lock in your photoshoot date. Any artwork is ordered and paid for at your Cinematic Presentation + Design Consultation which occurs after your portrait session.

Q: WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
1. Dress to Impress: Family portraits are a chance to showcase your personalities and styles. Dress in something that makes you feel confident and comfortable. Consider your personal styles, favorite colors, and what looks best on you.
2. Avoid Trends: While it's important to showcase your personality and style, try to avoid clothing that is too trendy as these can quickly date your photos. Opt for timeless, classic pieces that will still look great in years to come.
3. Consider Your Location: Think about the location of your family portrait session and choose clothing that will complement the setting. For example, if you're taking photos in a park or natural setting, earthy tones and softer colors will work well. If you're taking photos in a city setting, bolder and brighter colors can make a statement.
4. Layer and Accessorize: Adding layers and accessories can add depth and interest to your portraits. Consider adding a jacket or scarf, or accessorizing with jewelry, hats, or fun shoes to add some personality to your outfits.

Q: HOW DO WE CHOOSE A LOCATION?  I have a photo studio in St Paul, and I also have several favorite locations around the Twin Cities that I can recommend. I can travel to you anywhere within the Minneapolis-St Paul Twin Cities metro area, such as Roseville, Lauderdale, Mendota, Mendota Heights, Falcon Heights, Sunfish Lake, West St Paul, South St Paul, Newport, Inver Grove Heights, Eagan, Maplewood, Oakdale, Woodbury, Lake Elmo, Cottage Grove, Afton, Lakeland, Stillwater, Dellwood, White Bear Lake, Mound, Mahtomedi, North St Paul, Little Canada, Vadnais Heights, Arden Hills, Shoreview, New Brighton, Mounds View, Fridley, Columbia Heights, Long Lake, Lakeville, Saint Anthony, Minnetonka, Golden Valley, Saint Louis Park, Edina, Richfield, and Bloomington. I am always open to capturing you in your favorite location too!

Q: HOW LONG DOES A PORTRAIT SESSION LAST? Your photographic session can take around 30 minutes - one hour, depending on children's tolerance, weather conditions, etc. However, we will work together for as long as needed to capture a great variety of photos. Newborn sessions can last a few hours based on the baby's needs.

Q: WHERE AND WHEN DOES THE CINEMATIC PRESENTATION + DESIGN CONSULTATION TAKE PLACE?  We will meet at my St Paul studio to choose your favorite photos and design/order your artwork. This meeting can happen as soon as the same day! Otherwise, we will schedule the session soon after your family photo session.

Q: WHO SHOULD ATTEND THE CINEMATIC PRESENTATION + DESIGN CONSULTATION? All decision-makers must be present at the ordering session.

Q: ARE DIGITAL FILES INCLUDED IN THE SESSION FEE? Digital photographs are not included in the session fee, but the corresponding 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!