THE FAMILY PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE
Hello, I’m Joanna Carina — founder of Carina Photographics, and a family portrait artist serving the Minneapolis – St Paul MN area.
I believe family portraiture should be more than a photoshoot. It should be an authentic, thoughtfully-designed experience that results in heirloom artwork worthy of your home and your legacy.
As a mother and wife, I understand how quickly seasons of life change. But as an artist and designer, I also understand something else — your family’s story deserves to live beautifully on your walls, not just on a screen.
From our first conversation to the final installation of your artwork, every detail is handled with intention and care.
Your experience includes:
>> A private design consultation
>> Wardrobe and styling guidance
>> Location planning tailored to your aesthetic
>> A relaxed, fully guided portrait session
>> Personalized artwork design for your home
>> Professional installation for wall collections
This is white-glove service from beginning to end.
We don’t simply “take photos.” We create commissioned artwork designed specifically for your space, your style, and your story.
PORTRAITS THAT REFLECT WHO YOU ARE
My approach centers around capturing the strength, warmth, and connection that define your family.
These are not trendy images. They are timeless portraits that reflect your presence, your values and your legacy.
Whether in the studio or set against Minnesota’s most beautiful landscapes, your session is crafted to feel effortless, refined, and deeply personal.
ARTWORK DESIGNED FOR GENERATIONS
After your session, we curate and design custom artwork for your home — museum-quality wall portraits, heirloom albums, and fine art prints meant to be passed down.
Your portraits are created to:
>> Elevate your home
>> Honor your family story
>> Become part of your legacy
Because your family’s story is worth preserving.
FOR FAMILIES WHO VALUE LEGACY
Carina Photographics serves families who appreciate craftsmanship, personalized service, and timeless design.
If you believe your family’s story deserves more than digital files —
If you want artwork that reflects who you are and what you’ve built —
If you value an elevated, concierge-level experience —
You are in the right place.
LET'S CREATE ARTWORK THAT CELEBRATES 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.
EXTENDED FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY: Including those extra generations and family members along with your immediate family. Celebrate your loving family connections with Carina Photographics extended 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 15 years photographing families and children 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. We will handle the professional installation for wall art collections too.
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 around the Minneapolis – St Paul metro area, including Roseville, Mendota Heights, Woodbury, Stillwater, Edina, Anoka, Maple Grove, North Oaks, Arden Hills, Bloomington, Wayzata, Minnetonka, and 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 as much time as 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!