MN Landscape Arboretum Family Photography | Ford Family

Minneapolis Family Photographer

As a Minneapolis family photographer, I love getting a chance to work with my clients again after their big day. Whether headshots, portraits, or even their growing family, I’m open for most anything. In 2017, Safiyyah + Rory asked me to photograph their maternity session and their newborn session once their son Remy made his debut. (I had previously worked with them on their 2014 Aria Mpls wedding photography.)

Safiyyah + Rory contacted me this summer to schedule Remy’s first birthday photo session. When deciding upon locations, they gravitated toward the natural beauty of the Minnesota Landscape Arboretum in Chanhassen. Anytime I can work at this beautiful location, I jump at the chance. So I was naturally super excited not only to work with my awesome friends and clients, see how big Remy had gotten (wow!!!) and also to see how things were looking at the beautiful Arboretum.

Family Photo Session

Our family session was so much fun! In the year since I had seen him, Remy had grown into a running, laughing, babbling little munchkin! It was a warm and humid day, perfect for him to explore every place he could reach. We meandered through several of the gardens and photographed Remy taking it all in with mom and dad.

Viewing and Ordering Session

Holding our Viewing/Ordering session, it was a tough choice to narrow down the images to Safiyyah + Rory’s “best-of-the-best”. They selected an Heirloom Portrait Box – a handmade copper-foiled glass box filled with gorgeous heirloom matted 8×10 prints. Their final box was absolutely stunning!

Safiyyah + Rory, thank you so much for choosing to work with me for your MN Landscape Arboretum family session. I always love working with you guys. It was a joy to see little Remy growing so fast, and I wish you every happiness as you grow together as a family!

If you would like more information about working with me for your children and family portraits, contact me soon!

Minneapolis Newborn Photography | Ford Family

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Minneapolis Newborn Session

As a Minneapolis newborn photographer, I love getting a chance to work with my clients again after their big day. I especially love when they contact me to photograph their growing family. Naturally, I was ecstatic when Safiyyah + Rory asked me to photograph their Como Park maternity session AND their newborn session. (I had previously worked on their 2014 Aria wedding photography!)

First, we worked together in mid-July for their Como Park maternity session. Then, when the adorable Remy made his appearance in mid-August, we met again a few weeks later for their Minneapolis newborn photography at Safiyyah + Rory’s home.

Newborn Photography Session

Our newborn session was so much fun! Rory’s mom was visiting from Iowa so she was able to spend lots of quality time with Remy. And Maddox was there mugging for the camera whenever he could. Remy did a great job holding it together – either napping or else snuggling with mom, dad or grandma on cue. We were able to work both in his bedroom as well as their dining room with their awesome farm-style wooden table, sheer lacy curtains, and super cool “Ford Family” tub!

Viewing/Ordering Session

Holding our Viewing/Ordering session, it was a tough choice to narrow down the images to Safiyyah + Rory’s “best-of-the-best”, but we were finally able to narrow down and create a beautiful newborn/family photo album for them. I am so excited to see it in final form when it is sent to me from Graphistudio in Italy!

Safiyyah + Rory, thank you so much for choosing to work with me on both your Como Park maternity photography as well as your Minneapolis newborn photography. I always love working with you guys. It was a joy to meet little Remy, and I wish you every happiness in your new lives together as a family!

Take a look at a few of my other Minneapolis newborn photography blog posts here!
Svendsen Family
Troldahl Family
Gangl Family
Ranheim Family

If you would like more information about working with me for your newborn and family photos, contact me soon!

Minneapolis Newborn Photography | Gangl Family

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Lifestyle Newborn Photography

Today I’m posting about a Minneapolis newborn photography session I worked on with the Gangl family several years ago. I photographed their session before I had my blog up and running, so I never posted their session until now!

Little Aurelia was born in 2014. Once Leah and Jim settled at home with Aurelia, I worked with the three of them for their lifestyle newborn session. We photographed them spending time together around their home on a beautiful mid-fall day. We spent a lot of time in the natural light of their home, in both the living room and family room as well as Aurelia’s nursery. I especially loved getting photos of the three of them cuddling close with Aurelia sound asleep. Images of Leah as well as Jim holding her closely were absolutely adorable. I also enjoyed capturing a few images of Aurelia swaddled, cuddled up and sleeping soundly.

Image Viewing and Ordering

Once Leah and Jim reviewed their final photos, they chose several images as their favorites. I created a gorgeous canvas triptych of a few of their favorite photos from the session. They looked so awesome on their walls!

Thank you so much, Leah and Jim, for working with me as your Minneapolis newborn photographer. I had so much fun! And I’m so happy to watch your family grow! Fast forward a couple of years later, and now Aurelia has a little sister, Beatrix! They also have a new baby on the way!

Be sure to take a look at some of my other Minneapolis Newborn Photography sessions too:
Ford Family
Svendsen Family
Troldahl Family
Ranheim Family

If you would like more information about working with me for your newborn and family photos, contact me soon. I would love to talk more about your vision for your lifestyle newborn photography.

Minneapolis Newborn Photography | Ranheim Family

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Lifestyle Newborn Photography

Continuing on with finding sessions to blog about that I never blogged about before: today I’m posting about a Minneapolis Newborn Photography session I worked on with the Ranheim family several years ago.

Minneapolis Newborn Photographer

Little Mya was born in 2013 – such a sweetie! Once Suanne and James settled at home with little Mya, I worked with the three of them around their home, photographing them on a beautiful late-winter day. We spent a lot of time in the natural light of their home, in both the living room as well as Mya’s nursery. I especially loved getting photos of the three of them cuddling close with Mya sound asleep. I also was really happy I was able to easily capture images of them along with their sweet doggies. They were getting on in years, and the Ranheims were wanting nice photos of them together before the doggies passed away. Images of Suanne as well as James holding Mya closely were particularly adorable. I also enjoyed capturing a few images of Mya swaddled, sleeping soundly cuddled up and adorable in her crib.

Thank You!

Once Suanne and James reviewed their final photos, they chose several images as their favorites. They particularly wanted photos for their newborn announcements, so I was happy to help with that.

Thank you so much, Suanne and James, for working with me as your Minneapolis newborn photographer. I had so much fun, and I’m so happy to watch your family grow!

Be sure to take a look at some of my other Minneapolis Newborn Photography sessions too:
Ford Family
Svendsen Family
Troldahl Family
Gangl Family

If you would like more information about working with me for your newborn and family photos, contact me soon!

Meet Joanna Carina of Carina Photographics

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Minneapolis Photographer Joanna Carina

Minneapolis Wedding Photographer Joanna Carina of Carina Photographics

Today I put together a little Q&A session with me, Joanna Carina, the founder and lead photographer of Carina Photographics. Hope you enjoy!

About Joanna

I spend a lot of time during my days at home with my kids, aged 5 and 3, as well as my hubby, who also works at home as a freelance product designer, illustrator and fine artist. Spending time with my kids is priceless. I started my photography business about 5 years ago, and opened up my photo studio in St Paul about two years ago. It’s great meeting and working with clients there, too.

Hobbies and Activities

I LOVE traveling. I’ve been all over the US and the world, although I have not yet completed my Bucket List! Camping, hiking and being in nature are important to me. The US National Parks are a big favorite. I cannot wait to take the kids when they get a bit older. Also reading and learning new things is a big love of mine, especially taking photo classes and learning new techniques.

Fun Fact About Joanna Carina

Before my husband and I got married, we took ballroom dance classes so we could really dance it up to the jazz band we had for our day. We loved it so much that we kept up on our lessons for many years afterward. We even performed for crowds! The last name “Carina” was adopted by us when we got married. It was based on the name of a constellation.

How Long I Have Been Photographing

I’ve been fascinated by photography as long as I can remember. When I was growing up, I taped photos of beautiful landscape photography on my bedroom walls. In middle school I joined the Photography Club. There I was in a closet under the back stairs along with eight other students learning how to roll film and use a photo enlarger. By the time I got to the College of Visual Arts in St Paul, I filled my schedule with as many photography courses as possible. I have always maintained a professional camera setup. My primary interest in the early years was travel and landscape photography. Then later I moved to portraiture and weddings. I also art directed commercial photoshoots while working for several years as a graphic designer in a marketing firm.

Why I Got Into Wedding Photography

Once we had our daughter in 2011, I decided to leave my graphic design job to stay home with her. Soon afterward, I decided to pursue my love of photography. I found myself photographing a couple of friends’ weddings early on, and I was hooked! Seeing a couple’s love and happiness, being included with one of the most important days in their lives, and giving them such joy at visually reliving their day afterward has been so rewarding and amazing to see. And getting to meet such wonderful people, as well as their families and friends, is awesome!

My Favorite Part of the Wedding Day

The first look and couple’s portrait session are wedding highlights for me. My couples always start out preparing separately, and they are often sooooo nervous during that time. Then, when they finally get to that moment and see each other, the reactions I see are priceless! Laughter, happiness, relief, tears, hugs. Such honest, warm, genuine moments, I often can’t help but tear up myself. Then, as we spend our time during their portraits, I see them calm down, relax and look so happy and in love. It’s so amazing to witness them spend that time alone together. By the time we are done with that portion of the day, they are so relieved and happy to head out to the ceremony.

Advice for Couples Planning Their Wedding

First, I would say to make sure to surround yourself with competent professionals. There are so many amazing wedding vendors out there, from wedding planners to caterers to florists to bands. They can all help you take the stress out of one of the biggest days of your life. Next, I would say, from a photographer’s perspective, please give serious consideration to having your wedding day remembered with a high-quality wedding album. From showing your friends and family today, to showing your kids and others in years to come, to enjoying it over your married lives, there is nothing that is so treasured, timeless and secure as having a wedding album as a perfect keepsake of your day.

Also, be sure to check my other recent blog post showing the Top 10 Things to Look for In a Wedding Photographer to give more info on that aspect.

Thank You!

Thanks for reading about me, Joanna Carina! Contact me soon so we can grab a coffee or glass of wine sometime and learn more about working together!

Learn more about my photo gear I use. And learn more about my St Paul photography studio.

Minneapolis Portrait Photography Studio | Carina Photographics

By Joanna Carina 4 Comments

St Paul Photography Studio

The 2014 year was very busy for me and my wedding and portrait photography business. As the year neared its close, I realized I could no longer go on holding client meetings in poorly-lit coffee shops and loud restaurants. I also never had a good indoor location for portrait sessions, image reveals or other meetings. It seemed that the time was right to begin looking for my own photography studio.

My first step was meeting and interviewing several studios around town who were looking for an additional photographer. I then also started looking into options for renting my own studio. The Vandalia Tower building, located on Vandalia Street at the 94 exit in St Paul, had an awesome option for me. The building was undergoing a major remodel. And they had great plans underway, including Lake Monster Brewing and the Paikka event space. I opted to lease my own studio there beginning in 2015. I know it’s been over a year, so I finally should blog about this major event!

St Paul Wedding Photographer Studio

To say that I love my studio is an understatement. It’s an awesome space! A friend helped with the buildout so I could customize the space to suit me. Then the floors were polished and coated white. I added a small room in the center. It could be used for hair/makeup artists to work with my clients as well as a client changing room. And then my much-needed front room is my meeting space, product sample showroom. I love being able to have Image Reveal Sessions projected directly on my wall. All-in-all, it is truly awesome!

The back of my studio is the shooting area. I’ve got numerous backdrops, props and seating. Everything is set against the gorgeous light coming from a huge set of warehouse windows in the back wall. I’ve also got full studio lighting and blackout curtains in case I need to control the light in a more detailed way.

My studio is so awesome. I am so excited to share it with everyone. Please take a moment to contact me if you’d like to visit. I would love to meet with you (and photograph you) in my studio soon!

St Paul Portrait Photography Studio

Learn more about Joanna Carina here. And learn more about my photo gear I use too.

Minneapolis Newborn Photography | The Troldahl Family

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Minneapolis Newborn Photography

Jeff Troldahl and I met way back in our college days. He was one of the warmest, happiest and nicest guys around. Oh, and did I mention one of the funniest too? He’ll have you laughing so hard you’ll be crying within about 5 minutes. So of course I jumped at the chance a few years ago to photograph his wedding to Katie. She was his girlfriend of several years, and such a sweet and wonderful person herself. They are such an awesome couple, and I love spending time with them.

Minneapolis Newborn Photographer

Fast forward to 2016, and Jeff + Katie’s son Thomas Jeffrey was born! They asked me to be their Minneapolis newborn photographer, so how could I refuse? I was SO excited to be able to photograph them as a family together. We spent several hours at their house for a lifestyle newborn/family photography session. This basically means we just hang out for a few hours together and follow Thomas’ lead on what we should do together. Want to eat? No problem, we’ll photograph you doing that. Need a change? NBD, we’re here for you, and will get a few shots of that too. Finally in the mood for a nap? Great! We’ll dress you up in a cute outfit and photograph you sleeping, or else hanging out with mom and dad. So many options, so little time!

Once we finished up their session, I had the three of them out to my studio a couple of weeks later for their Image Reveal and Ordering Session. They were thrilled with their images! And it’s always amazing to see how much their little guy has changed in just the few weeks since I’ve last seen him. Jeff + Katie settled on an album, birth announcements and a few gift prints from their session images.

Thank You!

Jeff + Katie, I am so honored that you worked with me as your Minneapolis newborn photographer. And I’m so lucky to know you. I love photographing you in these stages of your life together! I wish you a wonderful life together with your new little man Thomas!

Take a look at a few of my other Minneapolis newborn photography blog posts here:
Ford Family
Svendsen Family
Gangl Family
Ranheim Family

If you would like more information about working with me for your newborn and family photos, contact me soon!

Minneapolis Newborn Photographer

minneapolis-mn-newborn-photo-11

Minneapolis Newborn Photographer

Minneapolis Newborn Photography | Svendsen Family

By Joanna Carina Leave a Comment

Minneapolis Newborn Photography

“POP!” A stream of blue gushed from the balloon after it was hit with the dart. “A BOY!!!!!” Everyone shouted, hugged and congratulated Matt and Amy as they discovered the happy news during the dart game at their newborn gender reveal party last summer.

Matt + Amy spent the next few months planning and preparing the nursery and getting life ready for their new little boy to enter the world. They had to do a lot of work to his room including removing old flooring, painting, and of course adding in all the cute furniture a baby could need. At some point along the way, Matt + Amy talked with me about working together for their Minneapolis Newborn Photography once their little guy arrived, so we began our plans for our photo session as well.

Newborn Photo Session

William Matthew made his debut just a few days before the beginning of 2016. A couple weeks later, I spent some time at Matt + Amy’s house photographing them spending time together as a new family. Even their dog Strummer wanted to get in on the fun! Little Will was trying his hardest to stay awake so he didn’t miss a moment of the party. After awhile he finally gave in to his urge to nap. We were able to spend lots of time creating great portraits of them together. Then afterward I was able to collect their favorite images into a beautiful album that they will enjoy for years to come.

Thank You!

Thanks again Matt + Amy for working with me as your Minneapolis newborn photographer. I am so happy for you as you begin your new lives as a family together. Congratulations to you all!!! (You too, Strummer!)

Take a look at a few of my other Minneapolis newborn photography blog posts here!
Ford Family
Troldahl Family
Gangl Family
Ranheim Family

If you would like more information about working with me for your newborn and family photos, contact me soon!

MN Newborn Photography

Mother-Daughter Portrait Session | Michelle + Lauren

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Minneapolis Mother-Daughter Portraits

I’ve been hearing about this family portrait session for years. No – really! My step-sister Michelle had told me for years that she wanted to have a Mother-Daughter portrait session with her daughter Lauren. Finally, she told me a couple of months ago “THIS is the year!” I was so excited! It was perfect timing too – as one would expect, the addition of a studio means that I can now photograph people at any time of year, no matter what kind of weather we are having. And of course, Minnesota is blessed with widely varied climates, so at any time we could be in the midst of rain, humidity, cold, heat or snow. My studio also has a wall full of windows, which gives amazing light most any time of day. We opted for an early December date for their portrait session.

Mother-Daughter Portrait Session

After finalizing props, lighting, and the rest of my studio set-up over the past few months, I was ready. They came in with numerous wardrobe options that we could coordinate together. And even though Lauren swore she would never be seen in a dress again, she agreed to wear not just one but two. They were both awesome! After they worked with my hair/makeup artist, we spent time to photograph each of them alone and then the two of them together. I captured them in 5 different outfits. Before we knew it, we had spent almost two hours together.

Image Viewing and Ordering Session

Mo and Lo came out to the studio for their Image Reveal Session about two weeks later. They were thrilled! Even Lauren, who vowed to never wear a dress again, really loved seeing herself in her beautiful outfits. She chose a number of her dress photos as her favorites.

Michelle + Lauren, I’m so happy that you hired me as your Minneapolis family photographer! I can’t wait to see the final photos in your home!

If you’d like more information about a Mother-Daughter portrait session, contact me soon to find out how we could work together!

Minneapolis Mother Daughter Portrait Photo