Minneapolis Family Photographer | 4 Generations

Hi again, ladies and gents!

Let me stop for a second to tell you that I am seriously the luckiest photographer in the world. My clients are always so wonderful to work with. That's true of my session with the four generations of this lovely family, too!

I met up with them right before Memorial Day at Centennial Lakes Park and the weather was not perfect for photo-taking. The sky was overcast and it drizzled all day. While the weather was wet, it was this happy family that made this shoot such a joy. 

This family is not only photogenic, but also a close-knit group who clearly love spending time together even when they have to travel. They are lucky to have each other.

Hope you enjoy the pictures!

Minneapolis Family Photographer | D Family

Welcome back, everyone!

I recently had a stupendous session with the D family. I've said it before and I'll say it again – I truly have the best clients ever! This family was no exception, either. 

We met at in Carver. I love shooting at outside because because everyone just seems more relaxed.

For our shoot, the Ds brought the whole family together for a fun and relaxing afternoon.  Their fun attitude really made for some amazing photos.

It truly was an amazing photo shoot.  

Okay, on to pictures of the D family!

Dress for Success: What to Wear for your Photo Session

Rule #1: Coordinate—but don’t be matchy/matchy
If you’re shooting with another person, make sure your outfits complement one another’s. Choose a consistent color palette (which does not mean the same color). If someone is wearing a bold pattern, dress the rest of the group in more solids, but be sure each carries one or more colors from the “star” outfit for consistency.

Rule #2: Accessorize!
Scarves, hats, bows, bands…it all adds a fun twist to an otherwise “standard” look. Accessories are also a great place to coordinate looks. For example, if Mom is wearing a bright pattern with lavender, pink and gray, little brother can rock a pair a gray sneakers while Dad can choose a lavender vest and big sis with a pink headband.

Rule #3: Try for Texture Layers and textures and can really add depth to your photos. Look for clothes and accessories with rich, simple detailing—embroidery, tweed, ribbons, etc—or layer pieces to add dimension and texture. Texture is especially important if you want a lot of black and white shots, which naturally need more visual depth and detail than color images. Also, because you’ll want to keep the pace going during your session, layering is a great way to make quick, convenient outfit changes—pull off the sweater, slip on the vest and you’ve got a whole new look!

Rule #4: Dress Kids for Comfort & Movement Kids naturally run, skip, dance and jump around during photo sessions—they’re kids! To avoid unnecessary aggravation, let them be comfortable in the clothes and opt for apparel that accentuates their natural energy. Skirts, fedoras, scarves, and knit sweaters allow for natural movement, so when the kids start getting wild, their clothes will look even better.

Rule #5: Be Timeless
You’ll have these pictures for generations—don’t date yourself! Choose classic, timeless pieces, or even vintage apparel and accessories. Opt for the latest trends and you may feel otherwise about that amazing outfit in a few years (or even a few months) from now.

Displaying Your Photos

To Frame or Not to Frame…
Amazing photos deserve an equally amazing display—but that doesn’t have to mean a traditional frame.

We have access to many creative vendors who offer wide varieties of traditional and non-traditional framing and display options. Whether it’s a traditional frame with hand-cut matting, shadow box or float frames, we can expertly guide you to the right fit for your images.

Looking for something truly sleek, chic and modern? Try going frameless! Canvas gallery wraps, image blocks, standout mounts and other creative prints still showcase your photos beautifully, but offer a modish spin that goes perfectly with more contemporary décor.

No matter which method you choose, get creative! Filling your walls with a lifetime of memories is one of the most special, most visual ways to tell the story of your family—so get hanging!

Choosing a location that’s right for you

Choosing a great location is one of the most important pieces of setting your family’s photo shoot. The backdrop you select will set the stage for the entire session and will be an essential piece of every shot, pose and, ultimately, the finished product. We recommend picking a spot that’s special to you, either a spot you love, somewhere you frequent or a place that best represents your family.

After you’ve narrowed down the list, it’s important to think about some key logistics: are there restrooms? Is the distance from the parking to the actual shoot location far? If so, pack comfy shoes for everyone! Will there be places to change outfits, retouch hair and makeup and relax between shots? Will there be crowds nearby—and, if so, are you comfortable shooting in front of others?

We’ve seen amazing sessions everywhere from backyards to baseball fields, lakes to open meadows. We know the area and can help make recommendations based on your family’s unique needs, personalities and inspirations.