Evening photos in Chaska with the Graft Family

Brittany had written on a Facebook page that she was looking for a local photographer to do some head shots for her massage thereapy business. We talked and she decided to book a family session where we would take some head shots in the Chaska home studio before heading outside for some family photos.

Brittany and I spent time discussing outfits and I adore the ones they decided on - the navys and blues looked so simple and put together. I shared the Pinterest board I have created for family sessions and, I believe, it makes an impact.

After head shots we took a little drive over to one of my most favorite spots for open field family photos in Chaska. This particular day we were all blessed with a beautiful blue sky and fluffy white clouds. The grass couldn't have been greener. It was just breathtaking. My assistant Shelbey was so helpful with the shoot - she's great with little kids and making them smile. I also adored watching both mom and dad interact with their girls. Some of my favorite photos from the entire session is when we did photos of each of them with just the girls.

Another thing I find a top priority in each of my family sessions is to really encourage moms and dads to take a photo or two together- just them. You are the leaders of your families, the reason your families exist. Get some professional photos of just the two of you that don't feature mom in a white dress. Years down the road you will be so happy to have a photo of just you and your honey.

I have to admit as I was culling images from this session it was painful to to convert images to black and white. The colors from that night were just the colors you dream in. But, I adore the story the one black and white image tells.

Gathered in Cologne for a family photo session

Family:

We may not have it all together, but together we have it all.

This family has been planning this session for months and it worked out that everyone could be in Cologne to have the family portraits taken. The family coordinated outfits by color for each individual family and it turned out great. I love sharing my Pinterest board for outfit inspiration as the client prepares for their session.

As evident in the photos the day was a just gorgeous Carver County June day. The skies could not have been more blue and the grass geener. The sun was a bit harsh and hot, but everyone, even the little kids, were so cooperative and excited to do photos.

Growing up one of my most favorite memories was spending time with my grandparents. I love that this family made it a priority to get professional photos with them. Making memories as a family will last a lifetime.

Part of the session also focused on each individual family so they could have new portraits as well. It was a great way to get updated photos that will coordinate for a wall gallery in everyone's homes. This blog has helped me create gallery walls in my own home - I think they're a great, modern way to display photos and art as well as bring a room together!

Cologne, MN, Carver County, Chaska, Carver, Waconia, Carver County photographer, Chaska Photographer, Waconia Photographer, extended family photos, twin cities photographer,

Hilary and Natalie: back in Minnesota!

"Though miles may lie between us we are never far apart, for friendship doesn't count miles it measures by the heart."

Hilary met my mom about 10 years ago when they were in an early childhood education class in Waconia together. Since then they have become and stayed close friends. Even when Hilary's family had to leave the Carver County area and move to Texas for her husband's job our families stayed connected.

This May, just in time for my in-home studio Mommy and Me Mini sessions, Hilary and her middle child Natalie were in Chaska. They've been relocated back to the tundra state and were checking out local schools and squeezed in a mini session! How adorable are they in lime green. I can't wait to start to photograph this family (including her husband and other two kiddos) when they move back this year. Natalie took direction so well and loved being in front of the camera and Hilary was easy to work with - it was a fun mini session!

 Seriously those bright, cheerful, coordinating colors make me so happy!  How sweet is she - child photographs - that are not school photos - allow so much more personality to show through!  I love how natural they look snuggled up together.  I'm curious to see how tall little lady is back to back with her mom in a few years! Then it will be time for follow-up photos! [contact-form][contact-field label='Name' type='name' required='1'/][contact-field label='Email' type='email' required='1'/][contact-field label='Website' type='url'/][contact-field label='Comment' type='textarea' required='1'/][/contact-form]