Top 10 Family Photographers in Minneapolis

Family life is often messy and chaotic but it’s also filled with beautiful moments that will never happen again. Family photography is all about documenting these memories so that they last a lifetime, particularly as children grow and develop into young adults.

Minneapolis-based families have no shortage of choice when it comes to experienced family photographers, whether you’re wanting a stylized studio shoot or a relaxed session at home. In this guide, we’ll introduce 10 of our favorites and what it is that sets them apart.

Elise Schmitter Photography

Elise Schmitter is a fine art photographer who specializes in family, newborn, and motherhood portraits. As a mother to three young children herself, she understands how quickly the days fly by and believes that photography is a way of celebrating, treasuring, and remembering the simplest of moments. Elise works with families throughout the Minneapolis and Edina areas, with a style that is characterized by clean lines and a fresh feel - both timeless and modern.


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Melissa Klein Photography

Based in Lino Lakes, Melissa Klein is a Minnesota photographer who has garnered a reputation for her maternity, newborn, baby, and family photography. She’s a member of the Professional Photographers of America and operates out of a newly-built store front commercial space. If you prefer an outdoor family session, she’s happy to travel throughout the Twin Cities area and combines a mixture of both posed and candid portraits in her shoots. Want a professional hair and makeup artist? Melissa can organize one for your session, as well as offering a complimentary studio wardrobe to all of her clients.

Paisley Ann Photography

Kayleigh is the owner and lead photographer of Paisley Ann Photography and describes herself as a “small town MinnSNOWTA girl who has big dreams to live every day to its fullest”. Her portfolio of family portraits has a vintage feel to it, with golden sun flares and rich lighting that is undeniably warm. In describing her approach to photography, she says that she lets the essence of her subjects inspire what is captured and believes that it’s all about letting go and being true to who you are.

Mandi Johnson Photography

Mandi Johnson is a Minnesota-based lifestyle photographer who specializes in newborn, family, and maternity sessions. Her editorial-style images have a film-like quality and she often employs unique angles that make her work stand out from the rest. Whether she’s shooting in a family living room or on a country farm, we love her use of golden light and the authentic feel of her images.

Jessica Strobel Photography

Jessica Strobel established her photography business after many years running a Montessori school as it allowed her more time to spend with her rapidly growing son. Three years later she couldn’t be happier, with her career giving her the opportunity to capture genuine moments between families. She strives to document the love, chaos, laughter, and fun that families have together, whether it’s at her home studio in South Minneapolis or at one of your favorite locations.

Mackenzie Orth Photography

Based out of Minneapolis/St Paul, Mackenzie Orth has been working as a professional photographer for around eight years and documents not only family portraits, newborn and maternity sessions but also weddings. After graduating from the University of Wisconsin with a degree in journalism, she began taking photography classes to become a photojournalist but instead began capturing portraits of family and friends. Today, she’s built a business that is all about preserving your legacy through gorgeous photographs.

Andrasfi Photography

Anita Andrasfi is the owner of Andrasfi Photography and has dedicated the last few years of her career to maternity, newborn, and family photography. She says that her love for photography was ignited in college but it wasn’t until the birth of her daughter that it blossomed into something more. Anita’s clients love how comfortable she makes them feel in front of the camera, with a certain whimsical aesthetic to her work. We particularly love her adorable newborn images!

Leslie Crane Photography

Leslie Crane is an on-location and studio family portrait photographer who works out of a beautiful space in Chaska, Minnesota. She specializes in photographing newborns, children, and families, as well as high school seniors, musicians, and creative professionals. She strives to capture images that reflect what is wonderful about her subjects and achieves this by making her sessions relaxed and fun. Her style? Fresh, sweet, natural, and heartfelt are just some of the words that have been used to describe it.

Slow Road Photo

Slow Road Photo is a team of four female photographers who each have their own signature style. They describe themselves as storytellers, just as much as they are photographers, and use their lenses to tell the unique story of your family. One of their favorite portrait locations? Your home where everyone feels relaxed and in their element. But they also love shooting at the Slow Road Studio, which is beautifully furnished and welcoming for all ages.

Meghan Elizabeth Photography

Specializing in newborn, maternity, and family photography, Meghan Elizabeth says that she is living her dream as a mother, wife, and photographer. Even the endless hours of editing is something she loves and the opportunity to constantly learn and improve herself as an artist. In addition to gorgeous shots of newborns in baskets and whimsical family portraits, Meghan also shoots the occasional wedding. Her approach to photography is all about capturing those special moments that you will never live again.

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