New Blog | North Oaks, Minnesota Photographer

I am so excited to announce my new website where my blog is attached. It will make navigating all the wonderful information I put out easily and readily available and then a quick stop to book a session. Head over and say hi! Even if you don’t book a session now I’d love to hear from you. Check out the website and stay awhile, tell me what you think. I’d love the feedback! Head over for a visit by clicking www.mqnphotography.com then click blog and you’re there! See you soon . . . .

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Michele is a lifestyle portrait photographer in North Oaks, Minnesota.  She photographs children and their families both on location and in her studio in Northeast Minneapolis.  To schedule your next session with Michele please visit mQn Photography | Twin Cities Photographer or e-mail michele@mqnphotography.com

Michele is also a participating photographer with The Tiny Footprints Project which provides free photography for families living in the NICU.  To see how you can help or to request a session please visit www.thetinyfootprintsproject.org

Lifestyle Photography | North Oaks, Minnesota Lifestyle Photographer

Capture the REAL moments: lifestyle photography for all occasions

I hear it all the time: “I don’t want my photos to look posed.” With a lifestyle photography session your images will be anything but posed.  Think candid’s that serve to “capture the moment” versus staging a scene, and stunning, true-to-life photography that tells your story just as it is, at that precise moment.  This slice-of-life approach is great for any genre of photography including weddings, family sessions or other special occasions.  With action driven details it will bring your images to life over and over again.

I especially love in home lifestyle sessions.  These are perfect when the weather turns cold.

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Michele is a lifestyle portrait photographer in North Oaks, Minnesota.  She photographs children and their families both on location and in her studio in Northeast Minneapolis.  To schedule your next session with Michele please visit mQn Photography | Twin Cities Photographer or e-mail michele@mqnphotography.com

A Heart Warrior in the NICU | University of Minnesota Masonic Children’s Hospital Photographer

I had the privilege to meet this little precious beauty in the NICU not long ago.  She was born at 38 weeks, weighing 4lbs 13oz.  Due to her weight she was considered a preemie.  This sweetness has a severe congenital heart defect called HRHS.  She spent the first 8 days of her life in the NICU and has now been transferred over to the CVICU because eventually she will need a heart surgery and is currently awaiting a heart transplant.  Lot’s of prayers and positive thoughts go out to this lovely family.

This month I’m also participating in a blog circle.  These are super fun to see what is going on outside our little bubble here in Minnesota.   Want to know what’s going on in Kalamazoo?  Head to the end of this blog post to find out . . . .

But first this most beautiful NICU baby . . .

Tara Fletcher a Kalamazoo Lifestyle Photographer will be talking about a winter lifestyle session (my favorite!), in Southwest Michigan.  Click her link above to be taken over to her blog.

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Michele is a lifestyle portrait photographer in North Oaks, Minnesota.  She photographs children and their families both on location and in her studio in Northeast Minneapolis.  To schedule your next session with Michele please visit mQn Photography | Twin Cities Photographer or e-mail michele@mqnphotography.com

Michele is also a participating photographer with The Tiny Footprints Project which provides free photography for families living in the NICU.  To see how you can help or to request a session please visit www.thetinyfootprintsproject.org

Mini vs Custom Photography Sessions: What You Need to Know | North Oaks, Minnesota Child & Family Photographer

If you’re in the midst of planning a photography session, whether it’s for your newborn baby or just a general family session, you’ve probably heard the term ‘mini session’ mentioned quite a bit.

There are a few differences when it comes to a mini photography session vs a custom session. Here’s what you need to know before you decide which shoot is best for you.

Time Limits

This is of course one of the main differences between the two sessions. A custom photography session will last an hour or two while a photographer will usually book several mini sessions in one day since they only last about 20 – 25 minutes at most.

Number of Poses

Secondly, a custom photography session will allow for as many poses as possible within the time booked while a mini session offers less time so your photographer will use their skills to capture as many candid moments at possible in a shorter period of time.

Number of Photos

While your photographer will still try and shoot as many photos as possible during your mini session, you will naturally end up with fewer photos than you would if you had booked a custom session. A custom session generates between 30 – 40 images while a mini session will give you about 10. There will also usually be minimal retouching of the photos taken at a mini session.

So which photography session is best for you?

You may be surprised to find that many of our clients actually choose both!  Often our clients will opt for the custom session for the entire family at a location of their choice. This gives them more time to play around with poses, backdrops, props and wardrobe changes. While they opt for mini sessions to get a few great photos of the kiddos as a compliment in between the custom sessions.

The next set of mini sessions are our Valentine Mini’s on January 21st scheduling from 11am to 1pm.  For more information or to get on the calendar send me a message (or click on the image)  Hope to see your littles there!

Regardless of which you choose, we look forward to working with you!

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Michele is a lifestyle portrait photographer in North Oaks, Minnesota.  She photographs children and their families both on location and in her studio in Northeast Minneapolis.  To schedule your next session with Michele please visit mQn Photography | Twin Cities Photographer or e-mail michele@mqnphotography.com

Lifestyle Photography Sessions Explained | North Oaks, Minnesota Lifestyle Photographer

“I don’t want my photos to look posed”, is a phrase I hear all the time. Enter lifestyle photography.

A lifestyle photography session documents real life milestones, moments and events and gives you images that are anything but posed. Lifestyle photography photos tell your story just as it is at that precise moment and are perfect for any genre of photography. Action driven details bring your images to life over and over again. 

So what are some of the situations where lifestyle photography can be used?

Kids Photography

Lifestyle photography is the ideal way to capture the beauty and authenticity of childhood. Make sure your children are well rested and that they’re comfortable in both their clothing and their surroundings. Patience is key during this type of session but this is when the magic happens. Bringing along a favorite snack, toy or book won’t hurt either.

Believe it or not, the most successful photos often happen when we let the kids lead the session. It’s all about making it a magical and spirited time where there is lots to take in. Sitting back and capturing those honest moments will ensure beautiful images that you’ll love for decades.

Newborn Photography

Lifestyle photography naturally lends itself to newborn photo sessions. True to life, crib and bassinet shots taken through the slats make for stunning photos. Then there are of course the shots with mom, dad, brothers, sisters and even the family pet. Moments that may seem mundane now such as bathing, feeding or even changing a diaper, from a distance of course, make for creative shots that you’ll love for years to come. Playing with and rocking your baby are also moments that you definitely won’t regret taking the time to capture as it gives you fond memories to look back on in the months to come as your baby grows and their routine changes.

Family Photography

There is nothing quite like having the family together. The laughing, games, meals and memories are truly something to treasure. A lifestyle photography session is the perfect excuse to get your family together and capture different generations spending quality time with each other. Why not shoot a family lunch or time spent playing outside in the garden? Capturing moments between siblings or grandparents and grandchildren are photos you can treasure for years to come.

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Michele is a lifestyle portrait photographer.  She specializes in capturing natural moments in families but always makes sure she gets the shots grandma wants too.  To schedule you next photo session with Michele please visit mQn Photography | Twin Cities Photographer or e-mail michele@mqnphotography.com