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

The mQn Photography Newsletter Coming to your e-mail | North Oaks, Minnesota Child & Family Photographer

Starting this year will be a newsletter sent out to all clients and potential clients.  Meaning if you have had a session with me in the past or have even requested information from me you are automatically enrolled.  If you decide you don’t want one more thing added to your e-mail because YES I get that!  You will be able to simply unsubscribe and I won’t even know about it so it won’t even hurt my feelings.  If you don’t get the newsletter but would like to . . . you can subscribe here: SUBSCRIBE TO mQn PHOTOGRAPHY NEWSLETTER

I’m hoping this will be full of helpful information, some discounts and maybe something you may have missed.  Feel free to share with friends and family who you too think would love to see it.  Remember I offer a great referral program!

Here is the first newsletter:  Short and sweet!

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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

Last Minute Holiday Mini Sessions | Twin Cities, Minnesota Child & Family Photographer

OMG…  November is right around the corner!!

Have you been meaning to set up your family photo shoot for months and feel like you’ve run  out of time?

Are you wanting photos for your Holiday cards?

Were the kids’ school pictures just terrible this year and you really want a great photo of their cute little faces to hang on the walls?

Or maybe your parents ask you for photos every year for the Holidays and you’ve decided that this is the year you’re going to make their dreams come true!

Whatever your reason is for needing new photos, I’m here to help!

This year I’m offering in studio mini sessions and they will be held on November 5th and 12th, and there is still room!!!  My studio is located in the Northeast neighborhoods of Minneapolis.  

As always, mini session are fun, fast 20 minute photo shoots.  This year the session free is only $50.  That’s half the price of a regular mini session!!   And you can add digital files, albums, prints and even holiday cards to your session! (Which FYI, I recently learned that my holiday cards are better priced than Minted, Shutterfly or Tiny Prints!) Think one stop Holiday shopping… you’re welcome!

Follow this link to sign up for your appointment today! Holiday Mini Sessions

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

Centennial High School Senior Session | Twin Cities, Minnesota Senior Photographer

Well for this senior session we did not have the best weather but we didn’t let that stop us!  And it never rained too hard on us that we couldn’t keep shooting well except once but we just hid under a tree for a brief moment.  That’s the thing with fall, sometimes it’s hot or too cold or too windy or even just plain rainy.  But in-spite of all that fall is one of the most beautiful times of year.  Meet this senior who will be graduating from Centennial High School this year.  She spends her afternoons as a nanny but plans on college after high school.  Good things are in store for her and I can’t wait to see what her future holds.

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Michele is a lifestyle portrait photographer in North Oaks, Minnesota.  She photographs children (& big kids) with and without 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

Choosing the Ideal Location for Your Family Photo Session | North Oaks, Minnesota Photographer

 

Family photos are timeless and if you are looking to update your family portraits or take some for the first time, you might be wondering about what location to use for them.

But before we get started I’ve got a special surprise at the end of this post!  I’m taking part in a blog circle with some photographer friends of mine.  We’re linking to each other’s posts, so you can check out what they’re up to. This month, I’m linking to a fabulous lifestyle photographer in Connecticut, who’s sharing some recent head-shots she photographed.   Find the link at the end of this post.

Now on to some things to consider before choosing a location:

Comfort

A family photoshoot is where you get to smile, laugh and be yourselves. If some of your family members are shy then you might not want to choose a very public spot. 

Personalities

What makes your family unique? Choose a location that fits in with who you are as a family. Do you enjoy spending time in your garden or on a couch reading books? Perhaps you spend lots of time outdoors and on camping trips? Your location should speak to your personalities.

Convenience

Take each member of your family into consideration. What are their ages and needs? If you have two toddlers that might need to use a bathroom at any time, then a remote spot is probably not the best idea.

Family Photoshoot Location Ideas

Below are some ideas of where you could arrange your photo session.

At Home

Sometimes the best shots can be taken right at home. Get your family outside in the garden or setup your living room for a classic look and feel.

In the City

For a more modern feel to your photos you could get out in the city and take a few photos next to an interesting building or in a funky alley way.

In Nature

If you’re looking for a calm, natural setting then choose an outdoor location. Parks and forests make for beautiful backdrops.

In Studio

If you’re looking for a more private setting where you can use props and backdrops, then a studio setting might be more for you. Studio photos will also give you the option to take more posed, structured photos.

Oh and don’t forget to follow along the blog circle.  There’s a group of six of us this month, and next up is my friend Dacia from Connecticut.  Click here to check our her blog post: Lifestyle Photography in Norwich, CT

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Michele is a lifestyle portrait photographer in North Oaks, Minnesota.  She photographs on location or 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