About Michele | Minnesota Family Photographer

Hi I'm Michele and I photograph families and all things motherhood in Minnesota.

Getting to the Heart of it all. . .

I specialize in all things motherhood; that means maternity, newborn, baby & family photos is my jam, turning the beautiful mess of family life into stunning art. My mission? To capture those genuine, joyful moments that make your heart sing.

Why I Don’t Wear Dresses to Photo Sessions Once, while capturing the perfect shot during a photo session, I tumbled backward into a kiddie pool filled with muck; remnants of summer days gone by. Dress drenched, pride wounded, but my camera? Heroically saved. The boys had a field day laughing, and the mom graciously lent me some dry clothes so I could finish the session and drive home. Why no one warned me, I'll never know! That event happened 14 years ago and let's just say I haven't worn a dress to a photo session since. Making kids laugh and having a good time at my expense is totally worth it especially since I'm pretty good at saving my gear.

My Approach Thanks to my background in photojournalism, I’ve mastered the candid, lifestyle approach, ensuring every session is unique and fun (did you read the story above). Expect heirloom-quality artwork that’ll be the talk of generations, with collections that include digital files and complimentary print credit.

My Goal Remember, the images you have taken of your children are for you, but the images you have taken with your children are for them. Let’s work together to ensure your family’s legacy is preserved—one beautiful, messy moment at a time.

Let me tell you my Why . . .

You see, I’m usually not in any photos with my kids. If I am, it's a blurry mess that looks like it was taken by a blind man. Imagine my delight when I get these real quick, real candid, real unflattering images. Honestly, I might be a tad envious of my clients. They get these stunning, frame-worthy images while I get... well, the shaft.

For as long as I can remember, I’ve been obsessed with photographs. I’d spend hours going through my grandmother’s photo albums, snapping away with my mom’s old film camera, and eventually spending hours in a darkroom in college. My biggest wedding expense? The photographer. When people say "your camera takes great pictures" I have to answer; not in my husband's hands.

Now, my kids are teens, and the window for capturing those beautiful images of us together has pretty much slammed shut. Let me share a few regrets with you:

I never invested in maternity images.
I went to a mall studio for my son’s newborn photos.
I wasn’t even in my daughter’s newborn photos at all.

The Importance of Being Seen

Last year, my daughter asked for photos of us together when she was little, and after rummaging through endless folders, I found only a few. And they weren't that good. I found lots of my kids being adorable and my husband being the fun dad. But me? I was in nothing but quick, uninspired shots.

I wanted beautiful moments of me with my babies that I had envisioned in my head. Because I was there too. In fact I was there every day ALL day and ALL the long nights.

From Behind the Camera to in the Frame

After 18 years of crying year after year of not being in photos with my kids, it hasn't really gotten any better. But I have gotten better with a tripod. And yes while having good gear will most definitely make it easier to get good photos; you have to know how to use it. It's not the camera that takes the picture.

Moms, your legacy is important. Don't leave it up to someone who doesn’t get it. Let me help you capture the chaos, the joy, and the love that is your beautiful, messy life.

my journey

I have spent over 15 years capturing the magic of family life. With a minor in journalism and an emphasis in photojournalism, my experience has shaped my candid lifestyle approach to photography, a style I embraced long before it became popular. My work has graced the covers and pages of magazines and books, not to mention countless blog sites and Instagram hubs. In 2023, Expertise.com crowned me one of the Best Maternity & Newborn Photographers in Minneapolis, and back in 2019, Peerspace declared I was one of the 6 best lifestyle photographers in Minneapolis. I've taken thousands of photos, each one brimming with joy and authenticity, making me a true pro at turning life's beautiful chaos into stunning art.

See Published Works

the studio

Pull up a chair it's time to get acquainted with this Minnesota photographer, located in the heart of the Arts District in Northeast Minneapolis, the studio, is a small beautiful space filled with natural light. This is where the studio wardrobe resides. The fridge is stocked with waters and Starbucks and the drawers full of fruit snacks. Newborns sleep here, kids dance here and parents relax here because we're going to have fun and capture the memories you don't want to forget and you won't have to worry about a thing. That's my job.

Reach out

the wardrobe

Creating the perfect family photo is about more than just capturing a moment; it's about having the right wardrobe too. That’s why I’ve curated an exclusive client closet filled with high-quality, stylish outfits. Whether you’re at my studio, in your home, or out in the fields, this complimentary wardrobe is available for all families. It adds a touch of sophistication to your images and takes one more task off your plate. Choose my client wardrobe options for an effortlessly luxurious photography experience where everyone looks their best.

wardrobe

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