mqn photography
I photograph motherhood and family life with a style that feels honest, polished, and full of heart. Here, you’ll find recent sessions, planning tips, and stories from the seasons families never want to forget.
Hello
welome to my blog
I’m Michele, the artist behind MQN Photography. I photograph growing families with beautiful light and a full-service experience.
Learn more
Search

Preparing for baby’s arrival feels sweet, exciting, emotional, and a tiny bit like trying to pack for a vacation where the guest of honor may arrive whenever they please. Cute? Yes. Predictable? Absolutely not. Whether you live in Minneapolis, St. Paul, or somewhere in the surrounding Twin Cities metro, preparing for baby’s arrival comes with […]

There is something wildly unfair about how fast babies change. One day they curl into your chest like a sleepy little croissant. The next day they sit up, clap, crawl, giggle, grab their toes, and somehow look like they have a full calendar and opinions about snack options. That is exactly why Studio Milestone Photos […]

Fresh 48 Newborn Session photography captures the first quiet hours with your baby in the hospital, when everything still feels brand new. There is something so special about a Fresh 48 session. These sessions hold the kind of beauty that cannot be recreated later. The first swaddle. The sleepy stretches. The tiny features that seem […]

Some St. Paul neighborhoods tend to have homes that photograph especially well for in-home newborn sessions. That usually comes down to good natural light, beautiful original details, and interiors that feel calm instead of cluttered. If you are planning newborn photos at home, those details matter more than people think. The best in-home sessions usually […]

Some sessions carry even more meaning because of the story behind them. This motherhood session in my NE Minneapolis studio was one of those sessions. I have had the joy of photographing this family through so many important milestones. What was originally meant to be a Fresh 48 session shifted when their baby spent a […]

Why Families Love Spring Family Photos in Minnesota There is something about spring family photos in Minnesota that feels especially easy to love. The colors are softer. The temperatures are gentler. The world outside feels inviting again after a long winter indoors. For many families, that shift alone makes spring sessions feel lighter and more […]

There is something so special about a motherhood session that focuses on the quiet connection between a mama and her baby. This beautiful motherhood session in my Minneapolis studio did exactly that. Every image felt soft, honest, and full of feeling. From the all-white wall to the limewashed blue wall with florals, every part of […]

There is something especially meaningful about documenting a babyâs first birthday in a way that feels both beautiful and timeless. This NE Minneapolis cake smash session was designed with a refined, minimal approach that allowed every detail to feel soft, natural, and elevated. Rather than relying on an elaborate set or oversized props, we kept […]

Quick Answer The Motherhood Event is a one day studio portrait experience created to celebrate moms and help them finally get in the frame with their children. Past Signature Session clients are invited for a complimentary session and five digital files, while new moms are welcome to join for a calm, guided motherhood session. […]

Minnesota Family Photos That Feel Real and Fun Before the cake comes out, we always start with portraits. Every single time. This order keeps things easy. It also keeps outfits clean. And it keeps everyone relaxed. We began on my white wall and white floors in my NE Minneapolis studio . That clean setup makes […]
reader faves