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.
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I’m Michele, the artist behind MQN Photography. I photograph growing families with beautiful light and a full-service experience.
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Ah, the great outdoors. Home to golden light, stunning backdrops, and your toddler’s sudden decision to start a rock collection mid-session. Outdoor family photo sessions can be magical, memorable, and yes—a little bit unpredictable. But with the right prep (and the right mindset), they can also be surprisingly easy. Whether you’re booking a Minnesota family photo […]

There’s something breathtaking about the way babies grow. One day they’re curled up in your arms, impossibly small and new, and the next, they’re wobbling on tiny legs, laughing at the dog, clapping with glee. Those early days are a blur of love and sleep deprivation, and before you can blink, your baby has hit […]

Real Moments at the Arboretum: A Joyful Roseville MN Family Photography Session Embracing the Chaos with a Camera Every once in a while, I meet a family that reminds me why I started photographing these fleeting, sacred moments in the first place. This outdoor session at the Muriel Sahlin Arboretum in Roseville, Minnesota, was one of […]

Let’s face it: summer in Minnesota is short, sweet, and way too precious to waste. Once we thaw out from the eternal winter and slap on the sunscreen, it’s go time—for sprinklers, popsicles, and yes, family photo sessions. If you’re in the thick of raising tiny humans and trying to capture the magic before someone […]

Studio Family Photos in Minnesota: A Relaxed, Dog-Friendly, and Slightly-Toddler-Wrangling Session Let’s talk about one of my favorite things: studio family photos in Minnesota. Now, I know what you’re thinking—getting the whole family dressed, making sure no one has peanut butter on their face, hoping the toddler doesn’t stage a rebellion, and then adding not […]

Michele is a Minneapolis-based baby and family photographer with over 15 years of experience capturing the sweet, silly, and utterly unforgettable moments of a child’s first year. Known for her warm, natural style and knack for making even the shyest baby crack a smile, Michele specializes in milestone sessions that highlight each stage—from the sleepy […]

Recap of the 2025 Motherhood Event – The Magic of Motherhood Captured Motherhood deserves a standing ovation. And while I don’t have the budget for fireworks (yet), this year’s 2025 Motherhood Event came pretty close to feeling like a red carpet moment for the amazing women I’ve photographed over the past year. As a Minneapolis-based […]

A Gentle Glimpse Into NICU Life: St. John’s Hospital Photography for Twins Sometimes, stories begin long before the first photo is taken. That was the case with these two sweet twin girls born at St. John’s Hospital in Maplewood. Their mom had reached out to me while still on bedrest, hopeful and planning ahead, even […]

What You’ll Find Inside the 2025 Investment Guide for Minneapolis Families Looking for a Photo Session If you’ve ever found yourself overwhelmed by the thought of planning a photo session—wondering what to wear, how long it will take, or what you’ll even do with the photos afterward—this post is for you. Whether you’re a new […]

Family photo sessions often bring up visions of stiff poses, forced smiles, and parents silently praying their kids cooperate. But after 15 years as a Minneapolis family photographer, I can tell you: the best portraits come when families loosen up and let the magic of connection take the lead. The trick? Candid moments and a […]
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