The 9 Best Family Photographers in Minneapolis

Being one half of the Twin Cities, Minneapolis is consistently ranked as one of the greatest places in the US to live. And if scrolling through Instagram is any indication, the reputation is well earned. In fact, you guys just look like you’re embracing the best things the city has to offer and having so much fun! When you are looking for Minneapolis family photographers to memorialize your days in the “City of Lakes,” consider this list — we went through many portfolios to find the standout talents listed here.

And if you’re looking for new spaces to take photos or enjoy special moments, count on Peerspace for that, too. As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, we have hundreds of venues in Minneapolis and thousands more beyond. What types of spaces, you may ask? Think creative lofts, renovated warehouses, pristine dance studios, rustic cabins, and so much more. You can book a space for a few hours to call your own and let your creativity run wild. But for now, let’s get back to our list of the finest Minneapolis family photographers!

1. Paisley Ann Photography

Kayleigh has an obsession with shining, golden light and sun-flare, much more so than most Minneapolis family photographers. In fact, both feature prominently in her stunning portfolio. Her work feels both retro and utterly new — like what summers in the ’70s must have felt like, all warm orange hues on film but with a modern sensibility. With her editorial/documentary hybrid style, gorgeous portraits are guaranteed. Choose Kayleigh when you want a family photographer who will capture nostalgic moments as they happen and do it all in her own unique style. 

2. MacKenzie Orth Photography

MacKenzie Orth has a photojournalists eye, no doubt honed earning her photojournalism degree. Celebrating love in all of its forms, she photographs families and weddings — both with her classic style. “Casual elegance” is the phrase that best describes her work. In fact, her editing is light and any posing is natural, resulting in timeless snapshots of cherished memories. Captivating the moment and emotions of her subjects with mastery and seasoned skill, MacKenzie is one of the top Minneapolis family photographers for her documentary and bright style

3. Slow Road Photo

There are four dynamic women photographers at this powerhouse studio and all of them are excellent. However, they each have a specific style of session that they excel in and love doing, and to match these specific techniques with your preferences is a special luxury when dealing with a photo studio.

Documenting everything from “fresh 48” (48 hours after your babe is born), to portraits following your life and your family’s journey, Slow Road offers both in-home and in-studio portraits. In addition, this photography outfit serves as boutique school photographers for more than 20 schools around the Twin Cities, including Breck School, City of Lakes Waldorf School, and Groves Academy. Whatever style you have in mind, these ladies have you covered.

4. Elise Schmitter Photography

https://www.instagram.com/eliseschmitterphoto/

A lover of white, clean photos, Elise Schmitter is the perfect Minneapolis family photographer for fine-art style portraits. White is always fresh and crisp and clean — three words that describe her style to a “T”. Plus, her photos are fresh and glowing, using natural light to create a dreamy bright effect. Timeless portraits, classic overlaid with modernity? What could be better?

Families who work with Elise seem to love her from the start! Here’s one of her many glowing client reviews. “We have had her photograph our family multiple times… her work beautifully captures who we are and she is a pure delight to work with! She brings a sense of calm and fun which allows each of us to just be ourselves. We recommend her to everyone!”

5. Mandi Johnson Photography

Technically located outside of Minneapolis, Mandi Johnson’s work is too beautiful not to mention. Magazine-ready and editorial, while staying authentic to her subjects, all shots feel like film — complete with light leaks and blur in all the right places. So many things about this photographer’s creative work feel retro. Except for the use of interesting angles (those are all modern!). Capturing families in their real-sometimes-messy moments, and using her unique style, everyone and everything is simply gorgeous. Take a look at Mandi’s work when you want to be reminded of happy summer days — each shot is that carefree feeling in one frame.

6. Andrasfi Photo

Anita Andrasfi is the perfect photographer to check out when you have a brand new addition to your family— think cozy bundles of baby wrapped in beautiful soft textures, close-ups of perfect little toes, and delightful props to add personality. No matter the age of her subjects, all of her portraits have a touch of whimsy and love. The combination of perfect styling and slightly warm hues brings a unique and expert photo to enjoy and share. Anita’s work has won our hearts; we hope it wins yours too.

In the words of one of many cheery client reviews. “She did such a wonderful job, I could not be happier with the entire experience! I was so impressed with her studio and how lovely of a person she is. She was so patient with my crying 6 week old and she worked her magic and calmed her down so we could get some really special photos of her. Thank you so much!”

7. Meghan Elizabeth Photography

Specializing in maternity, newborns, and babies, Meghan Elizabeth clearly loves the beginning of life and wants to document it in all of its beauty. Her studio shots of newborns are particularly adorable and creative. Think baskets surrounded by flowers with a precious package nestled inside and whimsical accessories and styling, all surrounded by gorgeous light. Let Meghan document the start of your journey as a family and you will be delighted, as her work is pure sweetness.

We also adore how Meghan describes her photography journey. “My daughter taught me to enjoy the littlest moments-each step she took, word she said, and smile she gave. So I picked up a camera. Soon after I realized that I have a true natural talent for photography and I also love doing it … I would love to turn your memories into beautiful art that you will have forever.”

8. Meghan Doll

Multi-faceted portrait talent Meghan Doll has a gorgeous studio for all of your family editorial shots. With over 20 years of experience behind the lens, she creates the bright magazine-style portraits you need in your life. Her portraits range from the perfect headshot to sweet pics of families laughing together. An art photographer, a portrait photographer, and an all-around talent, Meghan creates bright, white gorgeousness.

Perhaps unsurprisingly, Meghan gets lots of love from her adoring clients! Here is one glowing example. “Meghan is warm and friendly, so it has been easy for our daughter (and us!) to feel really comfortable with her. She has great ideas for photo styling while also being open to incorporating anything we want. We really appreciate Meghan’s talent in taking such sweet photos to document our daughter’s first year!”

9. Athena Hays of Empiria Studios

As a wedding photographer, Athena Hays celebrates love in all its forms and she does the same as a Minneapolis family photographer! Her quirky eye memorializes in photos the beautiful moments of life. Athena’s style is consistently perfectly contrasted and slightly desaturated — no overpowering colors here, as the focus is truly on the art of the photo and the love between the people being photographed. Her creativity presents each family in a unique way — no traditional lineups here.

She’s also no stranger to rave client reviews. “Athena with Emipira Studios is absolutely wonderful to work with. Not only is she organized, friendly and professional, but her finished work is amazing. We are thrilled with all of our photos we’ve received from Athena. She is fantastic at helping orchestrate all of those harder family pics before the wedding, and great at capturing both staged and candid photos. We will be using her photography skills for our family for life!” Check Athena out!

The work of Minneapolis family photographers comes to life with Peerspace

We hope you loved this list of the best Minneapolis family photographers! And remember, the next time you need a special venue to enjoy, work in, or celebrate in, count on Peerspace.

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