The Families of Mini Sessions 2014

A couple of weeks ago I held mini sessions at my studio and I would say they were my most successful set of mini sessions yet! I love shooting in my studio - I think the lights and walls are magical. Come visit me some time soon!!

The Evenson's came to me for Christmas mini sessions in 2012 and I was so happy to see them back. I love Elise and Ava! They are just adorable in their blush dresses. Totally my style.

Look at this adorable little guy! The Maas wedding was one of the first that I captured, now I am photographing their sweet little boy! I love my faithful clients who return to me for such special pictures!

Mini sessions wouldn't be complete without seeing Rachel, Jordan, and little Ian! I hadn't seen him since he was only a few days old! I have NEVER seen such a happy baby! He is all smiles. Their family holds such a special spot in my heart!

Another Reese Family! They also did Christmas mini sessions with me in 2012 and since then they have added the littlest Mya to their family! Love these adorable little girls!

Oh man… this little guy melts the heart. Such a well behaved sweety. Loved the giggles that these guys shared during our session.

Ashleigh | In-home maternity session

When Ashleigh told me that she wanted to include her kiddos in her maternity session, I was overjoyed! I love the interaction between them all- snuggling on mom and dad's bed, giggling, showing me their bellies, and giving the baby belly kisses.

It all feels so natural. A day in the life. A story. Anticipation. Love. Happiness. 

This is why I love what I do- capturing other peoples stories makes me so happy!

New Studio Space | Embracing Natural Light

Studio Promotion from Mariah MPLS on Vimeo.

Wow. This is a post I would have never expected to hit my blog in 2014. I am SO overwhelmingly excited to announce that I am the proud renter of a STUDIO SPACE in NE Minneapolis! I have recently been dreaming about owning a studio space someday. But I wanted it to be different. To have huge windows that poured light into the space, and have brick walls and exposed pipes and character that couldn't just be built, it had to be acquired by years of age and physically worn at the seams of each brick and floorboard. Then, like magic, I am scrolling through Facebook one day and see this post from my very own wedding photographer. "CREATIVE STUDIO SPACE". I click- curious to see their studio space… And when I scrolled through the photos I fell in love, and knew that it could be mine if I just took a leap of faith.

So- naturally- I spent the next 24 hours day dreaming. Swooning over the things I could do in that space. Crunching numbers, getting some clients opinions, and convincing my fiancé that taking this risk would be worth the jump. I'm impulsive and determined, so when I decided (about 60 seconds after seeing the ad on craigslist) that I wanted this studio, Tony quickly realized I wasn't going to give up on it, and fully supported my dreams. So I made a few phone calls. Set up a meeting with Jeff for the next week, and the rest is history!

I am pleased to announce that this studio is NOT your average studio. Located in the Art District of Minneapolis, it is nestled on the 2nd story of a converted warehouse building. There are white walls, wood floors, exposed brick, a beautiful high ceiling with paint chipped beams, and the best part?… real sunlight pouring through the giant windows. There are no bright studio lights. No sponge painted backgrounds. No cheesy props. Just a casual, simple environment where creativity lives, and you, the subject, are the main focus.

Here are a couple of the looks we did at my studio debut! (Will be posting more looks later!) Meet my beautiful muse, Bethany, who owns the greatest hand lettering business in the land: Duende Hand Lettering. <--- click the link if you want to see beautiful inspiring hand-lettering + watercolor eye candy!

A huge thank you to my wedding VIDEOGRAPHER, and friend, Mariah Harrison, for creating this awesome video for me. It all started at Spyhouse Coffee, like most of our great ideas do. We decided to use a day at the studio for me to test out the lighting and environment, while she was going to capture me, doing what I do- so you could all witness what happens inside these walls!

Here are a couple behind the scenes pics of Mariah in action:

I am excited to begin this new chapter of my life and incorporate beautiful, bright studio work into my portfolio! 2014- you just keep getting better every day.

The Jarnes Sisters

I think I'm a true California girl at heart. I'm a lover of the refreshing warmth, blooming flowers, pastel colors of spring... and the hot air, bright sun, and saturated colors of summer. But on the contrary to all of that, I am obsessed with the cool air, and warm, neutral tans and muted forest greens that a minnesota fall has to offer. After the trees have shed their vibrant leaves, and the snow has yet to fall. The clouds cover the sky, and the light is very soft. I did two photo shoots this day at this gorgeous location and everyone wore rich fall colors that left my heart swooning for days.

Meet the Jarnes sisters. Erika, Justine, and Kristin. Erika is my brother Jeremy's girlfriend, and I am so excited that she will be gracing me with her presence as a bridesmaid at my upcoming wedding! When they asked me to do pictures for them I said YES with no hesitation. Three beautiful, confident, silly women. We laughed our hearts out, and I couldn't be more happy about the way the photos look!

Thanks ladies, for turning my normal Saturday afternoon of shooting into an unforgettable day of laughter ;)

Gina + Bjorn | Christmas Card Photos

Oh, how I love this couple! Picture perfect and sweet as can be.

I first met Gina (via Facebook) about a year ago when I discovered her business, Ginger P Designs! We shared messages back and forth about how we obsessed over each others businesses and I have followed her closely ever since, and referred many of my brides and clients her way! 

When we got together on a lovely Saturday afternoon, we talked a little bit about running business and life, and it was so refreshing to hear someone have so many of the same views as I do! Do yourself a favor, and go check out her amazing work. She is an inspiring soul and has an absolute GEM of a personality to work with.

Thank you Gina, I am so honored to have captured the photos that you will be using on your Christmas card this year!