Hannah & Jered//Black Beach Engagement//Duluth, MN//North Shore

It was late spring, but still FREEZING. Hannah, Jered, Jens, and I, made the trek up to Black Beach in Duluth, Minnesota. It was here that we photographed their epic engagement session—shortly after an incredible surprise proposal on the runway at Hannah’s fashion show back in Minneapolis.

It’s safe to say for a location, Black Beach far exceeded expectation. Even if it would have been close, my expectations are always crazy high—I’m a bit of a dreamer. The black sand, horizon, huge jagged rocks, the sunset at just the right spot— all of it was incredible. The only part that wasn’t ideal, was how cold the black sand was. Hannah handled all of our barefoot poses like a boss, and Jered, well…he got a good laugh ;)

If you’re thinking about Duluth or North Shore vibes for your engagement session, look no further. I can guarantee Black Beach will satisfy. I’d just say… go in June!!

Tips For In-Home Family Sessions

If you have younger kiddos, this can be one of the sweetest times to capture their unguarded, full-of-life personalities with an In-home photography session. Looking back, you’re going to miss so many things about your babies. Heck, I already miss my nephews being babies… I can’t imagine (yet) how this feels with one’s own kids. When they’re little, they’re unguarded, passionate, resilient, explorative, and ready to take on the world. Guess where allllll of that is nurtured? Yep, home.

That’s why I’m passionate about these in-home family sessions. Hire a trusted photographer, because this is your space and you are allowing them into it to capture your littles in their natural environment.

Not sure what to do? Successful In-Home sessions require a little bit of prep, but not really. Because these are natural aspects of life for your kids, they will enjoy “showing” the photographer the ropes. Just make sure you have ideas of what your kids enjoy, to help the photographer navigate the session. Below are some easy ideas to consider:

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-       Activities with mom/dad (dancing in the kitchen, board games, baking etc.)

- Hobbies your kids take part in (sports, piano, technology, reading, etc.)

-       Photos of mom/dad doing what they normally do (yes, even washing dishes, your kids WILL remember this—especially when they’re parents;))

-       Games siblings like to play together

-       A fort!!! (This is so much fun to capture)

-       Intimate moments, like hugs and snuggles, with parents

- They’re rooms! (These are full of familiarity, and will be something they fondly look back on)

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Hopefully, this list gets your gears going!

Remember, these photos will serve a great purpose for years to come. You’ll see more than just your looks… You’ll see home.

-Savannah

(PS! I’m a Minneapolis, Minnesota based Photographer, with a love for capturing families and couples! If you have any needs (including travel!), please ask about my photography info/price guides. I’m always willing to share tips and ideas i’ve learned along the way, to help you have a successful photoshoot with your loved one/s).

Gray Family Giveaway

As a photographer, one of our jobs is to engage with clients in a fun way, one that shows we care and love our jobs. I try in each of the seasons of Minnesota, to do a giveaway. Sometimes it’s a photoshoot for couples, and other times it’s been for families. Giving away a family or couples session has led me to meeting plenty of amazing people. Like the Gray’s :)

This photoshoot was done at a tree farm in Loretto, Minnesota (about 10 minutes from St. Michael, MN!) I have to say, this truly is one of my favorite family sessions to date. The weather one might think was totally blah. But Minnesota weather is everywhere, and if you live here, you get that! As a photographer, you make the best of any situation. We did, and it turned out amazing.

If you ever have a family session done by me, you’ll see that my photoshoot style consists of only a few poses, but mostly candid moments and prompts that ease everyone’s nerves! Especially with kids, my favorite way to capture them is in the little candid moments. I even appreciate the photos of absolute screaming, because well, that’s real life. Those raw moments when looking back, will feel so nostalgic. Posed shots just don’t feel the same.

SO, enjoy these photos of this sweet family at a tree farm, on a cold windy day in Minnesota 🎄❄️💕