Family photography in Minneapolis offers a wide array of options, each capturing the essence of familial bonds in its own special way. From cozy in-home sessions to dynamic outdoor shoots, there's something for every family looking to preserve their cherished moments.
Types of Family Photography Sessions
Minneapolis offers various family photography session types, each with its unique charm:
- In-home sessions provide comfort and familiarity, perfect for capturing everyday moments like baking cookies or relaxing on the couch. Jessica Strobel Photography excels here with her laid-back style.
- Studio sessions offer control over lighting and backgrounds, ideal for more posed family portraits. Jessica's attention to detail ensures each session is unique, even within the same studio.
- Outdoor sessions are great for families who love natural settings. The Lyndale Rose Garden, with its May and June blooms, offers a vibrant backdrop for playful, candid photos.
- Maternity sessions often combine indoor and outdoor settings, capturing the anticipation and love before the baby arrives. Pricing starts at $650, with many couples opting for packages that include newborn sessions.
- Newborn sessions require a calm environment, often best done at home or in the photographer's studio. Jessica is known for her ability to keep newborns calm during these delicate sessions.
- Extended family sessions may take up to four hours and come with a higher price tag, but create beautiful heirlooms documenting multi-generational connections.
Jessica provides thorough prep guides for all session types, ensuring families are ready. After the session, proofing galleries are available within 24 hours, and final digital selections are delivered quickly.
Each session type aims to turn fleeting moments into lasting memories, perfect for decorating homes or sharing with loved ones.

Selecting Locations for Family Photography
Choosing the right location is crucial for family photography. Minneapolis offers several picturesque options:
- The Lyndale Rose Garden blooms in May and June, providing a colorful backdrop for family portraits. Its open spaces are great for spontaneous, joyful captures.
- Minnehaha Falls offers a majestic waterfall and rustic trails, ideal for adventurous families. The cascade and surrounding greenery add a natural, dynamic feel to photos.
- Mill Ruins Park combines architecture and nature, perfect for families looking to add urban charm to their photographs. The Mississippi Riverfront and skyline create interesting compositions.
- Lake Harriet provides versatility with its lakeside views, walking paths, and bandstands. Fall foliage creates a warm atmosphere for family portraits.
- Studio settings offer controlled environments for precise lighting and background adjustments. These are ideal for formal group portraits or individual highlights.
The choice between outdoor and studio settings significantly impacts the final photographs. Outdoor settings often yield candid shots with natural light, while studio settings offer controlled conditions for classic, polished portraits.
Selecting a location that resonates with your family's dynamic helps create authentic, cherished memories that will adorn your home and heart.

Pricing and Packages
Jessica Strobel Photography offers various pricing options to suit different needs and budgets:
| Package | Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Basic Session | Includes shoot and 5 digital files | Starting at $500 |
| All-inclusive | All edited digital files, unlimited downloads and prints | Varies |
| Mini Sessions | Seasonal events, ~20 edited digital files | Lower price point |
| Extended Family | Up to 4 hours | Starting at $650 |
| Maternity | Often bundled with newborn sessions | Starting at $650 |
Print options are available through the online gallery, ensuring high-quality results for framed prints, canvases, or custom photo books.
Jessica provides quick turnaround times, with proofing galleries available within 24 hours and final images delivered within a week.
The investment in family photography with Jessica Strobel goes beyond finances, preserving memories and creating heirloom-quality pieces that will be treasured for years to come.
Planning and Preparing for a Session
Proper planning ensures a smooth family photography session:
- Wardrobe selection is crucial. Coordinate outfits with complementary colors, avoiding large logos or busy patterns. Jessica's prep guides offer valuable suggestions.
- For children, bring small snacks and favorite toys to keep them comfortable. Explain the session to older children beforehand to increase their involvement.
- If including pets, consider bringing a handler to manage them when not in photos. About 15 minutes is usually enough to capture pet shots.
- Pre-session consultations allow families to discuss their vision, preferred style, and specific moments they wish to capture. This helps Jessica customize the session to each family's unique dynamics.
- Consider timing and location, ensuring the chosen time aligns with the best lighting conditions and family members' schedules.
Utilize Jessica's photographer-provided prep guides, which cover every detail to help families make the most of their session.
"By thoroughly preparing, families can focus on creating beautiful memories rather than worrying about logistics."
Jessica's comprehensive pre-session preparations ensure personalized attention, resulting in stunning photos that capture genuine emotions and connections.

Events and Celebrations Captured
Minnesota offers many community events and celebrations that provide excellent opportunities for family photography. The Juneteenth celebrations, commemorating the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, are particularly significant.
Here are some notable Juneteenth events in Minnesota:
- 3rd Annual Juneteenth Minnesota Celebration at the State Capitol
- Features: food, music, and historical remembrance
- Photo opportunities: cultural education and civic pride moments
- "Kumbayah the Juneteenth Story" at Northrop Auditorium
- Two-act play suitable for families with children 8 and up
- Pre-play community celebration for family interaction photos
- 28th Annual Community Peace Celebration at Western Sculpture Park, St. Paul
- Offers: performances, free food, and poetry
- Dynamic background for community bonding photos
- Fort Snelling's Juneteenth tours
- Explore early Black communities in Minnesota, including Dred and Harriet Scott's history
- Historic setting for educational family photos
- University of Minnesota's annual Juneteenth block party
- Theme: "We Are the Noise: The Echoes of Our Ancestors"
- Features: Black vendors, live performances, and workshops
- Photo opportunities: drumline performances, fashion shows, free haircuts
These diverse events offer unique photo opportunities that capture the essence of community, celebration, and cultural heritage. Whether it's a lively performance or a quiet moment of reflection during a historical tour, each event provides a distinctive backdrop for creating meaningful family photographs.

The Essence of Family Photography
Capturing real emotions and connections is what makes a family photo timeless. Whether in a studio or during an outdoor session, each setting offers something special. Local photographers in Minneapolis focus on three key elements:
- Joy: Capturing genuine smiles and laughter
- Love: Showcasing the bonds between family members
- Authenticity: Preserving real, unscripted moments
By emphasizing these aspects, photographers bring family stories to life in every shot. As renowned photographer Annie Leibovitz once said:
"A thing that you see in my pictures is that I was not afraid to fall in love with these people."
This approach to family photography ensures that each image becomes a cherished memory, reflecting the unique personality and dynamics of every family.









