Top Portrait Photographers in Minneapolis
Beautiful Era Photography, run by Brittany Laeger and Christianna Dengerud, offers a decade's worth of experience in Saint Paul. They cover weddings, engagements, high school senior portraits, and pet photography. They donate 10% of all session fees and portrait orders to charity each month.
Meghan Doll Photography in Minneapolis, led by certified professional photographer Meghan Doll, has focused on newborns, children, and family portraits since 1999. Her clients praise her attention to detail and personable nature.
Emily Charais is known for senior portraits, dancers, and headshots. She operates in Minneapolis but serves various communities, including Eden Prairie and Lake Elmo. A member of the Professional Photographers of America, she combines artistic skill with professional credentials.
Kari Layland Photography, with 23 years in the business, specializes in newborn, maternity, family, and high school portraits around Minneapolis. She offers both studio and outdoor sessions within a 40-mile radius of Cottage Grove.
Other Notable Photographers:
- K Solberg Photography: Managed by Kirsten Solberg, professional since 2011, focusing on wedding photography and environmental portraiture.
- Symbolix Photography: A boutique studio in Minneapolis, offers senior portraits and headshots.
- Michelle Krohn Photography: Specializes in maternity, newborn, and family photography.
- Brett Dorian Artistry Studios: Provides lifestyle photography, business headshots, and portraits.
- Rachel Farganis Photography: Excels in portrait photography for families and newborns.
- SMHerrick Photography: Operational since 2001, specializing in high school seniors, families, and business portraits.
- Jessica Smith Photography: Offers a natural lighting style for various sessions.
- Tom Dunn Photography: Focuses on commercial branding and architecture photography.
- Summer Street Photography: A husband-and-wife team based in Saint Paul.
- Alex Carroll Photography: Specializes in wedding and event photography.
- Kay Michael Photo & Video: Provides wedding photography and videography.
- Nancy Hauck: Over 30 years of experience in portrait photography and corporate headshots.
- Little Monarchs Photography: Owned by Rachael Hundley, focuses on family, senior, and headshot photography.

Photo by 4dgraphic on Unsplash
Photography Session Offerings and Details
Minneapolis portrait photographers offer a variety of session types, each with unique considerations:
- Maternity sessions: Capture the joy of expecting parents. Studios often provide gowns and outfits, offering styling consultations before the shoot. Sessions typically include both indoor and outdoor options.
- Newborn photography: Requires patience and expertise. Studios like Beth Wiggins' in Brooklyn Park create a serene environment for capturing a baby's first days. They provide props and guide parents through a questionnaire to personalize the experience. Sessions are gentle and accommodating, allowing breaks for feeding and comforting.
- Family photography: Captures the love of various family units. Studios like Kari Layland Photography offer both studio and outdoor locations. Photographers suggest poses while also capturing spontaneous moments. Many studios offer wardrobe consultations and have attire collections for both children and adults.
- Headshot sessions: Focus on portraying confidence and approachability for professionals, actors, and models. Studios like Symbolix Photography create settings that enhance natural expressions, often using minimal backdrops. Most sessions offer outfit change options.
Before any session, photographers often conduct consultations to understand client needs. During the session, they create a relaxed atmosphere with clear directions while encouraging candid shots. Post-session, clients usually access an online gallery for image selection. Professional editing is standard, and studios often provide various print and digital options.
Minneapolis photographers prioritize crafting memories, not just taking pictures. Their attention to detail and personalized approach ensures an exceptional experience and stunning results.

Client Experiences and Testimonials
Client testimonials highlight the quality of service offered by Minneapolis portrait photographers, focusing on professionalism, patience, photo quality, and overall experience.
"Natalie's calm demeanor is reassuring for camera-shy individuals, and her technical skills in challenging lighting conditions are admirable." – Rachel H.
Beth Wiggins is known for her attention to detail and patience with children. Katie W. values Beth's competitive pricing, professional touch-ups, and quick turnaround time. Janie L. finds Beth accommodating when scheduling around children's needs. Lacey N. appreciates Beth's extensive prop collection and ability to make kids smile.
Diana Grasselli combines her artistic background with fine art portrait sessions. Clients appreciate her detailed, multi-step process that culminates in a cinematic presentation of photos.
The Minneapolis Institute of Art's exhibit, curated by Casey Riley, garners heartfelt responses from visitors. Malik Mitchell and Azania Tripp are moved by Gordon Parks and Ella Watson's depiction of black life, recognizing the importance of representation and empathy in photography.
Key themes in client testimonials:
- Professionalism and patience
- Ability to create enjoyable sessions
- Skill in producing high-quality, emotionally resonant images
- Dedication to client satisfaction
- Artistry in capturing meaningful moments
These testimonials underscore the dedication and artistry that Minneapolis photographers bring to their craft, ensuring cherished memories for clients.

Artistic Impact and Community Contributions
Minneapolis photographers contribute significantly to their communities through charity work, special projects, and exhibitions.
Philanthropic Efforts:
- Beautiful Era Photography donates 10% of all fees and orders to various charities monthly.
- Many photographers engage in ongoing commitments to support important causes.
Special projects highlight photographers' unique cultural contributions. The Minneapolis Institute of Art's exhibit "American Gothic: Gordon Parks and Ella Watson," curated by Casey Riley, provides profound cultural and historical insights. Parks' empathetic portrayal of Ella Watson emphasizes the importance of recognizing often overlooked individuals.
Photographers also participate in community-focused initiatives:
- Karin Layland captures critical milestones for families, often under challenging circumstances.
- Beth Wiggins emphasizes documenting family growth, providing a cherished record for her clients.
- Tom Dunn uses his skills for corporate and commercial purposes, helping local businesses define their brands through compelling imagery.
Many seasoned photographers share their knowledge through workshops and collaborations, nurturing the next generation. Brett Dorian's Artistry Studios, known for offering lessons in media makeup and studio hairstyling, exemplifies this educator role.
Through charity, cultural projects, business support, and education, Minneapolis photographers enrich their communities, making profound impacts that extend beyond the frame of a photograph. They are key players in the ongoing cultural and social story of the city.

Photographers in Minneapolis contribute deeply to the community through their artistry and dedication. Their commitment to capturing meaningful moments, combined with efforts in charitable causes and cultural projects, creates a lasting impact. This connection between art and community makes each session a cherished memory.
Key Contributions:
- Charitable donations and community support
- Cultural preservation through special projects and exhibitions
- Business support through commercial photography
- Education and mentorship for aspiring photographers
The photographers of Minneapolis not only capture images but also help shape the visual narrative of their city, preserving moments and stories for generations to come.
- Riley C. American Gothic: Gordon Parks and Ella Watson. Minneapolis Institute of Art. 2022.
- Professional Photographers of America. Certification Standards and Guidelines. 2023.
- Minnesota Historical Society. Photography in Minnesota: A Historical Perspective. 2021.








