North Oaks Family & Newborn Photographer

The Story of Your Family, Beautifully Told. — North Oaks Family Photography

Looking for a North Oaks family or newborn photographer who gets it? Someone who knows your toddler isn’t going to sit still—and that’s okay. Someone who sees the quiet beauty in real-life chaos and knows how to turn those fleeting moments into artwork you’ll love more with each passing year. That’s me.

With over 15 years of experience working with families across North Oaks, Shoreview, White Bear Lake, and the surrounding Twin Cities suburbs, I’ve built a reputation for relaxed, child-led sessions that celebrate connection over perfection. Whether you're welcoming a newborn, wrangling big kids, or simply want to preserve your family just as they are right now, I’m here to guide you every step of the way.

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Photo Session Locations In and Around North Oaks

North Oaks is known for its peaceful woods, private trails, and stunning lakeside views—basically, a dream backdrop for your family photos. From the serenity of Pleasant Lake to the charm of Hill Farm or the natural beauty of Mary Hill Park and quiet neighborhood paths, there’s no shortage of picture-perfect spots.

Because North Oaks is a private community, access to many of these locations is limited to residents—luckily, I’m one of them. That means I can offer exclusive session locations that feel secluded, calm, and effortlessly beautiful without the weekend crowds.

Looking for a more polished look? North Oaks Golf Club makes an elegant backdrop. Prefer an indoor option? My light-filled studio in Northeast Minneapolis is just a short drive away and perfect for milestone, newborn, or maternity sessions—with full access to my studio wardrobe.

Not sure what’s best for your family? I’ll help you decide.

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Maternity Photography

For the Days When You’re Everything, All at Once

Whether it’s your first baby or your fourth, this chapter deserves more than blurry iPhone photos in the Target parking lot (we’ve all been there). My maternity sessions are relaxed, elegant, and centered entirely around you—your comfort, your connection, and that quiet anticipation.

We can shoot in the soft morning light on a private North Oaks trail, capture golden hour by Pleasant Lake, or keep things timeless and weatherproof in my natural light studio. I’ll help guide you toward what feels right. You’ll also have access to my studio wardrobe, which includes flowing dresses that photograph beautifully and flatter every stage of pregnancy.

These sessions are typically scheduled between 28–34 weeks—when your bump is showing and you’re still feeling like yourself. Whether you’re planning a full session or bundling with newborn portraits as part of a Collective Membership, we’ll make sure this season is documented with care.

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Newborn Photography

For the Days You’ll Barely Remember but Never Want to Forget

Newborn sessions are intentionally slow and relaxed—because that’s how life is with a brand-new baby. No rush, no pressure. Just time to feed, snuggle, and settle in.

I photograph newborns in my natural light studio, at your home (as long as there’s great window light!), at the hospital for Fresh 48 sessions, or even outdoors in warmer months. Because I’m a North Oaks resident, I’m able to offer photo sessions right here in our private community—think lakeside snuggles by Pleasant Lake or soft afternoon light along one of our serene trails. Hospital sessions are also available at nearby locations like St. John’s or Regions.

You’ll have access to a curated studio wardrobe with wraps and blankets for baby, as well as simple, timeless clothing for parents and siblings. Whether your home is filled with wild toddlers or it’s your first time swaddling a baby, I’ll help create space to document these fleeting days in a way that feels meaningful and true to you.

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Baby Milestone Sessions

Babyhood Doesn’t Come with a Pause Button

From gummy smiles to wobbly first steps, milestone sessions celebrate all the big little things in your baby’s first year and beyond. These sessions take place in my natural light studio, just a short drive from North Oaks, and are designed to keep things simple and joyful.

Whether we’re documenting tummy time at 3 months, sitting proudly at 6 months, or clapping through a cake smash to mark one whole year—I make it easy to show up and enjoy the moment. The studio wardrobe is fully stocked with soft knits, cozy rompers, and timeless dresses, so you don’t have to overthink what to wear.

Milestone sessions can be booked individually or as part of a Collective Membership, which offers savings and perks for families wanting to document multiple stages during baby’s first year.

These fleeting phases deserve more than a quick phone snap. Let’s create something that lasts.

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Family Photography

Your Life, Beautifully Photographed

North Oaks is home to some of the most serene and scenic backdrops in the Twin Cities—and if you’re lucky enough to live here (like I do!), you’ve got access to them. Because it’s a private community, I’m able to photograph families in places that others can’t, like Hill Farm’s wildflower fields, the quiet trails near Pleasant Lake, or even your own backyard.

Family photo sessions are designed around play, connection, and what makes your crew you. I keep things relaxed and flexible—letting toddlers run, big kids explore, and parents breathe a little easier knowing we’re not going for perfection, just personality.

Want a change of scenery? Nearby Mary Hill Park, the North Oaks Golf Club, and our local walking paths also provide stunning options for golden hour portraits.

Whether your family is growing fast or just hasn’t updated the walls in a while, I’ll help you create photographs that feel like home—because they were made right here.

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Styling Support (Yes, It’s Included)

You know what’s worse than trying to take your own family photos? Trying to dress everyone for them. That’s why I make styling easy, so you don’t spend your week panic-scrolling through online returns or arguing over whether your toddler can wear light-up sneakers.

Every session comes with access to my curated studio wardrobe, which includes dresses for moms, outfits for babies and young kids, and clean, classic shirts for dads. If you’d rather wear your own pieces, I send out a monthly Looks Book filled with clickable outfit inspiration that actually works in real life and photographs beautifully.

The goal isn’t to match. It’s to look cohesive, comfortable, and like you made a really excellent decision without lifting a finger. And yes, I’ll tell you if something isn’t working before the session. That’s part of the magic.

You deserve to feel amazing in these photos. And honestly? That starts with what you’re wearing.

Studio Wardrobe

What to Expect

Once you’ve reached out, I’ll walk you through the entire process step by step. You’ll receive the invoice for the creative fee along with the session agreement, and then everything you need to start planning. I’ll send over detailed guides that cover what to wear, how to prep, and what to bring.

If your session is in the studio, you’ll choose outfits from the client wardrobe once you arrive. For on-location sessions, you’re welcome to schedule a wardrobe consultation ahead of time so we can plan the details before the day of your session.

Sessions themselves are relaxed and child-led. That means we follow their lead and leave space for snacks, breaks, and the occasional meltdown. I’ll guide you the whole way with calm direction, gentle posing, and a few silly tricks up my sleeve.

Afterward, you’ll receive a curated slideshow of images to view at home. Once you select a collection, you’ll have 30 days to choose your final images and use your print credit toward beautiful products in your gallery store.

It’s a thoughtful, flexible experience built around real family life.

The mQn Photography Experience

Why Families Keep Coming Back

You’re not looking for someone to just take photos. You’re looking for someone who can capture what your family feels like. The moments that happen when your toddler forgets the camera is there. The way your baby fits on your chest right now. The look your partner gives you when no one’s watching—but I am.

I’ve been photographing families for over 15 years, and the one thing I know for sure? No two are the same. That’s why my approach is never one-size-fits-all. We plan ahead, we keep things flexible, and we create space for connection, not perfection.

Whether you’re walking into my studio for the first time or emailing me for our fifth session together, my goal is the same. To help you feel seen, supported, and actually excited to be in front of the camera.

I’m Michele. I’m a photographer, a mom, and someone who understands how quickly it all moves. You don’t need to have it all together. You just need to show up. I’ll take it from there.

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Maternity to milestones—MQN Photography helps Minnetonka families create meaningful portraits that capture this season of life in the most beautiful way.

Whether it’s your baby’s first portraits or a fall family session at Big Willow Park, MQN Photography is Minnetonka’s go-to for natural photography.

The Details You Didn’t Know You Needed

How far in advance should I book?: I recommend reaching out at least 1–3 months in advance, especially for fall and newborn sessions, which fill quickly.
What if my kids don’t cooperate?: They’re kids. That’s the point. Sessions are flexible and child-led, which means we work with their mood—not against it.
Do I need to choose the location?: Studio sessions take place in my natural light studio in Northeast Minneapolis. If you’re booking an in-home session, we’ll just want to make sure your space gets plenty of natural light. For outdoor sessions, I’ll help you choose the best option based on your preferences, and I’ll send over a detailed location guide to make the decision even easier.
Can I use your wardrobe if we’re not in the studio?: Yes, you can. Just let me know in advance which pieces you’d like me to bring to your session. If you’re planning an on-location session and want help deciding, you’re welcome to schedule a wardrobe consultation ahead of time to make selections and get styling advice.
How long does it take to get my photos?: You’ll receive a curated slideshow of your images within three weeks of your session. The slideshow will be available for 24 hours, and during that time, you’ll choose your collection. Once your collection is selected, you’ll have 30 days to finalize your image choices and use your print credit in your gallery store. The 30-day deadline is firm, as it helps you make your purchase decisions while the session is still fresh and before life gets in the way.
Do you include the cake for cake smash sessions?: I don’t provide the cake, mostly because of food allergies and sensitivities. Every family has different preferences and dietary needs, and it’s safest and easiest for you to choose something that works for your child. Whether it’s homemade, bakery-made, or a fruit pile shaped like a cake, it’s totally up to you. I’ll take care of the cleanup—no matter how messy things get.

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Stories from Behind the Lens

On the North Oaks Trails for a Fall Family Photo Session

Fall Family Photo Session at Hill Farm

Senior Photos at Hill Farm in North Oaks

Fall Family Photo Session in North Oaks

Family photos at a Christmas tree farm? Yes, please. See how this North Oaks family turned their holiday session at Kavan Family Farm into something timeless and relaxed.

A Family Session at the Kavan Family Christmas Tree Farm in Lino Lakes, MN

Ready to book your North Oaks photo session?

If you’re hoping for clean, connected, and beautifully styled portraits that feel like your family, not a performance, I’d love to work with you. Whether you’re welcoming a new baby, documenting that wild first year, or gathering everyone for an updated family photo, I’ll help make the process feel doable and worth it.

Sessions fill quickly, especially in the fall. It is always a good idea to start planning early.

Click below to inquire, ask questions, or say hello. I will guide you through everything from wardrobe to gallery delivery. You do not need to overthink it. Just reach out. I will take it from there.

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Get the Real, Relaxed, Remembered Guide

Not sure where to start? This free guide walks you through exactly how to plan a photo session that feels natural, looks elevated, and actually works for your real life.

Inside, you’ll find tips on what to wear, how to prep your kids (without bribes), session-day do’s and don’ts, and what makes the difference between photos that look nice… and ones that mean something.

Whether you’re planning maternity photos in the studio, a newborn session at Fairview Southdale, or a fall family session in the park, this guide will help you walk in feeling confident and ready.

Grab your copy below and take the first step toward photos that feel like you—only better lit.

Download the Guide