Spring is an amazing time to get out of doors and capture family photos in St Paul and Minneapolis.

When the last of the winter thaw has slowly crept away, and the air becomes crisp with the hope of the spring season, it’s time to refresh your family photos. The season brings with it a feeling of revitalization. Flowers are in bloom, our surroundings are renewed, and a vivid splash of color returns to the landscape that surrounds us.

Many times, this sense of renewal brings about a resurgence. We find ourselves deep cleaning and decluttering our homes, and checking off all those items on our list that began to pile up over the winter. 

The walls of your home may be ready for a fresh set of family photos. Your children have grown from babies to toddlers, and with each new milestone, you’ve had the pleasure of witnessing, first hand, all the new experiences that life brought their way.

If you find yourself yearning to capture new memories and create Spring family photos that allow you to document your family, here are some of my top tips as a local family photographer to help you prepare for your session.

Choosing Spring Family Photo Shoot Outfits

Finding outfits for the whole family to wear during your Spring family photo shoot can prove to be an overwhelming task. Here is my best advice as a St Paul and Minneapolis family photographer for selecting attire:

• Find complementary attire, not matching outfits
• Comfort is important; the goal is to have fun during your session
• Keep shoe choices simple
• Avoid distracting attire, such as ‘loud prints’ and bold hues

Find a more in-depth guide to help you select outfits for Spring family photos at this link.

The Best Time to Plan Your Spring Family Photos

Timing can be tricky when planning Spring family photos in St Paul and Minneapolis. Oftentimes, I work with families outdoors to create images full of the beauty seen in our local parks. If you plan too early in the season, we may be outside during frigid temperatures. The same can be said for planning at the incorrect time of day.

Best Months – It’s best to aim for a date in May, or ideally mid-May. This will ensure the enjoyment of warmer temperatures, without the presence of snow or ice on the grounds.

Best Time – Avoid sunrise and sunset when temperatures will be at their all-time low for the day. To enjoy the warmer weather, it’s best to schedule in the early to mid-afternoon. 

Finding a Location Outdoors to Enjoy the Season & Create Memories

It’s not uncommon that I work with families inside their homes, but Spring presents an opportunity to head outside, especially for the littles. I highly encourage play, exploration, and a sense of adventure during family photos. Some of the most amazing moments happen when genuine fun is allowed to flourish. All in all, eliciting beautiful smiles and sweet giggles, which then become images for you to cherish. To do this, outdoor locations such as local parks and scenic hidden gems are some of the best spaces. Below are a few of my favorite local outdoor locations.

1. Arneson Acres Park
2. Lyndale Park Gardens
3. Crosby Farm Regional Park
4. Wood Lake Nature Center
5. Longfellow Gardens
6. Hyland Lake Park Reserve
7. Minnehaha Creek Trail
8. French Regional Park
9. Lebanon Hills Regional Park
10. Centennial Lakes Park Edina

You can find a map for each of these locations and details on the setting and landscape that each park or trail offers when you visit this link.

Working with a Family Photographer in St Paul and Minneapolis

One of the biggest elements that will impact the experience of your session, along with the lasting images created, is the family photographer you choose to work with. As a mom, I understand that the photography experience you desire is one that portrays the magic of childhood and embodies your family, just as they are, at this very moment. 

As a photographer, I know those moments are not created by selecting the ‘perfect’ stain-free outfit, or expecting children to sit still. The magic happens through ‘everyday’ moments. It happens when you snuggle your children, act silly, or run around with no particular destination in mind. My approach is centered on family connection and candid moments that feel genuine and relaxed.

If you’re thinking about booking Spring family photos in St Paul, Minneapolis, or Edina, I would love to meet you outdoors and enjoy the renewal of the season while making lifelong memories for your family to cherish. You can find more details on working with me as your family photographer when you visit this link. 

Or to view even more of my work, step inside this Spring family photoshoot at the Minnesota Arboretum.