My approach is simple: I create a calm, stress-free environment where you can relax and simply be with your baby or loved ones. Whether it’s the peaceful stillness of a newborn session in my warm and cozy studio or a golden-hour family session outdoors, my goal is to provide an experience as beautiful as the images we create.
Let’s document this chapter of your story in a way that feels natural, meaningful, and uniquely you.. I can not wait to meet you!
am so excited you're here. I know firsthand the joys and challenges of parenthood—because I’ve lived them! As a mother of four, I understand how quickly time passes and how important it is to preserve these moments.
I
Your Southern Minnesota Newborn & Family Photographer
I'm jennifer!
studio located near mankato, minnesota, serving southern minnesota & northern iowa
That’s why I’ve dedicated nearly 15 years to capturing the love, warmth, and beauty of growing families.
welcome to the studio!
view the highlights of the jennifer brandes photography studio!
Everything you need to ensure a calm and relaxing session is provided for you.
If you are interested in visiting to see everything there is and learn more about the full experience, send me a quick note and I will be more than happy to meet with you!
I whole heartedly believe that my sole purpose on this earth was to be a mother to these four amazing humans (and to create incredible artwork). I thank God everyday for blessing me with each one of them, and giving me the opportunity to spend my earth time with them.
Being the oldest of four, I am also so grateful for the relationships that I have with my siblings. They are, hands down, my best friends.
family
I never turn down an invite for coffee & good wholesome conversation.
Communication is so good for the soul, whether you're the speaker or the listener. Whether it be enjoying the sunrise on the front porch, or chatting with a friend at the local coffee shop, a nice hot cup of joe seems to make every situation seem a bit better.
I am also one that will stop and read coffee mugs at boutiques. I have way too many to properly display, but I can remember the story as to where they've all come from!
coffee fanatic
Most evenings in summer, you will find me sitting around a fire, taking in all that I have been blessed with.
I find it incredibly peaceful to listen to our children telling their stories, with the crackling of the fire as their background music.
S'mores and cocktails are the perfect treat to finish out those busy summer days.
summer nights
Had the absolute joy of working with Jennifer for my daughters’ photos, and couldn’t have asked for a better experience! From start to finish, she made everything feel so smooth and effortless. Every moment felt natural and beautifully captured.
Her talent behind the camera is undeniable, but what truly sets her apart is her warmth and kindness. She goes above and beyond, not just in her work but in the way she makes everyone feel comfortable and at ease. The photos she delivered were beyond stunning, and we’ll cherish them forever.
milestone session
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We hired Jennifer for a Fresh 48 session, where she was able to capture one of the most special moments of my husband's and my life - big brother meeting little brother for the first time! To say these photos are our favorite photos of all time is an understatement. We loved them so much, we quickly booked a newborn session with her. She once again blew us away with some of the most beautiful, precious photos of our son (& family). We would highly recommend her!
newborn session
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Hands down THE BEST!!!!!
Jen is the most wonderful person and photographer. She is so kind, warm and welcoming. Her beautiful studio and collection of props and outfits make sessions seamless, which is so appreciated when you're a tired new parent. She has an amazing way with newborns; soothing and calming throughout, while being SO patient with them.
Not only is the experience amazing but the final product is breathtaking! We did maternity and newborn photos and were speechless with the results! Such precious memories we will cherish forever.
There is no better option than Jennifer Brandes Photography!
newborn session
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Jennifer photographed both of my last 2 babies and did family pictures for our large family of 8. Here are some of the things I loved about Jennifer Brandes Photography:
1) Jennifer is very professional and made the sessions feel very relaxed. It can be stressful getting out the door with a newborn or getting a large family ready and cooperating for family pictures; but Jennifer made everyone feel relaxed and the sessions were fun!
2) The images she captures are stunning! I was confident we would have pictures we would love when we booked with her.
3) She was flexible with rescheduling when my toddler had hand foot and mouth when we were supposed to have family pictures taken.
4) She worked within my budget and ensured I got what I was hoping for.
I would recommend her 100%!
newborn session
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Jen took pictures of our family and military photos for my kids. These are lifelong treasures that are absolutely perfect. We could not ask for anything better or anyone more compassionate during a photo session. Thank you for all you do and for the memories that you have captured for us!
family session
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We had a great time with Jen for Jevan's senior sports session. She had lots of great ideas and really made the session feel comfortable and tailored to Jevan. She even was willing to stand out in blowing snow and really cold temperatures to get some awesome shots. Her creativity is top notch. The final pictures were beyond what we had envisioned. I highly recommend Jen for your family photography needs.
Senior session
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Absolutely amazing experience. I wouldn't have trusted anyone else this much with my newborn. Jennifer made us feel right at home in her studio and I enjoyed watching from behind the scenes. She really is a baby whisperer! Thank you again for such great memories!
milestone session
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Working with Jennifer truly was a dream. She is so remarkably talented and our photos turned out amazing. As a first time mom, things like taking your newborn out can be nerve-racking, but Jennifer made it so relaxed and comfortable. She didn't make me feel rushed or bad when E didn't want to go to sleep. She took her time and let E lead the appointment. 100/10 recommend and will be coming back with any future babies.
Newborn session
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Jen was absolutely wonderful throughout the whole process of my session. She communicated well and sent me expectations of the session on her end and explained thoroughly what I should expect during it. She was also very accommodating. Doing a maternity session was definitely out of my comfort zone but she did everything she could to be sure I was comfortable, she made the session so much fun! She also made me feel glamorous and helped gain confidence. Would definitely recommend a maternity shoot at least once and there's no one better to book with than Jen!
maternity session
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"Jennifer is so easy to work with and has great ideas for where to take pictures and what type of pictures to do"
senior session
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Jen is so great! We have worked with her for the last 5 years. Its been amazing to see how much her work has changed throughout the years. She is makes sure to communicate throughout the whole process - beginning, middle, end. We are definitely happy with the results that we have gotten from Jen. Highly recommend!
maternity session
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I LOVED my newborn pictures of my baby boy!
She was patient, gentle and artistic with each set. Highly recommend Jennifer Brandes Photography!
newborn session
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Jennifer was phenomenal with our newborns! We will be able to look back at these beautiful photographs for years to come! She captured stunning, beautiful images of our girls.
twin girl newborn session
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Jennifer was amazing to work with! She was great with my little peanut and the photos were amazing!
Highly recommend her!
newborn session
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Highly recommend Jennifer!! From the very beginning as she welcomed us into her home !! Absolute amazed with her work and the passion and love she has for newborns!! She is the baby whisperer ! Made me felt welcome, and handled my daughter with so much care :D
newborn session
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Jennifer took newborn photos of my 2 week old daughter. She was so gentle and patient with her. My daughter was happy and comfortable during the entire shoot.
The studio is warm and inviting with a nursing rocker for breastfeeding moms. The photos were just beautiful! Jennifer was professional, friendly and promptly responsive to all communications. I am very satisfied; it was well worth the investment. I would highly recommend!
Newborn Session
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Jen is absolutely amazing to work with. She is so great with kids, always has the best ideas, and is very responsive! It’s awesome seeing how much she loves her job!
1 year cakesmash Session
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Would highly recommend Jen! Her work is amazing, she listens to customers wishes and can get my little man to pose and smile so easily! Love her and will continue to work with her!
milestone session
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Jen is amazing to work with, and rolls right along with the session and craziness. ( She did our twins 2yr old /Christmas pictures) The results were absolutely AMAZING! Highly recommended.
twin milestone session
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We loved our wedding photos so much that we came back for family photos 6 years later! We couldn’t be happier :)
family portrait session
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Jen is awesome at what she does! She was willing to reschedule a session when my 5 year old decided to not cooperate when we tried the first session. I love how all the pictures turned out and have gotten a ton of compliments!!!
milestone session
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Thank you so much for taking great photos....LIKE ALWAYS! You did AMAZING! I love every one of the pictures!
senior portrait session
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Custom museum quality products from statement wall pieces to albums. You will be involved in the entire process from beginning to end, resulting in heirloom quality pieces to show off for generations to come.
