Guided, relaxed, and connection-focused. No stiff lineups. No forced smiles. Just your family, exactly as you are — captured beautifully and kept forever.
CONNECTION • LAUGHTER • EXACTLY AS YOU ARE
Family photographer
in New ulm, Mankato, & south central minnesota
Family sessions at Jennifer Brandes Photography are relaxed by design. Whether we're in my private New Ulm studio or on location across South Central Minnesota, the goal is always the same — genuine connection, natural expressions, and images that feel like your family rather than a posed performance. Families travel from Mankato, Shakopee, Jordan, Prior Lake, Glencoe, Hutchinson, and across the region for this experience. I'm honored every time they do.
Family Photography Gallery — New Ulm & Mankato, MN
Family sessions are built around flexibility. I typically start with the full group to capture family dynamics — the chaos, the connection, the genuine moments that happen when everyone is together. From there I work through individual portraits, sibling sets, and any specific combinations your family wants captured.
Sessions with young children are flexible by nature. I follow their lead, build in breathing room, and have a few tricks up my sleeve for even the most camera-shy toddler. When you're focused on your child, you forget about the camera — and that is exactly when the best images happen.
I photograph family sessions both in my private New Ulm studio and on location across South Central Minnesota — up to approximately one hour from New Ulm for the right family. Location recommendations are discussed during your pre-session consultation, based on your preferences, the time of year, and the aesthetic you're envisioning.
High-resolution digital images with full print release — included with your collection
Professionally retouched images delivered within two weeks — often sooner
A relaxed, unhurried session — typically 60-90 minutes depending on family size
Guidance for every family member — from camera-shy parents to wiggly toddlers
Studio or location options tailored to your vision and the season
Studio props available for little ones — crates, posing boxes, and more
Pets welcome at outdoor locations
Family Sessions Designed Around Connection
Every family has its own energy — its own inside jokes, its own chaos, its own quiet moments of tenderness. My job is to find that energy and capture it before it disappears.
I don't pose families into stiff, formal arrangements. I guide them through natural moments and interaction — a whisper in a little one's ear, a gentle nudge toward a sibling, a prompt that makes everyone forget the camera is there. The genuine expressions that result are what make these images so meaningful years later.
Whether this is your first professional session or your tenth, you don't need to know how to pose. You just need to show up — and I'll take care of everything else.
every signature family session includes:
The family Experience
candid • posed • everything in between
Show up and enjoy it. I guide every moment — there's nothing to figure out on your own. Whether we're in the studio or on location, the experience is relaxed, unhurried, and built around your family's natural energy.
STEP 03
Your Session
A signed session agreement and session fee of $250 confirms your spot on the calendar. From there I take care of everything — you'll receive a complete style guide with wardrobe recommendations, location guidance, and everything your family needs to know before session day.
STEP 02
Book Your Session
Simply fill out the contact form or send me an email. I personally respond to every inquiry within 48 hours. We'll connect to talk through your family, your vision, preferred locations, and any questions you have.
STEP 01
Reach Out
Your finished gallery will be delivered within two weeks of your session — often sooner. You'll have 48 hours to choose your collection, then 30 days to access your full gallery, download your high-resolution digital files, and explore my à la carte product options. All products are on display in my studio — you're always welcome to come see and feel them in person before making any decisions.
STEP 04
Your Gallery
Whether it's your first or fifteenth time having professional photos done, not to worry: I'll walk you through the whole thing from start to finish.
How it Works
View Family Collections & Pricing →
The Investment Details
Whether you're looking for a statement piece for your wall, a complete digital gallery, or a curated heirloom product — every collection includes high-resolution digital images and a print credit toward any à la carte product. All products are on display in my studio so you can touch and experience them before making any decisions.
Family sessions begin with a $250 session fee, with collections starting at $490.
words from
Clients.
Happy
What FAMILIES are saying
Kind
My experience with Jennifer Brandes Photography was absolutely beautiful from start to finish. The process leading up to the session was smooth and stress-free. Jennifer was incredibly kind and patient with my fussy toddler, which made such a difference. She took her time and ensured every shot and angle was just right. I’m truly grateful for such a relaxed and enjoyable experience. If you’re looking for a photographer who delivers extraordinary work, I highly recommend booking Jennifer Brandes Photography.
words from
Clients.
Happy
What FAMILIES are saying
Kind
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!
Families change. Children grow. The toddler who cried through half of last year's session is this year's little ham who won't stop performing for the camera.
I love watching that happen.
I serve families across New Ulm, Mankato, St. Peter, Owatonna, Waseca, Shakopee, Jordan, Prior Lake, Glencoe, Hutchinson, and the surrounding communities of South Central Minnesota. Whether we've worked together before or this is our first session, my approach is always the same — patient, guided, and genuinely invested in capturing your family exactly as you are in this season.
Your Family's Photographer — Season After Season
Since 2010, I’ve had the joy of watching South Central Minnesota families grow—and I would be honored to document yours.
If you’re looking for true-to-life portraits and a photographer who genuinely cares about every detail of your experience, you’re in the right place.
Please fill out the form below. I personally respond to every inquiry within 24 hours.
