Minneapolis Mini Sessions | Summer Family Photos

Summer 2026 Family Mini Sessions | Limited Spots Available

There’s something about summer that makes family photos the BEST. Most people gravitate toward fall family photos, and I’m not sure if it’s a last minute “we need a holiday card photo” or if it’s the love of fall foliage but I personally love spring and summer photos. The flowers, greenery, golden sunshine – it’s the absolute best. As a Minneapolis family photographer, I wait 6 whole months for trees to bloom and days to lengthen! Summer is what I live for.

The pace softens, the evenings linger a little longer, and the light turns warm and golden in a way that can’t quite be replicated any other time of year. It’s the season where kids can just be themselves—and where your photos reflect that ease.

If you’ve been wanting to update your family photos without committing to a full session, these limited summer dates are designed to give you a refined, simplified experience while still creating something beautiful and lasting.

For 2026, I’ve chosen three of my favorite Minneapolis-area locations, each offering a distinct look and feel across the summer months. These are all places that show off during the golden Minneapolis nights.

June — Longfellow Gardens, Minneapolis

Early summer at Longfellow Gardens is colorful, green, and beautiful.

The pathways, florals, and natural structure create a setting that feels polished without being overly styled. Everything is in bloom, lush and colorful—perfect for families who want a beautiful summer, floral vibe. I love how there’s a garden, a pergola area with the most beautiful greenery and also a field, offering the most variety, even during a mini session. Last year I saved this location for fall mini sessions, but this year we’re going for FLOWERS, and it’s going to be beautiful.

This location is ideal if you’re drawn to:

• Classic, natural images
• Lush greenery and florals
• Golden sunlight shining through the trees and flowers

July — Excelsior Beach, Excelsior, MN

July brings a completely different feel—relaxed, playful, and full of movement.

These sessions are designed to capture your family as you actually are in the summer. Barefoot in the sand, kids exploring the shoreline, and that warm light reflecting off the water as the sun begins to set.

It’s less about perfect posing and more about connection.

This location is perfect if you love:

• A laid-back, lifestyle feel
• Movement and candid moments
• Summer memories that feel natural and unforced

August – Lake Harriet Rose Garden, Minneapolis

August is without question my favorite time to photograph at the rose garden.

The light softens, the tones deepen, and everything comes together in a way that feels effortlessly romantic. It’s one of the most consistently beautiful locations in Minneapolis—and at this point in the summer, it truly shines.

If you’ve ever considered photos here, this is the moment.

This location is perfect if you’re drawn to:

• Dreamy, golden light
• Lots of floral variety
• A setting that feels both iconic and refined

You can see more from this location here:
Read the blog post → Lake Harriet Rose Garden Family Photos in Minneapolis

What to Wear for Summer Family Photos

Summer light is beautiful—but it can also be bright, colorful and can be overpowering without the right outfit styling.

Choosing pieces that feel cohesive, soft, and true to your family makes all the difference in how your images come together. I always recommend soft, light and neutral coordinating colors for your family. Think soft creams and pinks, light blues, beige and even white. If you’re unsure where to start, I’ve created a guide to walk you through it:

Read the blog post → What to Wear for Summer Family Photos in Minneapolis

A Simple, Elevated Experience

These sessions are intentionally designed to be easy and efficient, without sacrificing quality or intention. Even with your mini session you will get a Welcome Guide with outfit ideas and preparation tips!

They’re a perfect fit for:

• Families wanting updated images for the year
• Young children who do best with shorter sessions
• Anyone who values a thoughtful experience without overcomplicating it

If you’re looking for a more customized session with additional time, client wardrobe and a fully personalized experience, a full session may be the better fit—but for many families, this is the perfect balance.

Reserve Your Date

Each month includes a limited number of sessions, and once they’re filled, they won’t be reopened.

If one of these locations feels like the right fit for your family, I recommend reserving early—especially for July and August, which tend to go quickly.