Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanna.
Hi Joanna, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I grew up in the suburbs of Minneapolis, Minnesota, and today I proudly call Saint Paul my home. From a young age, I was fascinated with photography—spending hours exploring landscapes with a camera in hand, collecting equipment, and honing my craft through school photography clubs. That early curiosity eventually grew into a lifelong passion.
After earning my BFA in Communication Design (while minoring in photography) from the College of Visual Arts in Saint Paul, I spent over a decade as a graphic designer at a Minneapolis agency, creating marketing materials and art directing photoshoots for clients ranging from small startups to national corporations. It was an incredible chapter that taught me the art of storytelling through visuals and refined my creative eye. But I knew there was something more personal I was meant to do.
Leaving that career to start my own portrait and wedding photography business was one of the biggest leaps I’ve ever taken—and one of the most rewarding. Guided by advice from a mentor and friend who made a similar transition, I built my business around the belief that portraits are more than just pictures—they are family heirlooms, filled with love, laughter, and legacy.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
It was a tough road, filled with highs and lows, trials and errors, starting and re-starting when ideas did not pan out. Some years were successful while some were not, including mangaging a business during the global Covid pandemic which shut down portraits and weddings for quite awhile. I’m happy to say my business has been growing ever since, and each year has been better than the last.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
With Carina Photographics, I create timeless portrait experiences for families, high school seniors, and couples throughout the Minneapolis–St. Paul MN area. My clients aren’t just looking for a digital gallery of pretty pictures – they want breathtaking portraiture transformed into heirloom-quality artwork that honors who they are and the ones they love most.
Clients work with me when marking a graduation, birthday, anniversary or other milestone, celebrating their family, enjoying their wedding day, or simply longing to see themselves in a new light. I guide my clients through a personalized, full-service portrait experience – from their first consultation to the final photo reveal and installation of handcrafted artwork, I love helping them feel supported, celebrated, and transformed every step of the way.
How do you think about happiness?
The most rewarding part of my work is seeing the joy in my clients’ faces when they view their portraits—sometimes with tears in their eyes. Knowing I’ve created something that will be treasured for generations is a gift I never take for granted.
I also love spending time outdoors—gardening, camping, hiking, or traveling to explore both national parks and new corners of the world, along with my husband and two kids.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.carinaphotographics.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/carinaphotographics
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CarinaPhotographics/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/carina-photographics/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@CarinaPhotographics
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/carina-photographics-saint-paul
