Today we’d like to introduce you to Rushena Duehr.
Hi Rushena, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
My story begins in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, where I spent the first 17 years of my life surrounded by rich culture, tradition, and family. From there, life took me to China, where I pursued a degree in Chinese Language and Literature and immersed myself in a new world of language, travel, and self-discovery. After five years abroad, I moved to Minnesota—a place I now call home.
Here in Minnesota, I met my husband and we began building our life together. I became a stay-at-home mom to three beautiful children—Kiara, Keanu, and Kylie—all under the age of four. It was during this transformative chapter of motherhood that my passion for photography truly bloomed. Capturing the fleeting moments of my own children inspired me to give other families the same gift—timeless, heartfelt portraits of their little ones.
I opened Duehr Photography, a newborn studio in Maple Grove, and since then, I’ve had the honor of photographing hundreds of newborns always prioritizing safety, comfort, and a calm, nurturing environment. I work on weekends, edit late into the night, and pour my heart into each session. Every image I deliver is crafted with love and an understanding of how quickly time slips away.
Photography allows me to balance being a mother and a dreamer. It’s not just a business—it’s a reflection of my journey, my resilience, and my hope to leave behind a legacy of beauty, emotion, and connection.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
The journey has been far from smooth. Starting a business while raising three little ones—often with a baby in my arms and another tugging at my leg—has required more strength, patience, and late nights than I ever imagined. There were moments I questioned if I could do it all: be a present mom, a loving wife, and a passionate business owner.
I’ve faced the challenge of building a brand in a new country without a network, navigating cultural differences, language barriers, and learning how to market myself from the ground up. There were times when bookings were slow, and I’d doubt my worth. I’ve also experienced the emotional toll of pouring my heart into photography, only to be undervalued or ghosted by clients.
But every challenge pushed me to grow. It taught me resilience, boundaries, and the importance of believing in my vision even when the path felt uncertain. The struggles shaped not just my business, but the woman and mother I am today.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I specialize in newborn photography, capturing the quiet, tender moments of a baby’s first days in a way that is both artful and timeless. My studio is a cozy, calm space where families feel cared for and seen. What sets my work apart is the deep emotional connection I bring to every session—I’ve lived the sleepless nights, the postpartum fog, the overwhelming love. I don’t just take pictures; I honor the experience of early motherhood.
I’m known for my gentle, baby-led posing approach that prioritizes safety and comfort, and for my warm editing style that brings out the softness and purity of each image. I’ve photographed hundreds of newborns, but each one still feels like magic.
What I’m most proud of is how many moms tell me they felt at ease, understood, and celebrated in my studio. I pour my heart into this work because I know how fast these days go—and I want every parent to have images that will bring them back to that fleeting, beautiful beginning.
Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
I’ve learned so much from leaders in the photography world who pour their wisdom into the community. Sue Bryce has been a huge influence—not just in posing and lighting, but in how she teaches photographers to value their art and build a sustainable business. I also love Hello Little Education for newborn-specific guidance. Their safety-focused approach and creative setups have helped elevate my sessions.
For running the business side smoothly, I rely on 17hats to manage bookings, contracts, and client communication—it keeps me sane as a mom of three! I edit every gallery in Photoshop and Lightroom, where I bring my artistic vision to life with careful attention to skin tones, textures, and light.
I truly believe education and the right tools empower us to do our best work—and these resources have been part of my journey from day one.
Pricing:
- • Newborn Session – $550 Baby-only session with 15 professionally edited digital images. • Newborn + Family Session – $750 Includes baby, parents, and siblings. Comes with 30 edited digital images. • Deluxe Newborn Collection – $1500 Includes 45 edited digital images and a handcrafted heirloom album—perfect for preserving your baby’s first memories in print. • Maternity Session – $650 Studio maternity session with 20 edited images. (Available weekends only) • Fresh 48 Session – $500 Captured in-hospital or at home within the first 48 hours. Includes 15 digital images. (Available for newborn clients only)
- • Newborn + Family Session – $750 Includes baby, parents, and siblings. Comes with 30 edited digital images.
- • Deluxe Newborn Collection – $1500 Includes 50 edited digital images and a handcrafted heirloom album—perfect for preserving your baby’s first memories in print.
- • Maternity Session – $650 Studio maternity session with 20 edited images. (Available weekends only)
- • Fresh 48 Session – $500 Captured in-hospital or at home within the first 48 hours. Includes 15 digital images. (Available for newborn clients only)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://duehrphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/duehrphotography
