Today we’d like to introduce you to Steve Lunden.
Hi Steve, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I started my photography journey the same way a lot of creatives do, with a camera in my hands and a stubborn belief that meaningful moments deserved to be captured well. What began as a personal passion slowly turned into something more serious as friends, families, and local clients trusted me to document their milestones. Over time, I built real experience shooting portraits, seniors, weddings, and community projects throughout the Twin Cities, learning not just the technical side of photography but how to create an experience that feels relaxed, genuine, and personal for the people in front of the lens.
Today, I run Twin Cities Imagery as a growing portrait and wedding photography brand focused on authentic storytelling and accessible, high-quality work for local families and couples. The journey hasn’t been overnight success, more like steady grit, late-night editing sessions, and constantly refining both the art and the business side. But that process shaped the photographer I am now: someone who values connection over perfection, real emotion over staged moments, and building something lasting in the community I serve.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not even close. The creative part of photography is the fun, cinematic highlight reel. Building a real business is the behind-the-scenes grind that nobody posts about.
In the beginning, the biggest challenge was simply being taken seriously. Like most photographers starting out, I had to prove my value, build a portfolio from scratch, and earn trust one client at a time. There were long stretches of inconsistent bookings, pricing doubts, and the constant question every creative asks at some point: “Can this actually become sustainable?”
On the business side, I’ve had to learn everything the hard way, marketing, branding, client communication, pricing strategy, workflow systems, and how to stand out in a crowded local market. There were seasons of working other jobs to keep things afloat while still investing time, energy, and money back into the photography business. That balancing act is real, and it tests how badly you want it.
But every challenge shaped the direction of where I am now. It forced me to refine my brand, clarify my style, build stronger systems, and focus on serving my local community in a genuine way instead of chasing trends. What once felt like obstacles turned into the foundation for something much more stable and intentional.
So no, it hasn’t been smooth. But the difficult parts are exactly what made the journey meaningful, and they’re the reason I’m still building, growing, and believing in where this is going.
Great, so let’s talk business. Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Twin Cities Imagery is a portrait and wedding photography brand built around one simple idea: meaningful moments deserve to be captured in a way that feels real, comfortable, and lasting. I work primarily with families, high school seniors, couples, and local wedding clients throughout the Minneapolis–St. Paul area, focusing on natural emotion, true-to-life color, and storytelling that reflects who people actually are, not stiff poses or over-edited trends.
What sets my work apart is the balance between professional quality and genuine accessibility. I believe great photography shouldn’t feel intimidating or out of reach, so I’ve built my brand around creating a relaxed, welcoming experience while still delivering polished, high-end results. Clients often tell me they appreciate how comfortable the sessions feel and how naturally their personalities come through in the final images. That experience, not just the photos, is a big part of what I’m known for.
I’ve also been intentional about growing the business in a way that serves the local community. From senior portrait sessions and family storytelling to weddings and community-focused projects, the goal has always been to create work that people in the Twin Cities can connect with and keep for generations. Brand-wise, I’m most proud that Twin Cities Imagery reflects consistency, authenticity, and steady growth. It’s not built on hype, it’s built on trust, relationships, and showing up for clients again and again.
What I want readers to know most is that this brand is deeply personal. Every session matters, every client story matters, and the long-term vision is bigger than photography alone, it’s about creating legacy-level images and experiences for the community I call home.
Do you have any advice for those looking to network or find a mentor?
Yes, and the honest answer is that mentorship and networking rarely look the way people expect. It’s usually less about one perfect mentor showing up and more about consistently putting yourself in rooms, conversations, and communities where growth can happen.
Early on, what helped most was simply reaching out and being willing to learn publicly. Talking with other photographers, asking questions, second-shooting when possible, and staying connected to local creative groups all created small opportunities that added up over time. Relationships in creative industries are built on trust and consistency, not quick introductions, so showing genuine interest in others’ work and supporting them goes a long way.
One thing that’s worked especially well for me is focusing on local, real-world connection rather than only online networking. Meeting other creatives in the Twin Cities area, collaborating on shoots, and staying visible in the community has led to stronger relationships and more meaningful referrals than social media alone ever could. Networking becomes much more natural when it’s rooted in shared experience instead of self-promotion.
For anyone trying to find a mentor, my biggest advice is to look for guidance in layers. You might learn lighting from one person, business strategy from another, and client experience from someone else. Mentorship doesn’t have to be formal to be powerful. What matters most is staying curious, being teachable, and consistently showing up.
And just as important, don’t wait until you feel “established” to build relationships. Growth in this field happens through community, collaboration, and generosity long before it shows up as success on paper.
Pricing:
- Senior pricing starts around $300
- Family sessions are felxible and approchable
- Wedding Photography Coverage generally ranges from about $1,200 to $2,000+, depending on hours of coverage, travel, and customization.
- Mini Sessions & Seasonal Specials are offered throughout the year at reduced rates to keep professional photography accessible to more families in the community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://twincitiesimagery.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/twincitiesimagery
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/twincitiesimagery
- Twitter: https://x.com/twincitiesimage
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@TwinCitiesImagery
- Other: https://tiktok.com/@twincitiesimagery
