Today we’d like to introduce you to Jennifer Brandes.
Hi Jennifer, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Photography honestly started as a creative outlet during a season of life when my kids were little and life felt busy and chaotic in the best way. What began as simply wanting to capture my own children quickly turned into a passion for documenting connection, emotion, and the little moments that matter most.
Over time, friends and family started asking me to photograph their families and newborns, and before I knew it, what started as a hobby slowly grew into a business. I’ve now been a professional photographer for over 16 years, specializing in newborns, babies, and families here in Southern Minnesota.
As both a mother of four and a business owner, I bring a unique perspective into my sessions. I understand how overwhelming parenting can feel, especially in those newborn days, so creating a calm, welcoming, stress-free experience has always been just as important to me as creating beautiful images.
Over the years, my business has grown into a luxury, full-service experience, and I’ve intentionally built it around connection and trust. I’m incredibly proud that many of my clients have been with me for years — watching families grow from their very first maternity sessions to adding a third and fourth child is one of the most rewarding parts of what I do.
Looking back, I never could have imagined that a creative passion would turn into the career it has become, but I’m so grateful it did.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a completely smooth road, and honestly, I think that’s true for most small business owners — especially in a creative industry.
When I first started, I was balancing motherhood, family life, and trying to grow a business all at the same time. There were plenty of late nights editing after my kids went to bed, moments of self-doubt, and seasons where I questioned whether I was good enough or whether people would truly see the value in what I offered.
Photography is also an industry that changes constantly. Trends evolve, social media changes, technology changes, and there’s always pressure to keep up creatively while still staying true to your style and your brand. Learning the value of myself and confidently standing behind the experience and quality I provide was also a huge learning curve.
I think one of the biggest challenges was learning that success doesn’t happen overnight. It takes consistency, patience, and a willingness to keep showing up even during slower seasons or difficult ones.
At the same time, those struggles really shaped the business I have today. They taught me resilience, helped me grow both personally and professionally, and gave me a much deeper appreciation for the relationships I’ve built with my clients over the years. I think because of those experiences, I’m able to connect with people in a more genuine way — and that has become one of the most meaningful parts of this career for me.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I specialize primarily in newborn, baby, and family photography. Over the years I’ve really become known for creating both beautiful images as well as an experience that feels comfortable, and personal from beginning to end.
My style is a blend of softly posed moments and genuine connection. I love capturing the in-between interactions — the little smiles, the snuggles, the laughter, the emotions people don’t always realize are happening in the moment. Especially with newborns, I want parents to remember not just what their baby looked like, but how that season of life felt.
I think what sets me apart is that I’ve built my business around the client experience just as much as the final images. As a mom myself, I understand how stressful preparing for a session can feel, especially for new parents, so I’ve intentionally created a process that is easy and welcoming. From preparation guides and styling assistance to a welcoming studio environment and full communication before, during, and after the session, I try to take as much pressure off families as possible.
I’m also incredibly detail-oriented and very intentional with my work. Over the past 16 years, I’ve developed a style that feels timeless rather than overly trendy, which is important to me because these images become family heirlooms.
What I’m most proud of, though, is the trust my clients place in me. Being invited to document more than one chapter of their story is really the best compliment that I receive, and honestly, I love watching those babies (and families) grow!
What makes you happy?
Honestly, the simple things make me happiest. My family, time at home, coffee in hand before the house wakes up, the chaos and beauty of raising a family, and the relationships I’ve built along the way, all mean so much to me.
Professionally, what makes me happiest is knowing that the work I create actually matters to people. In a world where everything moves so fast, photographs become one of the few things that allow us to hold onto moments that would otherwise pass by in an instant. There’s something incredibly meaningful about knowing the images I create will hang on walls, sit in albums, and eventually become part of a family’s history.
I also genuinely love the connection side of photography. Some of my clients have been with me for years, and watching their families grow feels really special. Seeing nervous new parents walk into my studio and leave feeling relaxed and excited, or hearing clients tell me their session was easier and more enjoyable than they expected — those moments mean just as much to me as delivering the final gallery.
At the end of the day, I think what makes me happiest is creating something meaningful while building real relationships along the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://brandesphotography.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jenniferbrandesphotography
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jenniferbrandesphotography
