• Natural smiles • genuine laughter • and intimate moments •
Photos are about telling the story of your child's boisterous laughter, your newborn's curled fingers around your own, your daughter's special snuggle against her daddy's chest, the sun catching the curls bouncing as your toddler tumbles into your arms, & the tender warmth of being wrapped in your husband's embrace.
"She made the whole process effortless and enjoyable. My kids left saying they had so much fun!"
"To say that Susannah is excellent would be an understatement! We met Susannah in the evening and she arrived with waters and snacks for our whole family. She made the whole process effortless and enjoyable. My kids left saying they had so much fun! The whole experience was really wonderful. Then we got the pictures! I truly could not be happier. We will treasure these photos of our family forever!"
Beth T.
family and newborn photographer
Hi, I am so glad you're here!
With a calm and laidback approach to help you feel natural and at ease in front of my camera
I know you feel how fast the years are going by, you want to have beautiful photos from this time of life because you can feel already how much you will miss the baby snuggles, lisping words, and pattering feet.
My name is Susannah, I am wife to my hardworking hubby, mama to two sweet little boys, lover of photographs, and family photographer in Saint Cloud, Minnesota.
I know both how awkward getting your picture taken can feel, and how important having those photos is - Helping families become comfortable and relaxed in front of my camera so that their true personalities can shine through in the final gallery brings me so much joy.
The way you hold your child, feeling their breathing rise and fall - the tenderness and pride in your gaze as you look into your husband's eyes over the head of your tiny newborn, your toddler clutching your hand in his and peering up at you from beneath his tousled curls - These are the moments you will want to remember.
I love to get to know you, the things that are special to you, the things that you want to remember, and tailoring sessions to each family to tell your story in an intentional and meaningful way.
On a mission to create a relaxed photoshoot experience to capture poetic, joyful, and love-filled moments for families like yours.
Getting to know you before and during your session is so important to me, I want to really understand what will be meaningful to you in your final gallery. I take time to set you at ease and make your photoshoot a comfortable and personable experience.
Because when you invest in a photo session, you don't want a stranger to just show up and snap a few nice pictures. You want them to know you and your family, to make you feel comfortable, and to guide your session in a way that is true to your family's personality and story!
"We absolutely loved Susannah! She asked questions beforehand to get to know the kids... She is so friendly and sweet."
"We absolutely loved Susannah! She asked questions beforehand to get to know the kids, and when we were having our pictures taken she was getting to know the kids too. She is so friendly and sweet. Her pictures turned out absolutely gorgeous. Exactly what I was wanting and more!!"
Hannah P.
Family Photography Services:
Families
Maternity
Newborns
"What if we don't know what to do? We aren't very photogenic"
Don't worry! I am not photogenic either - In fact, very few people are!
(Think about it... How many busy parents just naturally dance romantically in a field with children happily prancing around? )
Want to know a secret?
(This is the magic of lifestyle photography!)
I am directing your family the entire time
Not in prim and proper poses always looking at the camera, but by giving intentional fun, emotive, and engaging prompts and games, and helping create natural family portraits that tell the story of family with lots of affection and physical touch.
This allows your family to have fun (and not even realize that you are "posing") and it creates beautiful and natural moments.
FAQ
What areas do you serve?
A.I'm based in Saint Cloud, MN and sessions are typically within 30 miles of Saint Cloud. Some towns that some of my favorite photoshoot locations are in would be: Rice, Sartell, Monticello, Sauk Rapids, Rockville, and the list continues to grow!
Will you help us choose a location?
A.I have a growing list of pre-scouted locations within roughly 30 miles of Saint Cloud, as we chat and plan for your session, I'll give you a few suggestions that I think would fit your session type, family's personality, and the vibe of your session.
How does your client closet work?
A.You can look through my client closet and pick out your favorites. Once you let me know which ones you like best, I will help style the rest of your family. I will bring your favorite dresses to your session so that you can try them on and use the one that you like best. (I bring a changing tent that you can use!)
If you don't find a dress that you like, I can help provide you with some great options from online retailers that I love.
The Susannah Raye Photography Experience
I am so excited to be your photographer!
Booking is simple and easily done from your phone.
You can reach out via my contact form to get started with your personalized photography session.
Once your session is booked, I'll send you a questionnaire to help me get to know your family.
My goal as your photographer is to come alongside you in the session prep to make it stress-free and simple, and set you and your family up for an incredible session.
After reading your family's questionnaire, I send you location and wardrobe styling suggestions tailored specifically to your family, you also get access to my growing client closet.
I'm available for you to reach out every step along the way, and will send you emails with guidance leading up to your session so that you are never left wondering what to do.
Come ready to relax and have fun!
I will be directing you the whole time, putting you in beautiful light, and engaging with your family to help everyone to have a great time.
Soak up this time with your little ones, kiss your spouse a little longer, and let yourself be present to enjoy these precious memories that you and your family will pour over as you cuddle on the couch for years to come.
No need to try and narrow it down to a few favorites, I provide you with all the best photos from your session!
Within a month of your session, you'll receive your downloadable high-resolution digital files with a print release in a beautiful online gallery from which you can easily download your images, order professional quality prints and products, and share your favorites with friends and family on social media.
There are too many beautiful little moments to family life and motherhood to let them pass by undocumented.
If you're like me, your mama-heart aches as you feel the moments slipping away with your little ones. You're so excited to see who they will grow to be, and love their ever emerging personality, but you see how fast the days are passing and yearn for time to slow down so that you can hold your baby a little longer.
Sound like what you've been looking for?