Where ever I go I am continuously looking for the best places to take professional photos. Minnesota, in general, has beautiful destinations to take family, newborn, and maternity photography and Chanhassen has a few locations I enjoy. But I am always up for new locations! Here are my top 3 Chanhassen locations to take pictures at but by all means, this is NOT a complete list and is not in any specific order.

UNIVERSITY OF MINNESOTA LANDSCAPE ARBORETUM

Do you love nature? Want to breathe in the dirt and all the fragrances of summer flowers without getting your hands dirty?!? This is the place to take outside pictures! The University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum does not disappoint. What I love most about this location is that no matter what you’re favorite color is, we can find it here! It’s a stunning location for outdoor family portraits.

What’s the best time to take photos at this location? The hours of the Arboretum on Sundays are 10 am to 8 pm. During the week the hours are generally 8 am to 8 pm. So I recommend planning your photoshoot for some time between 6p – 7:30 pm. And if you’re able to get the family organized for outdoor family portraits on a Monday, you’ll want to schedule our session for the 3rd Monday of the month when admission to the Arboretum is free! The Arboretum is open through to early November so it’s also a gorgeous location for the fall family picture ideas that you have.

First of all, if you live in the city, the drive to get to Chanhassen is relaxing and pleasant. It’s a nice escape from the craziness of the day-to-day. Taking a photo at his location is a treat because it’s an easy place for families to feel relaxed and enjoy the day.

Not sure what to wear that this gorgeous location? You can put together a Pinterest Board with some ideas of outfits and I can help you decide what will work best for family portraits at the University of Minnesota Landscape Arboretum.

You can read more about the Arboretum here: http://www.arboretum.umn.edu/

PRINCE TRIBUTE MEMORIAL

Is music a big part of your life? If the answer is yes, you’ll definitely want to consider capturing some beautiful images at the Prince Tribute Memorial. For Minnesota natives, this spot has so much history and emotion attached to it, to begin with, and then there’s the fact that it’s just a really fun spot to take professional family photographs. In addition to the inspiring murals at this location, you’ll find a variety of fun backgrounds that we can incorporate into your professional family photographs.

Paisley Park is another location to consider as you’re researching family picture ideas. Although a professional permit is likely required to take photographs here, you could consider taking some candid family pictures and of course selfies too!

If you’re a Prince fan, you can get additional ideas of locations to remember Prince and his life’s work, at Explore Minnesota. You can follow this link: https://www.exploreminnesota.com/travel-ideas/prince-tour-of-minneapolis/

LAKE MINNEWASHTA REGIONAL PARK

This beautiful lakeside park located in Carver County offers so much for the family to do! Whether you’re a lake rat or you just love looking out over a pristine lake at sunset, we will find the perfect spot to capture your outside family pictures at Lake Minnewashta.