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J.J. Killins Photography

Fall Mini Sessions | Shoreview family photographer

Chickadee fall photo mini sessions

I’m happy to announce that I will be offering a few mini session slots at The Chickadee Boutique! Aside from the fabulous shopping, the grounds of the boutique are lovely and will make for some fresh family photos.

Here’s how to grab one of those sessions: get to The Chickadee ASAP, spend $50.00, and sign up while you’re there! It’s that simple. It’s a one-stop shop. You get a few holiday gifts out of the way, and can finally cross get a photo for our holiday card off your to-do list.

Two special holiday collections are available for mini sessions, and you can also purchase additional items a la carte. Collections must be chosen and purchased at the session; a la carte items will be available once online galleries are up. shoreview family photographer mini sessionsjj killins photography

Who is best-suited to a mini session, you ask? Almost anyone! It’s for the family that just needs a few great shots for their holiday card (and, hey, while you’re at it, you can cross order holiday cards off your list, because I’ve got those, too!). It’s for the newly engaged couple. It’s for mom, dad, and baby with a short window in between naps. It’s for siblings. It’s for Grandma and Grandpa. It’s for mamas with their kiddos home from college, mamas with kids heading to college, and mamas whose kids are growing up too fast. It’s best for families of six or less, because, honestly, a mini session is 15 minutes, and we won’t have time for all the combinations of family members in that brief time.

It’s fun, it’s painless, and it’s on your list, so just get to The Chickadee and shop already. Shop. Sign up. See you on the 2nd!

The Arnholts | Shoreview, MN family photographer

This family was in a hurry to get some fresh shots of their two gorgeous girls who had just turned two and four, because baby number three is on the way! We headed to a Shoreview park with a lovely trail and trees changing colors and captured what two and four look like in their family, right now.

J.J. Killins Photography Shoreview MN blog board

I can’t wait to find out if baby number three is a boy or a girl! There are few more amazing surprises in life. Don’t you agree?

The Chickadee Boutique | Shoreview, MN photographer

The City of Shoreview has a gem that everyone should know about. At the south end of town on a quaint wooded lot amongst tall pines, wood piles, and walking paths, lies a treasure. A two-story cottage filled with delights, tents and sheds exploding with fall color. The Chickadee is a boutique showcasing the work of local artisans – pottery, art, garden sculpture, jewelry, accessories, clothing, holiday items. It is my new go-to spot for gift items. Girlfriend gift? Check. Teacher gift? Check. Birthday gift? Baby gift? Check. Check.

Here’s the catch. The Chickadee is seasonal. You can’t just pop in on a Wednesday afternoon in August, which is another reason the place is so very special. You have to plan your trip there, and as Jacci Krebsbach, the owner likes to say, “You don’t go to The Chickadee, you experience The Chickadee!” We are so lucky that the season starts tomorrow!

I was fortunate to experience this place for myself over the weekend and have sneak-peek photographs to share with those of you who haven’t been there. But don’t let my images speak for The Chickadee Boutique, as I’m sure I didn’t see even half of the goodness there. Go for yourselves this weekend. Bring an umbrella, bundle up, and bring your Christmas-buying list. I guarantee you get a jump start on your holiday shopping. Don’t forget about upcoming birthdays. And, while you’re at it, you had better pick up a few hostess gifts for the holiday season. Please don’t forget a little treasure for yourself. Jacci has such an eye for detail, she has turned every corner into eye candy. Every piece in the place begs to be held and considered. Do yourself a favor and get out there for opening weekend!

207 St. Marie, Shoreview

Follow The Chickadee on Facebook. Jacci is amazing at enticing you with pictures of all the new goods that fly in!

Let Them Eat Cake | Shoreview, MN photographer

I had the opportunity to photograph a very cool “FUN-raiser” this weekend for Let Them Eat Cake, an awesome non-profit that collects party supplies, and then delivers complete birthday party packages to local food shelves so that every child can have a birthday celebration! Such a simple, wonderful concept.   Meet our lovely host and creator of Let Them Eat Cake, Mindy McNevin, party perfect in hot pink! The kids decorated cake pops, played in the hot Minnesota late summer sun, caught frogs, ran around carefree.

If you’re local and want to be a part of something great, something that brings joy to children on their special day, gather up all those extra party supplies and contact me (info at jjkillinsphotography dot com). I’ll be sure to get them to Mindy, so she can put together another great birthday package for a special little boy or girl.

And be sure to like Let Them Eat Cake on Facebook, so you can be part of upcoming FUN-raisers!

Photographs of my own family

It’s a happy Monday when I get to share some family photographs of my own family! I recently shared some photos I took of my beautiful photographer friend, Susie, and her family, when we visited Ohio last month, and now I am so excited to share the lovely images she captured of my own family. Thank you, Sus!

J.J. Killins

J.J. Killins photography

Serving Shoreview, Minnesota & the Twin Cities