Capturing Real Life Moments
LIFESTYLE photography
Our photo shoots celebrate kids being themselves and enjoying the present without forced smiles. At Meander Creative Studio, we offer senior and branding sessions that highlight YOUR unique traits. Senior shoots mark milestones with fun, artistic expression against vibrant backdrops, while branding sessions enhance your professional image, reflecting your vision and values. Each session is set in and around beautiful Chaska, Minnesota.
Families & Couples
I love capturing the candid moments, let the kiddos play and run…don’t worry we will always get a few beautifully posed shots for the holiday card!
Mini Session: 30 minutes at the location of your choice within 20 miles of Chaska, ~25 high resolution images, $225
Full Session: 60 minutes at the location of your choice, ~45 high resolution images, $300
Seniors
Seniors hold a special spot in my heart. I adore their spirit and confidence as the session progresses.
90 minutes, 2 locations with 3-4 outfit changes, ~75 high resolution images, $400
Mini sessions can also be used for quick senior portraits!
Fireman's Park & Downtown Chaska
A beautiful park in Chaska, Mn. Features a boardwalk around the clay hole, paths, trees, brick buildings.
Carver Park Reserve
Nature preserve on the border of Victoria and Waconia. Features a historic brick house, trails, fields.
Excelsior Beach
Public beach on Lake Minnetonka. Features sandy beach, trails, gorgeous sunsets, playground.
Parking Garage
Located in Chaska on 212 & Hwy 41. Features concrete parking lot, metal stairs, beautiful trees.
Centennial Lakes
France avenue in Edina. Gorgeous park setting with meandering paths, river, bridges, benches.
Como Park Conservatory
Meander the grounds of the Conservatory with beautiful buildings and surrounding gardens.
Not available for Mini Sessions.
McKnight Park
Chaska, MN on Hwy 41 & Pioneer Trail. Gorgeous trails that lead you to Lake Jonathan, especially wonderful on fall mornings.
Downtown Excelsior
Quintessential downtown Excelsior. Features brick alley ways, colorful buildings, urban setting on the lake.
Popular Locations
Frequently Asked Questions
This is my first photoshoot, what should I know?
Relax...we will get the photo! When you are stressed, everyone gets stressed. So I always recommend just letting the kids do their thing, we are capturing this moment in time. So, I encourage you to have fun with your family during the session...chat, laugh, tickle, make funny jokes...whatever makes everyone comfortable!
How long does it take to get our photos?
Sessions take about 7 days to be delivered. During peak season that time may increase to 14 days, but his will be communicated at the time of your session.
Can you recommend any good locations?
Yes! I love sharing fun locations for your shoot. Urban or country...I have plenty of options for you.
How are my photos delivered?
Your high resolution photos will be available in an online gallery. This gallery is yours to share out, purchase prints and cards from, and download your photos. If you choose to come back the next year for photos, I just create a new tab for that year, so all of your photos remain in one convenient gallery.
I’m Heidi Derner
Designer + Artist + Photographer
With over 20 years in design and marketing, Heidi has worked as a graphic designer and art director in both agencies and in-house settings. She has created visual stories for a range of clients, from large companies to small artisan businesses.
Alongside her corporate work, she runs a successful small photography business, capturing special moments for families, couples, graduates, and small businesses.
Additionally, since 2018, she has explored abstract art, using her connection with nature to create fine and functional art pieces.
Favorite things: Murder She Wrote, Spy Documentaries, Reading (Stephen King, Fantasy, Crime), Thrift & Vintage Shopping, Gardening, Happy Hours with Chad
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