Capturing Real Life Moments


LIFESTYLE photography
Joyful family of four sitting together on grass laughing in autumn leaves outdoor portrait.
Happy family of five walking hand-in-hand through green field during golden sunset outdoors.
Man crouching in a small boat at a sunny marina dock with sailboats.
Family of four smiling together on a tree-lined sidewalk covered in autumn leaves.
Woman in mustard dress sitting on blanket by lake with tarot cards and flowers in golden hour light.
Young woman in red dress relaxing on wooden bench by a serene garden pond.
Young couple walking with curly-haired toddler girl on garden path surrounded by hydrangeas.
Delicate dried pampas grass plumes shimmer in sunlight against a muted blue sky backdrop.

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.

A joyful family of three holds hands and walks along a sunny park path, with a laughing girl between her smiling parents.
2026

 

Fall Mini Sessions are Live!

 

BOOK NOW

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

Couple sharing romantic kiss in sunlit autumn forest setting.
Happy extended family of six sitting together on a bench outdoors, laughing and embracing.
Happy family of four walks hand-in-hand on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by colorful autumn foliage.
A family of four poses with a large black dog under a stone bridge in an urban outdoor setting.
A family of four stands together among autumn rocks and trees, with two teenage boys and their parents.
Parents crouch beside curly-haired toddler exploring rocks near a garden bench in a sunlit park.
Family of five walking together on a lakeside dock with a black dog on a leash.
Couple holding hands walking through lush green vineyard rows on a sunny day.
Family of five holding hands walking through a sunny green field at golden hour.
Two young siblings hugging on a wooden bench near a canal, smiling warmly at the camera.
Couple walking dog together on sunny wooden boardwalk with clear blue sky background.
Adorable curly-haired toddler girl in blue dress smiles shyly on brick garden path surrounded by greenery.
A smiling family of five sits together on grass, parents and three children enjoying an outdoor fall photo session.
Older sister holding toddler girl while two brothers stand beside her in a green field.
Couple sharing an intimate moment outdoors, woman with curly blonde hair smiling closely with partner.
Two sisters hugging and smiling, one with dark hair and one with red curly hair, against a gray wall.
A family of four, including a father and three daughters, smile together on a tree-lined urban sidewalk in fall.
Smiling brunette mother in orange dress holding her baby boy outside a home.
Couple posing against rustic stone wall in elegant engagement photo.
Couple embracing in autumn forest surrounded by golden and orange fall foliage.
Smiling mother in orange jacket poses with young son on a charming small-town sidewalk near storefronts.
Couple sharing tender moment with Boston Terrier puppy outdoors.
Smiling couple sitting on grass holding Boston Terrier puppy outdoors.
Family of four walking hand-in-hand on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by colorful autumn foliage.
Excited young father in blue shirt lifting his baby boy up in the air outdoors.
Serious blonde boy in black vest and denim shirt standing on wooden bridge in autumn.
Happy family strolls along garden path with hydrangeas, parents guiding their curly-haired toddler in blue dress.
A happy family with two young children and a Boston Terrier dog pose together on a wooden bench outdoors.
Happy laughing blonde toddler boy in plaid shirt sitting on log near lakeside.
Family of four smiling together on a porch of a brick home.
Two teenage boys and a girl sitting on porch steps with a black and white dog.
Two young siblings share a warm hug outdoors in a sunlit autumn meadow, smiling at camera.
A joyful family of four plays outdoors, with parents lifting two young children on their shoulders in a garden.
Playful family of four makes funny faces in front of an ivy-covered wall during fall photo session.
Two women sharing a tender romantic moment smiling at each other near a peaceful lake.
Two blonde siblings sitting together on a wooden boardwalk smiling during fall outdoor photo session.
A happy family of five with two parents and three children laugh together while sitting outdoors in nature.
Couple dancing at sunset in a green meadow with colorful autumn trees in background.
Three young siblings sit together in autumn leaves, with an older girl hugging a baby and young boy outdoors.
Happy family of four laughing together outdoors, with a child playfully leaning back.
Happy family with two young children and a Boston Terrier dog sitting on grass outdoors.
Happy mother hugs her son from behind, both laughing in a brick alley with shops in background.
Woman holding young girl while two boys make silly faces on a brick home porch.
Smiling family of four sits together on a wooden boardwalk bridge surrounded by autumn trees.
Smiling young woman with dark hair wearing a black long-sleeve top and light jeans on an autumn street.
Family of four posing in autumn field with golden trees, parents holding hands with two young children.
Young sister hugging little brother while sitting together on rustic wooden outdoor stairs.
Adorable little girl in pink floral dress posing with hands on hips on a sunlit dirt path.
A lively family of five walks along a sandy shoreline, with children playing and smiling near the water.
Young couple sitting on a blanket in the grass, smiling while holding their newborn baby.
Young family relaxing on a blanket under a tree with their baby and black dog.
Happy family of three sitting together outdoors near rustic bridge in warm natural light.
Couple dancing together on a path between vineyard rows under a pergola on a sunny day.
Smiling family of five posing together on wooden bridge surrounded by autumn foliage.
Family of five walks through a meadow laughing and holding hands on an overcast summer day.
Young woman with red wavy hair smiling outdoors in a green sundress on an autumn sidewalk.
Couple holding hands posing in front of ornate brown door on city sidewalk.
Happy family of five with a black dog posing on a wooden dock near a scenic lake.
Family of five poses outdoors on a garden path, parents with three daughters in coordinated dark outfits.
A young girl in a pink dress stands with arms crossed on outdoor stairs while a toddler sits on steps behind her.
Couple sitting together on brick steps between white columns, smiling at each other.
Smiling family of three sitting on log near lake, parents with young blonde toddler son.
Adorable red-haired baby sitting on hardwood floor looking back with curious blue eyes.
Couple embracing in front of W.A. Frost and Co. brick building storefront in autumn.
Family of six sitting and smiling in an autumn woodland setting.
Teenage girl with brown hair smiling softly on a wooden boardwalk path in autumn.
Three sisters laughing together while sitting on a dock with a lake backdrop in autumn.
Father joyfully lifting two daughters by their hands on a lakeside dock during fall family photos.
Young family sits together on blanket in lush green meadow, parents smiling at baby in green outfit.
Cheerful blonde toddler boy sitting on sandy beach holding sticks near calm water.
Adorable toddler girl in a light blue floral dress with a bow dancing barefoot on sand.
Family of five smiling together on the front porch of a house numbered 6614.
Two swaddled newborn twins lying beside decorative marquee letters S and J on a white blanket.
Smiling father sitting on a wooden dock with two children and a black dog by a lake.
Two siblings sharing a warm hug outdoors in autumn leaves.
Pregnant couple standing on urban bridge, woman in blue dress and boots leaning on partner.
Blonde boy wearing black-framed glasses and a plaid shirt posing against a white wall.
Smiling blonde boy with glasses sitting in a wooden chair on a green lawn.
Pregnant woman in blue dress and floral wrap smiling with partner on stone wall outdoors.
Awake newborn baby in white onesie lying on a knit blanket looking at the camera.
Three young siblings, two boys and a baby girl in red coat, sitting on a blanket outdoors.
Parents tenderly hold their sleeping newborn baby wrapped in white cloth during first days at home.
Two teenage brothers standing together smiling outside their home front door.
Happy family of four sitting on wooden dock, parents with two young daughters smiling.
Laughing family of three stands in open field, father holding baby in green outfit while mother embraces them.
Happy couple embracing and laughing together outdoors in an autumn forest setting.
Couple sharing a kiss in a sunny urban park with trees and a street clock nearby.
Two smiling women posing with two large dogs in a vintage chair in a fall field.
Family of four poses outdoors in autumn, parents smiling with toddler and baby amid vibrant red and orange foliage.
Romantic couple hugging in golden autumn park, woman holding brown hat, man wearing glasses.
Young couple sitting on grass holding their newborn baby during an outdoor family photo session.
Family of five poses together in a lush green field wearing neutral earth-tone outfits.
Young family with two toddlers sharing a tender moment on a bridge overlooking a scenic pond.
Happy interracial family laughing and hugging their young son outdoors in autumn.
Family of four smiling together in a colorful autumn forest with fallen leaves.
Bearded man whispering to smiling blonde woman while sitting on green grass outdoors.
Three young children laughing and playing together outdoors on a sunny autumn day.
Adorable blonde toddler girl in pink dress sits cross-legged on a wooden boardwalk, smiling brightly.
Smiling new parents sitting on nursery floor cradling their newborn baby near a wooden crib.
Sleeping newborn baby in white outfit resting peacefully on a gray couch.
Family of six posing on a wooded path in fall foliage.
Smiling blonde boy in navy sweater sits cross-legged on ground covered in fall leaves.
Adorable baby lying on a colorful geometric patterned blanket looking at the camera.
Family of four posing by a lakeside on a sunny day.
Loving family of five with two boys and a baby girl smiling together on a cozy porch.
New parents sitting on a gray sofa admiring their newborn while a bulldog rests on the floor.
Bald father crouching beside laughing toddler son wearing big brother shirt outdoors.
Cute blonde toddler girl in a blue dress sitting in sand and waving at the camera.
Family sitting on a bench surrounded by vibrant autumn foliage.
Smiling young girl with long brown hair leans against a tree trunk in a lush green park.
Joyful family embracing under autumn tree with red berries, children playing in fallen leaves.
Cute baby in green romper stands next to yellow toy construction truck on light hardwood floor.
Young girl in pink tutu dress twirls joyfully on a grassy hillside during autumn season.
Four siblings laughing together in a colorful autumn forest.
Family of six posing together in a lush green field during a golden sunset photo session.
Happy interracial family of five posing together on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by autumn trees.
Family of four walking together along a scenic garden path surrounded by lush green trees.
Two young brothers in denim shirts hugging and smiling in an outdoor portrait.
Joyful family moment as parents laugh with curly-haired toddler held between them in a lush garden.
Smiling young woman in plaid blazer and brown pants sitting in antique chair outdoors.
Family of four hugging and smiling among fall leaves outdoors.
Family of four sitting on elegant white steps outside a glass conservatory building.
Joyful family of three laughing together outdoors during a cozy fall portrait session.
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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!

Young woman in floral dress and white knit cardigan smiling outdoors near a lake.
Young woman in gray wrap cardigan and white pants leaning against rustic stone building.
Smiling teenage girl with auburn hair in blue sweater posing in green field.
Young woman with blue eyes and wavy brown hair smiles warmly in a pink top during an outdoor portrait session.
Two smiling young women sit together in a grassy field during an outdoor portrait photography session.
Smiling young woman wearing wide-brim tan hat and floral dress with blurred river background.
Smiling young woman with brown hair wearing floral top in outdoor portrait.
Two laughing young women sit closely together on blanket in tall grass field during outdoor portrait.
Teenage girl with curly hair in cream sweater and jeans sitting on stone ledge outdoors.
Smiling young woman with curly hair sitting cross-legged in front of colorful autumn ivy wall.
Two young women blow white confetti from their hands outdoors with green landscape in the background.
Young woman in navy blue mini dress poses against industrial metal column in urban corridor setting.
Smiling teenage girl in pink top and jeans leaning against green lamppost on city sidewalk.
Laughing young woman in black top and pink tulle skirt posing against dark metal fence.
Smiling teenage girl plays violin wearing glasses and school letter jacket against brick wall backdrop.
Smiling young woman with long wavy brown hair posing against dark metal grid background.
Two smiling young women pose cheek to cheek in an outdoor field during a portrait photography session.
Smiling blonde teenage girl in a navy floral tee stands confidently in front of green foliage.
Young woman with highlighted wavy brown hair smiling softly against gray concrete wall.
Smiling blonde teen girl in a pink top and striped skirt sits on a porch step in heels.
Smiling blonde teenage girl in a pink sweater and ripped jeans sits on wooden steps.
Close-up portrait of a laughing blonde teenage girl with blue eyes wearing a light pink top.
Teenage girl with glasses and dark hair leans against ivy-covered brick wall in black leather jacket.
Two teenage girls in school letter jackets pose with trombone and violin against brick wall outdoors.
Smiling blonde teenage girl in a leather jacket poses on a sunny gravel road.
Young woman in orange dress resting arms on a wooden bench beside a serene garden pond.
Confident teenage girl in black tank top and white pants posing near a window with palm trees.
Smiling teenage girl in orange sundress standing by a floral fountain outside a greenhouse.
Young woman with blonde hair poses outdoors among green and yellow wildflowers in a pink top.
Smiling blonde teen girl in a dark cardigan and denim skirt poses among tropical plants.
Young woman with auburn hair and glasses poses in black off-shoulder top in front of tall grass field.
Young woman in marching band uniform playing trombone close-up outdoor portrait.
Smiling young woman in olive green crop top stands before large glass greenhouse facade.
Happy teenage boy in mint green long-sleeve shirt laughing while sitting on wooden steps outdoors.
Young woman in sage green crop top leans on concrete ledge in thoughtful outdoor portrait.
Smiling teenage boy in light blue t-shirt posing outdoors among colorful autumn fallen leaves.
Handsome young man in sage green sweater sitting on brick ledge with tall golden grasses behind him.
Smiling young man in blue plaid shirt leaning against brick wall outdoors.
Smiling young man in plaid shirt leaning on railing by river outdoors.
Young man in a blue graphic tee and cap sits smiling in a pickup truck bed outdoors.
Young woman in mustard yellow blazer stands smiling in empty parking lot under cloudy sky.
Young woman in black camisole dress with gold necklace poses against white wall indoors.
Young woman in yellow blazer and black leather pants sits on white concrete in autumn setting.
Smiling young woman in black dress sits on concrete ground in cheerful outdoor portrait.
Smiling young woman with short blonde hair sits outdoors in golden field wearing brown top.
Smiling young woman in black dress poses on railroad tracks surrounded by autumn foliage.
Young woman in olive jacket and black pants leans against graffiti-covered concrete wall.
Young woman in orange top and plaid pants leaning against brick wall outdoors.
Young woman in plaid blazer and white skirt standing on overcast beach.
Young person with short red hair in gray hoodie jacket sitting against a modern glass building exterior.
Young man in a Michigan Adidas hoodie sitting on a red boat.
Young woman in red sweater standing on snowy wooden bridge in winter forest.
Smiling teen in a Michigan hoodie leaning against stacked kayaks.
Young man in pink shirt and hat crouching in a small boat at a marina with sailboats on calm water.
Smiling young woman in orange wrap top with gold necklace laughing outdoors.
Young woman in plaid coat holding bare tree branch in snowy winter forest.
Young woman in burgundy dress crouching in autumn forest making rock signs.
Smiling young woman with freckles in red jacket laughing in snowy outdoor setting.
Smiling teenage boy in gray jacket sitting on concrete ledge in front of a rustic stone wall.
Smiling young man in blue shirt leaning on railing near lake in senior portrait.
Young woman in plaid coat and white pants posing among birch trees in snow.
Young man wearing a beige cap and pink button-up shirt smiling confidently against a marble wall.
Teenage boy in blue shirt smiling in autumn forest senior portrait.
Young man in red t-shirt sitting outdoors among fall foliage in casual portrait.
Teen boy in a white hoodie sits on a concrete ledge against a white wall.
Teen boy in a black Psycho Bunny graphic tee stands in an urban parking garage.
Close-up portrait of young woman with curly brown hair against blue background.
Young man in red Nike sweatshirt standing against a light gray garage door outdoors.
Smiling young woman in black dress walking through lush garden pathway.
Teen boy in a Croatian soccer jersey holds a football in a green park setting.
Young woman in black dress smiling over shoulder on bridge in green park.
Teenage girl with curly hair in purple floral romper sitting on wooden boardwalk.
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Happy family of four walking on a wooden boardwalk surrounded by fall foliage.

Fireman's Park & Downtown Chaska


A beautiful park in Chaska, Mn. Features a boardwalk around the clay hole, paths, trees, brick buildings.

Young woman holding a toddler girl standing with two boys in a sunny green field.

Carver Park Reserve


Nature preserve on the border of Victoria and Waconia. Features a historic brick house, trails, fields.

Parents holding hands with a toddler girl wading along a sandy lakeshore.

Excelsior Beach


Public beach on Lake Minnetonka. Features sandy beach, trails, gorgeous sunsets, playground.

Young woman in yellow blazer smiling in empty parking lot on overcast day.

Parking Garage


Located in Chaska on 212 & Hwy 41. Features concrete parking lot, metal stairs, beautiful trees.

Family with toddler enjoying time together in lush garden pathway.

Centennial Lakes


France avenue in Edina. Gorgeous park setting with meandering paths, river, bridges, benches.

Family of four posing by pond near greenhouse on sunny day.

Como Park Conservatory


Meander the grounds of the Conservatory with beautiful buildings and surrounding gardens.


Not available for Mini Sessions.

Happy family of four posing together on a scenic autumn path near a lake.

McKnight Park


Chaska, MN on Hwy 41 & Pioneer Trail. Gorgeous trails that lead you to Lake Jonathan, especially wonderful on fall mornings.

Mother and son posing playfully on small town sidewalk in fall.

Downtown Excelsior


Quintessential downtown Excelsior. Features brick alley ways, colorful buildings, urban setting on the lake.

Popular Locations

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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.

Smiling woman with curly brown hair and red glasses wearing a teal sweater and necklace, seated at Oleander Creative Studio.

 

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

Visit Meander Creative Studio
Dried ornamental grass swaying against blue sky in autumn light.

 

Get in touch

 

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