Family Photographers in Greater Milwaukee: A Complete Guide

Finding the right photographer to capture your family's precious moments matters. This comprehensive guide covers 60+ family photographers across the Milwaukee metro area, organized by community to help you find talented professionals near you. Whether you need newborn portraits in Cedarburg, beach sessions in Bay View, or holiday minis in Wauwatosa, this resource has you covered.

North Shore

The North Shore corridor—stretching from Shorewood through Whitefish Bay to Fox Point, Glendale, and Brown Deer—offers exceptional family photography options with a concentration of lifestyle and newborn specialists. These photographers understand the unique character of lakeside communities and frequently utilize stunning locations like Klode Beach, Lake Park, and Doctors Park.

Abby Park Photography stands out with 150+ five-star Google reviews and a reputation for working magic with toddlers. Based in the Mequon/Whitefish Bay area, Abby (a mom of four) delivers natural-light, playfully-posed images that emphasize joy and connection. Her in-home newborn sessions run up to two hours, following baby's lead, with galleries delivered within three weeks. Families particularly praise her patience with "less-than-cooperative" little ones.

Moments by Wendy Photography specializes in relaxed, in-home newborn sessions throughout Shorewood, Whitefish Bay, River Hills, and Glendale. Wendy Pawlak's approach focuses on where families feel most comfortable—their own homes—with two-hour baby-led sessions and three-week turnaround times. Albums, frames, and artwork are available through her hand-edited online gallery.

Elysha Rice Photography operates from Shorewood, offering family packages starting at $275—among the more accessible price points on the North Shore. As an artist, teacher, and mom, Elysha creates clean, colorful portraits and notably volunteers with Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep, providing bereavement photography for families experiencing infant loss.

North Shore Photographer Starting Price Specialty Best For Abby Park Photography Contact for quote Newborn, family lifestyle Toddler wrangling, in-home sessions Moments by Wendy Contact for quote In-home newborn Relaxed home environment Elysha Rice Photography $275 Family, newborn, pets Budget-conscious families House Wren Photography Contact for quote Family, children North Shore local (Whitefish Bay mom) Whitney Nicole Photography Contact for quote Maternity, newborn, family Emotive storytelling

Shoot the Moon Photography has served Milwaukee's North Shore for over 20 years from their Mequon base. Recently reimagined under BigoniaCreative leadership, this fine art studio offers maternity through graduation portraits with a timeless, elegant aesthetic. Their "Little Stars Club" membership ($495) provides regular children's photography for families wanting consistent documentation of childhood milestones.

Ozaukee County

The northern suburbs offer a distinctive mix of historic downtown Cedarburg's photogenic streetscapes and Mequon's gorgeous natural preserves. Photographers here frequently showcase Virmond Park (with its lake views, tall grasses, and stunning sunsets), River Barn Park, and Mequon Nature Preserve.

Tara Fay Photography operates a 1,400-square-foot studio in Cedarburg packed with family-friendly amenities. Her 200+ piece client wardrobe closet eliminates outfit stress, and she maintains current infant CPR/first aid certification—providing peace of mind for newborn sessions. Family sessions start at $549, and she's photographed over 800 happy clients. Reviews consistently mention her patience with children and ability to capture beautiful shots even from "uncooperative kids."

Forever Young Photography has anchored Cedarburg's photography scene since 2000—26 years of experience. Beyond standard family portraits, they offer something increasingly important: specialized services for families with sensory sensitivities, including Meet & Greet sessions to help children acclimate. They're members of the Autism Society of South Eastern Wisconsin resource network, making photography accessible for families who might otherwise struggle with traditional studio experiences.

Studio 29 Photography (Ren Lenhof) brings a lifestyle focus to Mequon families. Currently building a home in Mequon, Ren specializes in golden-hour sessions at Virmond Park—her favorite location for its lake views and dramatic sunsets. Sessions typically run 60-90 minutes with fast turnaround, and she warmly welcomes dogs. Her work has appeared in Martha Stewart, Green Wedding Shoes, Nordstrom, and West Elm features.

Kim Hopf Photography offers over 10 years of lifestyle family photography from the Town of Cedarburg. As a mom of three boys herself, she brings a fun, adventurous approach that resonates with active families wanting authentic rather than overly posed portraits.

For families wanting iconic downtown Cedarburg locations—the Chocolate Factory, Cedarburg Roastery, covered bridge, and river path—Abby Park Photography has developed particular expertise in these sessions, knowing exactly which spots photograph best at different times of day.

Menomonee Falls and Germantown

The northwestern suburbs house several photographers known specifically for newborn and baby expertise, including studios that have earned national recognition.

Hello Little Studios, run by mother-daughter team Theresa and Erin Rouse in Menomonee Falls, has achieved remarkable media attention—featured on The Ellen Show, People Magazine, Country Living Magazine, and UNILAD. Known as "baby whisperers" for their ability to calm fussy infants, they create modern, artistic imagery with deep black-and-white options and minimal props. Their philosophy prioritizes "one spectacular image over one hundred that are just okay."

Delicate Art Photography (studio in Brookfield, serving the northwestern corridor) has been ranked Best Newborn Photographers in Milwaukee for four consecutive years. Their light-hearted approach makes children feel special, and they offer both outdoor and studio sessions with holiday mini sessions throughout the year.

ALT Imagery operates from the Green Olive Studio in Germantown (N115W18835 Edison Dr), offering a weather-proof option for families who want to book without worrying about Wisconsin's unpredictable skies. The dedicated studio includes a makeup area, private dressing room, two bathrooms, and comfortable lobby. Their flexible pricing model—no minimum investments or package requirements—lets families purchase only what they want beyond a modest booking fee.

West suburbs

The western corridor—Wauwatosa, Brookfield, Elm Grove, Waukesha, and Lake Country—represents Milwaukee's largest concentration of family photographers, with options spanning every price point and style.

Megan Papachristou Photography anchors the premium market from her Wauwatosa studio (7405 Harwood Ave). Named one of Milwaukee's Best Maternity Photographers since 2016, she holds multiple Bronze awards from the International Portrait Masters Competition in the Maternity and Newborn category. Her distinction lies in product offerings: Italian-made Legacy Albums, Amalfi Panel Prints hand-constructed on the Amalfi Coast, and archival HD fine art matted prints. This is heirloom photography for families wanting museum-quality pieces passed through generations.

Babboni Photography in Brookfield represents 35+ years of family photography experience on a stunning two-acre property featuring a 3,500-square-foot indoor studio, outdoor gardens, open fields, and a 100-year-old barn. Owner Wayde Peronto offers both contemporary and traditional styles, making this an ideal choice for extended family portraits where multiple backdrop options help break up larger group sessions.

Kara Reese Photography operates a boutique studio in downtown Waukesha (213 South Street) with 15+ years of experience and international portrait awards. Beyond standard sessions, she offers unique options: Video Memoir/Legacy sessions for grandparents wanting to preserve family stories, "A Moment With Santa®" seasonal offerings, and creative light painting portraits. On-site professional hair and makeup, in-home design consultations, and professional wall portrait installation complete her full-service approach.

Julie Collins Photography in Lake Country holds the distinction of being a Certified Professional Photographer (CPP) through Professional Photographers of America—a credential requiring demonstrated excellence in both technical skills and business practices. Operating from downtown Oconomowoc, she was mentored by a world-renowned newborn photographer and offers complete experiences from wardrobe consultation through wall art installation.

For budget-conscious families, Carley Marie Photography serving Waukesha and Lake Country offers adventure-style outdoor sessions with no travel fees within 50 miles. Her philosophy—"Wiggly kiddos, wild hair, and muddy puddles? Let's document it!"—resonates with families wanting authentic rather than perfectly posed portraits. Online galleries include digital files and print release.

Sleepy Meadow Photography in the Town of Brookfield (220 Regency Court, Suite 101) focuses primarily on newborn and baby portraits in a 450-square-foot studio stocked with extensive props. Named Best Family Photographers in Milwaukee from 2017-2020, Holly brings years of safe newborn posing expertise. Her wide 9-county service area (Milwaukee, Waukesha, Ozaukee, Washington, Dodge, Jefferson, Walworth, Racine, and Kenosha) makes her accessible to families throughout the greater metro.

West Suburb Photographer Location Specialty Price Tier Megan Papachristou Wauwatosa Maternity, newborn, heirloom products Premium Babboni Photography Brookfield Extended families, versatile backdrops Mid-premium Kara Reese Waukesha Full-service boutique, legacy videos Mid-premium Julie Collins (CPP) Oconomowoc Newborn, certified professional Mid-premium Sleepy Meadow Brookfield Newborn specialty, extensive props Mid-range Carley Marie Waukesha area Adventure/outdoor, kids Budget-friendly

Milwaukee

Milwaukee's neighborhoods—Third Ward, Bay View, Walker's Point, East Side, and Downtown—offer photographers unique urban textures alongside world-class lakefront locations.

Christine Plamann Photography (507 S 2nd St, Third Ward/Walker's Point) brings 20+ years of experience and something increasingly rare: FREE Portrait Day sessions three times annually (spring, late summer, late fall). These kids-only studio mini sessions carry no booking fee and no purchase obligation—prints start at just $40, with full digital collections at $445. Her paid sessions range from $225 weekdays/$325 weekends for Signature Sessions (prints/files separate) to $495 Simplicity Sessions including five digital images. Christine teaches popular "Coffee + Cameras" photography workshops and maintains an extensive blog with Milwaukee location guides—invaluable for families wanting specific park or beach recommendations.

Kellie Roman Photography won the 2025 Milwaukee Journal Sentinel Community's Choice Award for Best Photographer and operates a private studio in Bay View packed with newborn props, backdrops, and a cozy waiting area with snacks and refreshments. With 15+ years of experience and membership in the National Association of Professional Child Photographers, she serves five counties and offers Portrait Day mini sessions at $595 (20 minutes, 5 digital images). Her Pinterest board provides wardrobe inspiration, addressing families' most common pre-session anxiety.

Little x Little Photography (Melissa Westphal) fills a crucial niche from her bright Walker's Point studio: affordable, streamlined sessions for busy families. Her tiered approach includes:

• Pocket Sessions (10 min): $150+ — children/siblings only, 3 digital images per child

• Mini Sessions (15 min): $375 — 15 digital images, immediate family

• Standard Sessions (30 min): $575 — 30 digital images, extended family welcome

• 10% bundle discount for combining milestone sessions

Gallery delivery runs 1-3 weeks, and year-round studio availability means no weather delays. Her "go-with-the-flow" approach works exceptionally well for families with unpredictable toddlers.

Reminisce Photography (Miranda & Adam) brings 16 years of experience as a husband-wife team with a unique commitment: Leave No Trace certification, Earthjustice donations, FSC-certified printing, and a solar-powered office. Their structured pricing includes Mini Sessions ($350, 25 minutes), Full Sessions ($700, 60 minutes), and Extended Family + Album packages ($1,400, includes 8x8 30-page heirloom album for up to 15 people). They research unique Milwaukee locations like urban murals and offer holiday mini sessions at Pabst Mansion. Explicitly LGBTQ+ friendly, they send detailed pre-session questionnaires to understand each family's dynamics.

Bailey Bryn Photography operates Studio 11:11 in Bay View with a distinctive qualification: a Bachelor's in Child & Adolescent Development and Master's in Education. This academic background makes her exceptionally equipped for families with special needs children—understanding sensory considerations, communication differences, and adaptive approaches that standard photographers may lack. Sessions start at $400 with 2-3 week turnaround.

For families wanting iconic Milwaukee locations, photographers consistently recommend:

• Third Ward/Riverwalk: Cream city brick, industrial textures, urban energy

• Bradford Beach & Atwater Beach: Golden hour lakefront, dramatic skies

• Lake Park & Northpoint Lighthouse: Wooded paths, historic architecture

• Grant Park Seven Bridges Trail: Forest canopy, stone bridges, beach access

• Milwaukee Art Museum: Modern architecture, lakefront views

Southern suburbs

The southern corridor offers strong options for families in Franklin, Oak Creek, Greendale, Greenfield, Cudahy, South Milwaukee, Hales Corners, and Muskego.

Kate Schaper Photography serves Oak Creek and southeastern Wisconsin with a philosophy that "pretty photos should be fun too." Reviews consistently mention that she makes sessions feel like "you've known her for ages"—particularly valuable for camera-shy families. She excels with "wild and silly children," capturing belly laughs and genuine family connections rather than forced smiles. Her studio in Racine Business Center handles newborn work, while outdoor sessions utilize flower farms, beaches, and fields throughout the area.

Holen Photography covers the entire southern sweep—Franklin, South Milwaukee, Hales Corners, Muskego, Greenfield, Greendale, Oak Creek, Waterford, Burlington, and beyond. Owner Casandra Holen creates award-winning natural light photography with a distinctive "moody look" aesthetic. Her two-photographer team (including associate photographer Carli) handles extended family portraits efficiently, and their friendly, humor-focused approach helps nervous subjects relax.

Weber Photography brings theatrical energy from their Greendale base. As a music theatre enthusiast, the photographer creates fast-paced, fun sessions focused on capturing authentic laughter and connection rather than stiff poses. Their varied mini session offerings range from $100-225 depending on package.

Moments2photo in Hales Corners (11113 W. Forest Home Ave.) specializes in creative milestone sessions, including their signature "Cake Smash & Splash Bath" for one-year-olds. With 13+ years of professional experience and a graphic arts background, owner Lynette also offers unique in-home family cooking sessions—making pizza or cookies together—for families wanting lifestyle documentation rather than traditional portraits.

Andrea Ryerson Photography serves Muskego and Lake Country from her Wales studio, focusing on natural, candid family photography. Her approach emphasizes long-term client relationships, documenting "everything that changes and everything that stays the same" as families grow over years.

Popular southern suburb locations include Grant Park's Seven Bridges Trail (stone bridges, beach access, forest canopy), historic Greendale Village's charming streetscapes, and various Lake Michigan shoreline spots from Oak Creek through Racine.

Award-winning photographers worth traveling for

Several Milwaukee-area photographers have earned recognition that places them among regional or national leaders in family photography:

Katie Fromstein Photography (Germantown studio) holds the WISN A-List Award for Best Portrait Photography and has been named Milwaukee's Best Portrait Photographer three consecutive years. With 13+ years of experience and features in People and USA Today, she provides luxury full-service experiences including wardrobe guidance, professional hair and makeup, and refined retouching. Her studio maintains a full client wardrobe, eliminating outfit shopping stress.

Heather Cook Elliott Photography (Third Ward) brings credentials including a BA in Photography from Smith College, membership in the Wedding Photojournalist Association, and features on Style Me Pretty, 100 Layer Cake, and Modernly Wed. Her ethereal lighting and documentary approach create family portraits with editorial quality. Portrait Collections begin at $750.

Talia Laird Photography (Oconomowoc) offers a completely white-glove luxury experience for busy mothers: planning appointments, client wardrobe provided (freshly steamed), professional hair and makeup, and complete handling of gallery walls and albums. She manages everything from styling to framing, delivering magazine-worthy sessions without requiring client time beyond showing up. Holiday mini sessions run $300-350.

Pricing tiers help families budget appropriately

Milwaukee family photography spans a wide price range, accommodating different budgets:

Budget-Friendly ($150-350)

• Christine Plamann FREE Portrait Days (prints from $40)

• Little x Little Pocket Sessions ($150+)

• Little x Little Mini Sessions ($375)

• Reminisce Mini Sessions ($350)

• Sleepy Meadow Family Sessions ($350 retainer)

Mid-Range ($400-700)

• Bailey Bryn Photography ($400+)

• Little x Little Standard Sessions ($575)

• Kellie Roman Portrait Day ($595)

• Tara Fay Family Sessions ($549+)

• Reminisce Full Sessions ($700)

Premium ($750-1,500)

• Heather Cook Elliott Portrait Collections ($750+)

• Reminisce Extended Family + Album ($1,400)

• Katie Fromstein custom sessions

• Kara Reese full-service experience

Luxury Investment

• Megan Papachristou (Italian heirloom products)

• Talia Laird (complete white-glove service)

• Julie Collins CPP (consultation through installation)

Practical booking tips for Milwaukee families

Book newborn sessions during pregnancy—most photographers recommend scheduling 4-6 weeks before your due date to secure availability, with the actual session occurring in baby's first two weeks.

Fall is competitive—October sessions at peak-color locations book months in advance. Contact photographers by July for autumn availability.

Golden hour matters—most outdoor photographers schedule sessions 1-2 hours before sunset for optimal lighting. Summer sessions may start as late as 6:30pm; winter sessions begin around 3:00pm.

Ask about wardrobe guidance—many photographers provide style guides, Pinterest boards, or even client wardrobes. Taking advantage of these resources prevents outfit regret.

Consider mini sessions strategically—these shorter, lower-cost options work well for: annual holiday cards, single-child portraits, families with very young children who won't tolerate longer sessions, and budget-conscious families who don't need extensive gallery options.

For extended families, look for photographers specifically mentioning experience with large groups. Babboni's two-acre property with multiple backdrops, or photographers offering up to 15 people packages (like Reminisce at $1,400 with album), handle logistics better than those primarily serving nuclear families.

Special needs considerations—Forever Young Photography's specialized Meet & Greet sessions for sensory sensitivities and Bailey Bryn's education background in Child & Adolescent Development represent important options for families needing adaptive approaches.

Conclusion

Milwaukee's family photography landscape offers remarkable depth and variety, from award-winning luxury studios to accessible mini session specialists. The North Shore concentrates lifestyle and in-home newborn photographers; Cedarburg provides historic charm with modern amenities; western suburbs span every price point; Milwaukee proper delivers urban variety and lakefront grandeur; and southern suburbs offer accessible, family-friendly options.

Key differentiators to consider: wardrobe assistance (Tara Fay's 200-piece closet, Katie Fromstein's full wardrobe); special needs accommodation (Forever Young's sensory-friendly sessions, Bailey Bryn's education credentials); heirloom products (Megan Papachristou's Italian-made archival pieces); budget options (Christine Plamann's free Portrait Days); and convenience (Little x Little's streamlined booking, ALT Imagery's weather-proof studio).

The right photographer isn't just about technical skill—it's about someone whose approach matches your family's personality, whose locations inspire you, and whose products align with how you'll actually display and preserve your images. Whether you're documenting a new baby's first days, capturing toddler chaos, or gathering three generations for a milestone portrait, Milwaukee's photography community stands ready to help you freeze these fleeting moments beautifully.