Minneapolis Family Photographer Bob Dale

Why Studio

Why In-Studio Portraits Work So Well

Studio portraits remove distractions.

• No weather

• No harsh sunlight

• No busy backgrounds

Just your family.

This creates portraits that look beautiful today and timeless years from now.

Don't Wait....Things Change Too Fast

family Portrait Gallery

Your Grandchildren Will Look At This Portrait 50 Years from Now

large family Portrait Gallery

Frequently Asked Questions About Family Portraits in Minneapolis

Portrait Gallery

1. What is the best time of year to book family portraits in Minneapolis?
The best time is whenever your family is ready to capture this specific season of life. Because Dale Studios is an indoor portrait studio in Minneapolis, we never have to worry about rain, wind, or freezing Minnesota temperatures. You can book a comfortable, beautifully lit session year-round.

2. How much does a family portrait session cost?
Our starting investment is $895. This includes your guided in-studio session with Bob Dale, a Master Photographer, as well as a design consultation to help you turn your favorite images into heirloom wall art. We believe in transparent pricing, so you know exactly what to expect before you walk through the door.

3. What should we wear for our family photography session?
For timeless family photography in Minneapolis, we recommend coordinating your outfits without being overly “matchy.” Stick to solid colors, earth tones, or soft neutrals, and avoid large logos or busy neon patterns. During your consultation, Bob Dale will provide specific wardrobe guidance to ensure your clothing complements your home’s decor and our studio lighting.

4. How long does a typical family portrait session take?
Most sessions at our portrait studio in Minneapolis take about 45 to 60 minutes. This gives everyone enough time to relax, get comfortable in front of the camera, and capture a variety of groupings — without the kids losing their patience.

5. What if my kids won’t sit still or smile?
Please don’t worry. Bob Dale has photographed thousands of children over the last 40 years. He knows how to make the session fun, relaxed, and engaging — capturing genuine, natural expressions rather than stiff, forced smiles. Kids who come in nervous almost always leave laughing.

6. Do you only shoot in the studio, or do you offer outdoor sessions?
Dale Studios specializes exclusively in in-studio family portraits in Minneapolis. Shooting in a controlled studio environment allows us to guarantee perfect lighting, eliminate weather concerns, and create the classic, timeless look that translates beautifully into heirloom wall art.

7. How do we choose which photos to print?
You never have to make that decision alone. After your session, we guide you through a personalized reveal and ordering appointment. We help you select your favorite images and design custom wall art layouts that fit perfectly in your home — both in style and in size.

8. What is “heirloom wall art”?
Heirloom wall art refers to museum-quality, professionally framed prints and canvases designed to last for generations. Unlike digital files that get lost on a hard drive, the finished artwork we create is a permanent, physical legacy in your home — something your grandchildren will one day look up at on the wall.

9. Can we bring our family dog to the portrait session?
Yes. Pets are a beloved part of the family. If you would like to include your dog in your session, just let us know during your initial consultation. As your Minneapolis family photographer, Bob Dale will prepare the studio and walk you through the best ways to keep your pet calm and cooperative on the day of the shoot.

10. How far in advance should we book our session?
We recommend booking at least 3 to 4 weeks in advance. If you are hoping for family portraits in Minneapolis ahead of a specific holiday or family milestone, reaching out 6 to 8 weeks early ensures you get your preferred date and plenty of time to plan.

11. Do you offer professional headshots in addition to family portraits?
Yes, absolutely. While family portraits are our specialty, Bob Dale also provides high-end professional headshots for executives, actors, and corporate teams — all in the same studio environment that makes our portrait work so consistent and polished.

12. What happens if someone gets sick on the day of the shoot?
We understand that life with kids is unpredictable. If someone in your family falls ill, simply call us as soon as possible and we will happily reschedule your session for a time when everyone is feeling healthy and looking their best.

13. Can extended family — grandparents, cousins — be included?
Absolutely. Multi-generational portraits are some of the most meaningful work we do. Let us know during the planning phase so we can allocate enough time to capture the full group as well as individual family breakdowns. These sessions make extraordinary gifts for grandparents.

14. Do you provide the digital files from the session?
Our primary focus as a portrait photographer in Minneapolis, MN is creating finished, physical artwork for your walls. That said, we do offer matching digital files for the images you choose to purchase as wall art or album prints, so you can still share them online with friends and family.

15. Will you help us figure out where to hang the portraits in our home?
Yes — that is a core part of the experience. We encourage clients to bring photos of the walls they want to decorate. We will help you design the perfect layout, whether that is a single statement piece above the fireplace or a curated gallery wall in the hallway.

16. Why should we hire a Master Photographer instead of a general photographer?
A Master Photographer has achieved the highest level of technical skill, lighting mastery, and artistic consistency in the industry. When you hire Bob Dale as your family photographer in Minneapolis, you are investing in 40 years of expertise — the kind of experience that shows in every image, from the way light falls on a child’s face to the way a family’s personality comes through naturally.

17. Do you offer black and white family portraits?
Yes. Black and white portraits are a timeless option that never goes out of style. Bob Dale can process your images in stunning black and white, which looks incredibly elegant in both modern and traditional homes. Many clients choose a mix of color and black and white for their wall art collection.

18. How long does it take to receive our finished wall art?
Because every piece is custom-designed, printed, and framed to the highest standards, it typically takes 4 to 6 weeks from the date of your ordering appointment. We will reach out as soon as your wall art is ready for pickup.

19. Do you offer photo restoration services?
Yes. In addition to portrait sessions, Dale Studios offers professional photo restoration. As a trusted portrait photographer in Minneapolis, MN and photo restoration specialist, Bob Dale can take damaged, faded, or torn historical family photos and restore them to their original glory — preserving your family’s history for generations to come.

20. How do we get started?
Getting started is simple. Click the “Call for Free Consultation” button on our website or call our studio directly. We will chat about your vision, answer any remaining questions, and find the perfect date for your session. There is no pressure — just a conversation about what matters most to your family.

What You Receive

What You'll Walk Away With

• Portraits you love

• A relaxed experience for your children

• Wall art designed for your home

• Artwork that will last for generations

These portraits are more than photos.

They become part of your family's history.

Ready to Begin

Ready to Create Beautiful Family Portraits?

Call us to set a portrait consultation time today and we'll help you plan everything from start to finish.