Every family has their thing from the inside jokes to the way your seven-year-old still reaches for your hand when they’re tired. I’ve spent the last 15+ years photographing families all over Milwaukee, and the pattern is always the same… people want photos that feel like them…not overly posed. Studio 29 Photography clients want photos that showcase the honest moments they’ll never be able to repeat; and I love being the photographer that can do exactly that for them!!

That’s the entire heartbeat of Studio 29 Photography and the families who walk through my doors put it better than I ever could!!! One of my favorite reviews summed it up simply:

“Ren Lenhof you are MAGIC. We love how beautifully you capture the intimate moments and how laid back, yet professional you are.”

The thing is, your kids won’t remember posing. They’ll remember how they felt, and if a session feels calm, playful, and real, you get images that actually look like your family instead of a version you don’t recognize. Another client said it like this.

“You’re worth every penny. My memories are priceless and you continue to capture them perfectly over and over again.”

And that’s the part most people don’t realize until they’ve been photographed by someone who gets it!!  One mom told me…

“I love every single one of my family photos. I never wanted the gallery to end.”

Another said…

“I’ve never had family photos taken in just 30 minutes that I’ve loved so much. I couldn’t believe how many you got! Now I need a bigger house so I can frame them all.”

And then there are the families who come in a little stressed because kids are kids and moods are unpredictable. That’s normal. ((Truly)) One client shared the whole story of what it feels like to walk in thinking it’ll be chaos and walk out realizing it doesn’t have to be.

She wrote…

“Ren made me feel like we had all the time in the world. Nothing was rushed or stressful. She was so patient and great with the kids… to the point where my daughter invited her over for a playdate. We loved so many photos it was impossible to choose. Don’t be deterred by the price. Your kids will only be this little once.”

That matters to me, the experience should feel like exhaling!! I always want my clients to feel calm and well taken care of!

Dogs count as family too. A recent session at the studio had one of my favorite notes;

“She was professional yet personable, making us and our pups feel comfortable right away. She really listened to what we wanted and captured it perfectly. The vibe was great, and the photos turned out beautifully.”

When someone tells me they’re “obsessed” with their photos or that their gallery is full of images they can’t wait to frame, that tells me I’m doing exactly what I’m meant to do.

Like this review…

“You are so incredibly talented. These pictures are amazing and we couldn’t be happier. Thank you so much for capturing these moments for us. We are obsessed.”

Or this one…

“We were thrilled by the final gallery. The lighting was perfect, communication was great, and we’ll absolutely use her again for as long as we’re in Milwaukee Wisconsin!”

Across hundreds of Google reviews, the themes repeat!

That’s why families choose Studio 29 Photography… and why they come back year after year. If you want photos that feel like your real life, not a staged version of it, I’d love to work with you!!!

• Calm
• Connected
• Not rushed
• Real moments
• More photos than people expect.
• Galleries full of images you actually love and get printed for their walls!
• Sessions that feel easy

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FAQ: Family Photography Sessions in Wisconsin

Q: What time of day is best for photos?

A: Golden hour (about 1-2 hours before sunset) gives that dreamy warm light. Morning sessions can also be beautiful, especially with young kids who are early risers.

Q: How can I help my kids cooperate during the session?

A: Keep it fun! Bring a favorite toy or snack, and don’t worry if they aren’t “perfectly behaved.” I use a play-based approach to keep kids engaged and happy.

Q: What if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

A: Weather in Wisconsin can be moody! I always build flexibility into my schedule for rescheduling due to rain or extreme temps. Overcast skies? Still totally gorgeous.

Q: Do you offer help with outfit planning or location ideas?

A: Absolutely! I send all clients a detailed prep guide with styling tips, location recommendations, and session-day advice.

Meet Ren Lenhof

Most photographers lead with their love story…“I picked up a camera at 16,” “I’ve always been artistic,” “I studied visual arts in college…” Cute. But let’s be honest, when you’re looking for a Wisconsin family photographer, none of that tells you what actually matters. So, let’s mix it up a bit…here’s what you need to know about me, Ren Lenhof 🙂 and why I’m Wisconsin’s Best Family Photographer.

When you work with me, you’re working with a photographer who gets it! I am a Mom who knows all about SOS snack breaks, mood swings, and those magical 12-minute windows of cooperation. In in between all that; I’ll capture who your kids actually are… not who they’re pretending to be for the camera.

I know your one-year-old won’t look like this next Tuesday and your seven-year-old is already halfway to eight. And you & your home deserve more than digital files sitting in the cloud!

After 18 years of photographing families across SE Wisconsin Milwaukee, Mequon, Grafton, Cedarburg, and the Lake Country area, I know this: You don’t need longer sessions!! You NEED someone who knows how to read a room, move fast, and still deliver a full gallery that is honest, beautiful, and REAL.  My approach is guided by one belief: time passes whether you photograph it or not. So if you’re the kind of family who values legacy over trend… who wants heirlooms instead of just highlights… and who understands that yes, thoughtful photography is an investment — I’d be honored to work with you.