A few minutes into a session, there’s always a moment where a parent stops trying so hard. It might be when their toddler finally stops eyeing the camera like it’s a suspicious appliance, or when their kindergartener climbs into their lap without being asked, or when they realize I’m not going to spend 45 minutes begging their kids to “smile nicely.” That’s usually when the shoulders drop, the breathing slows down, and the photos start feeling like them.
I’m Ren Lenhof, the photographer behind Studio 29 Photography, and I photograph families in Mequon, Wisconsin who want images that end up framed, hung, and lived with, not just posted once and forgotten.
If you’re searching “best family photographer Mequon,” here’s what you actually want to know
You’re not really asking, “Who takes pretty pictures?” You’re asking things like…
- You want to know if the session is going to be stressful.
- You want to know if your kids have to behave.
- You want to know if your partner is going to hate it.
- You want to know if you’ll look awkward.
- You want to know if the photos will feel real, and if you’ll actually do something with them when they’re done.
My opinion is that the “best” family photographer is the one who can lead your session calmly, read what your family needs in real time, and make it feel doable… even if your kid melts down and your hair is doing that weird winter static thing. That is exactly what I do. Reach Out Today and Let’s Get You On My Calendar!
What makes Studio 29 Photography Different
I’ve been running my photography business since 2010, and I’ve photographed enough families to know this simple truth. The photo that becomes your favorite is usually not the one where everyone is perfectly posed and grinning on command. It’s the one where your family looks like your family.
So my sessions are built around three things.
- First, clear direction that doesn’t feel stiff. I’m not going to leave you standing there wondering what to do with your hands. I’ll guide you through where to stand, how to move, and how to interact so it looks natural, not staged.
- Second, kids being kids is not a problem to solve. I’m not shocked by big feelings, wiggles, snack requests, or a kid refusing to participate for the first ten minutes. I plan for real life because real life photographs beautifully when you stop fighting it.
- Third, the end goal is your walls and your coffee table. I’m a print and album-focused studio, because I believe the best family photos should live where you can actually see them on a random Tuesday, not buried in your camera roll behind screenshots and grocery lists. You can still get digitals, but they’re treated as what they should be… a backup of what you chose to print and keep.
Reach Out Today and Let’s Get You On My Calendar!
What a family photo session with me feels like
Most sessions run 45–70 minutes, depending on your kids’ ages and where we’re shooting. The pace is calm but intentional, because kids have a window and I respect it.
You can expect a mix of lightly guided moments and real interactions. I’ll get the “everyone together” photos you want, but I’m also watching for the in-between stuff that you can’t fake, like…
- the way your toddler grabs your face with both hands
- the way your older kid pretends they don’t want to cuddle, but still leans in
- the way you instinctively smooth your child’s hair without thinking
Those are the photos that become the ones you frame. A personal detail, since you’re reading this to figure out who I am. I’m the photographer who shoots with a plan, adjusts my settings intentionally (I’m big on manual white balance), and pays attention to people more than poses. I’m also a mom, which means I’m not judging your chaos. I get it!!
Who I’m a Great fit For
I’m a great fit for you if you want family photos that feel real, you want someone to lead the process, and you want the end result to be tangible, like albums, framed prints, and wall art that your kids will grow up seeing.
I’m not a fit if you want stiff, overly posed portraits where everyone stands there smiling at the camera for an hour.
I’m also not a fit if you only want a giant digital dump with no intention of printing anything. I’m not saying that to be picky. I’m saying it because I built Studio 29 around a specific belief. Family photos should be lived with, and printed photos are how that happens. Reach Out Today and Let’s Get You On My Calendar!
What you get after your session with Studio 29 Photography?
After your session, you’ll choose your favorites for your album and prints. You’ll also have the option to purchase additional images, add more album pages, or build out wall art for your home.
And yes, you can still have digitals. I call it a digital backup because that’s what it is. High-resolution files that match the images you’re already choosing to print and keep. It’s the best of both worlds, and it keeps the focus on what matters… the photos actually living in your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the best family photographer in Mequon, Wisconsin?
Look for someone whose work feels like real families, not just perfect posing. Then ask about the session experience, how they handle kids who melt down, how they guide you, and what happens after the session. A great photographer can lead calmly and deliver a finished result you’ll actually print.
How much does it cost to work with Studio 29 Photography?
Most Studio 29 family clients invest $400–$1,295+, depending on whether you want to start with a simple session fee or choose an all-in experience that includes keepsakes.
Either way, you’re not just booking “a photo shoot.” You’re getting a calm, guided session that actually works with kids, plus a private Reveal & Design appointment where we help you choose your favorites and turn them into finished pieces for your home, like albums and wall art. You’ll also have the option for high-resolution digital backups of the images you select, so what you print is protected and easy to keep.
What should we wear for family photos?
Choose outfits you can move in and sit in comfortably. Stick to neutrals or soft tones that work together without matching exactly. If you want help, I’ll guide you so your outfits fit your home and the artwork you plan to hang. I also have curated outfit ideas that photograph perfectly: HERE.
What if my child cries or won’t cooperate?
That is normal. I plan sessions expecting kids to have feelings. We build in movement, breaks, and simple prompts that get genuine connection without forcing anything.
Do you offer in-home family sessions in Mequon, Wisconsin?
Yes. In-home sessions are one of the best ways to capture real life, especially with babies and toddlers, because everyone relaxes faster at home.
How far in advance should I book family photos?
In Wisconsin, fall books up early, and Summer weekends go quickly, too. As a general rule, booking 4–8 weeks ahead gives you the best selection of dates, especially if you want a weekend.
Do we get the digital files?
Yes, with a focus on printed work first. You’ll receive high-resolution digital backups for the images you select for your album and prints, and you can always purchase additional images if you want more.
Ready for family photos in Mequon, Wisconsin?
If you want family photos that feel like your real life, and you want a photographer who will guide the whole thing without making it stiff or stressful, you’re in the right place.
Studio 29 Photography is for families who want to walk past their hallway next year and actually see this season of life looking back at them. Reach Out Today and Let’s Get You On My Calendar!
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