A Grungy Midwest Shoot with a Twin Cities Couples Photographer

There’s something special about sessions that take place far from the polished, curated locations you see all over Pinterest. When Sarah and Dee reached out for a couples session, we kept things simple, honest, and completely true to who they are. Instead of renting a studio or searching for a picture-perfect backdrop, we drove out into the quiet stretches of rural Midwest landscape. What we found included blue skies, green trees, a spray-painted barn that said Have a great day on the side. It was perfect.

Journalistic Intimate Photography Minneapolis

While this wasn’t an engagement session, it had all the affection and connection of one. Sarah and Dee are deeply experience-driven, so an easygoing, low-effort approach felt right for them. This session took minimal prep (and no one had to clean their home from top to bottom which is always a win) and honored their relationship dynamic beautifully. They showed up ready to explore, laugh, and trust the process. (Even when that process involved laying in a pile of dirt, dancing beside a run-down trailer, and embracing the quirky charm of a rural setting that most people would overlook.)

The styling, done by Natalie Gray, was intentionally simple but impactful. With thrifted clothing and glued-on florals, the outfits added just enough texture to elevate the environment without overpowering it. Paired with a mix of digital and 35mm film, the whole session had a raw, cinematic feel that fit them beautifully. 

Unexpected Locations for Midwest Photography

This location is a great example of how unexpected, ‘un-aesthetic’ spots are still great options for . This is a rundown, abandoned trailer in the middle of a rural farmland area. I love that it looks grungy and dirty, but also that it took ZERO effort to make it interesting.  Locations don’t need to be perfect and pretty — sometimes it’s actually better if they’re not. This session embodies that perfectly. The imperfections of the location added personality to the photos, and with creative direction from From the Daisies, we wound up with a project I’m incredibly proud of.

Tips for Locations from a Twin Cities Couples Photographer

If you’re planning a couples session, don’t overlook the strange, the forgotten, or the ordinary.
Some of the best photos happen in places you’d never initially consider. A few things to keep in mind:

1. Look everywhere for ideas — unexpected is often better than picture-perfect.
   
2. Rural or “abandoned” locations may require finding out who owns the property, but they’re usually hidden gems.
   
3. Styling and posing can elevate literally any environment.
   
4. Work with a photographer who scouts, experiments, and sees potential in the “boring” or messy places most people walk past.
   

One of my favorite moments from Sarah and Dee’s session was when we opened the door of the trailer to see if it was worth shooting inside… and immediately shut it again because it was very stinky. Sometimes the magic is inside, and sometimes it’s absolutely not. Either way, the moment becomes part of the story.

LGBTQ+ Friendly Twin Cities Photographer for Couples

This session also reflects something deeply important to me: creating a space that honors and celebrates LGBTQIA+ couples. Every session is meant to feel safe, affirming, and fully aligned with who you are. Whether you want something soft and romantic, bold and creative, or perfectly in-between, love is love and I’m here to celebrate it with you. 

Twin Cities Photographers for Couples

If you’re dreaming of couples’ photos that feel personal, artistic, and a little unexpected, you’re in the right place. I’m Gabby: a Midwest engagement and couples photographer capturing intentional, emotion-packed images throughout Wisconsin and Minnesota. You can get to know me more here, browse recent sessions here, or explore my couples packages here. Ready to plan a session of your own? Let’s chat through your ideas and start creating something unforgettable. Reach out through my contact page here — I can’t wait to hear from you.