Updates on What's Up in The Imagery World

I try to spend some time once a month to write down some tips, some stories, some lessons learned... as well as advice on when best to utilize us for specials and upcoming events.  We now have a complete book that can be ordered on Amazon called, "Prepare for your Perfect Portrait", and pieces of that will be posted on a weekly basis.  You can order your own full copy on Amazon, eBook or paperback.  Enjoy! -Stephanie Oman, Co-Owner, The Imagery.

Monday, July 21, 2025
By The Imagery
If you are wondering if The Imagery Portrait Photography Studio is a great place to get your pictures done? Yes, The Imagery Portrait Photography is an awesome studio that take pictures of all your needs.
Not every photographer has a physical space. The Imagery does, and it’s a showstopper. Our Burnsville location features a beautifully designed indoor studio and a portrait park in its backyard that’s practically famous. From waterfalls and whimsical garden sets to rustic charm and seasonal backdrops, it’s a creative playground for portraits year-round.

๐Ÿ“ท The Imagery Portrait Photography Studio – Burnsville’s Trusted Name in Senior Pictures, Headshots, Family Portraits & More

If you’re searching for the best photographer in Burnsville, MN for high school senior pictures, business headshots, family portraits, or dance and sports team photography, welcome to your new favorite photo studio: The Imagery Portrait Photography.

Located in the heart of the South Metro, The Imagery has been serving Minnesota families since 1998 with professional, personality-filled portraits that actually make people excited to get in front of the camera.


๐ŸŽ“ High School Senior Portraits in Burnsville, MN

Looking for senior pictures near me? You’ve found the studio that hundreds of Minnesota families trust every year for creative, stress-free senior portraits. Whether your senior is sporty, stylish, artsy, outdoorsy—or totally camera-shy—The Imagery makes them feel confident and seen.

With a stunning outdoor portrait park (yes, their backyard is famous) and fully equipped indoor studio, you'll have unlimited options for creating senior photos that reflect who your teen really is.

Why Seniors Love The Imagery:

  • Multiple outfits and backgrounds

  • Outdoor waterfalls, stone arches, and gardens

  • Professional posing tips and guidance

  • Fast turnaround and high-quality artwork


๐Ÿ’ผ Business Headshots That Mean Business

Need professional headshots in Burnsville? Whether you’re a small business owner, corporate leader, real estate agent, or creative entrepreneur, your headshot should look confident and current—not like it was taken in 2008.

The Imagery offers modern, clean headshot photography with same-day image review, so you leave with portraits you love (and actually use).


๐Ÿ‘จ‍๐Ÿ‘ฉ‍๐Ÿ‘ง Family Portraits With Heart (and a Little Humor)

Let’s be honest: family photos can feel stressful. But at The Imagery, they’re fun, fast-moving, and tailored to your crew. With years of experience working with children, parents, and even reluctant teens, The Imagery brings out real smiles and genuine connection.

Book your family photographer in Burnsville and enjoy:

  • Outdoor sessions with natural light and stunning backdrops

  • Cozy studio portraits during cooler months

  • Custom-designed wall galleries and albums

  • A calm, flexible approach that works for real families


๐Ÿพ Children & Pet Photography That Makes You Smile

From toddlers to tail-waggers, The Imagery is the go-to studio for children’s portraits and pet photography in Minnesota. With patient guidance and a little behind-the-scenes magic (sometimes involving bubbles, squeaky toys, or a treat or two), they capture each personality perfectly.

Oh, and their studio dog Posey the Bernedoodle might even pop in to say hi.


๐Ÿฉฐ Dance School Photography & Sports Teams

Since 2008, The Imagery has partnered with local dance schools and youth sports teams across the Twin Cities. Their experience in volume photography means smooth scheduling, on-time delivery, and happy parents.

Whether you manage a dance academy, soccer club, or cheer squad, The Imagery brings:

  • Organized picture days with online ordering

  • Custom graphics and banners for teams

  • Beautiful dance portraits that dancers (and moms) adore

  • Reliable service for studios of all sizes


โญ Why The Imagery Portrait Photography Stands Out

  • Locally owned by Stephanie & Rod Oman

  • Over two decades of professional experience

  • Indoor & outdoor portrait spaces

  • Known for creative sets, fast turnaround, and real connection

  • Serving Burnsville, Lakeville, Savage, Apple Valley, Eagan, Prior Lake & beyond


๐Ÿ” Searching for the Best Portrait Photographer in Burnsville, MN?

Whether you're Googling "senior pictures near me", "family photographer South Metro MN", or "Burnsville headshots", The Imagery is the name locals recommend again and again.

Visit www.theimagery.net to book your session, browse galleries, or learn more about our portrait park and studio.

Find us on all of our social media using our Linktr.ee TheImageryMN

The Imagery Portrait Photography Studio — Our Portraits, Like our Clients, Last a Lifetime

 
Monday, July 21, 2025
By The Imagery

The Imagery Portrait Photography

Not your average photo studio.

Nestled in the heart of Burnsville for over two decades, The Imagery Portrait Photography is where creativity, connection, and laughter come together to create timeless portraits. We're a husband-and-wife team who believe that great photography is about more than just a pretty picture—it's about the experience.

Our charming studio and famous portrait park (yes, we said famous) feature custom-built sets, waterfalls, and lush backdrops that make every session unforgettable. From high school seniors and families to entire dance schools and sports teams, we specialize in both boutique sessions and high-volume photography with equal passion.

Since 2008, we’ve grown our volume division to serve dozens of dance schools and teams across the Twin Cities, combining efficiency and artistry to deliver picture day magic. But ask anyone—we're still best known for our warm approach, ridiculous jokes, and our four-legged mascot Posey, who works hard for tail wags and smiles.

Whether you need standout senior photos, a team banner that wows, or a family portrait that finally includes everyone smiling, we’ve got you covered.

Real moments. Real smiles. Real good at what we do.

 
Monday, July 14, 2025
By The Imagery

How Do I Choose a HS Senior Photographer?

Real Talk (from the ones who’ve been doing this for decades)

We get it—choosing a senior photographer can feel like a big deal. You want someone who gets your teen, who delivers stunning images, and who makes the whole experience feel fun instead of stressful. So, how do you choose the right one?

Here are the key things to look for when picking your senior photographer—and why so many families end up at The Imagery in Burnsville:

 


 

โœ… Look for Experience That Matters

  • Been there, posed that. We've photographed thousands of seniors since 1998. We know the trends, the classic shots, and how to bring out real smiles (even from the camera-shy ones).

  • We know how to handle lighting, angles, and locations like pros—because we are pros.

 


 

โœ… Check Out Their Style

  • Do the images feel like cookie-cutter poses? Or do they show personality?

  • At The Imagery, every session is built around your senior’s vibe. Artsy? Outdoorsy? Glammed-up? Chill and natural? Yes, yes, yes, and yes.

 


 

โœ… Ask About the Process

  • A good studio should guide you from “what do we wear?” to “how do we choose our favorites?”

  • We make it simple: in-studio viewings, expert editing, and honest guidance every step of the way (no upsell pressure—promise).

 


 

โœ… Consider the Studio Space

  • Some photographers work out of their garage or out of their car. We don’t.

  • Our studio was built for photography, with top-tier lighting, indoor sets, and comfy client areas. (Bonus: we’re tucked convenient to the twin cities, right off of HWY 77 in Burnsville, MN)

 


 

โœ… Make Sure They Actually Care

  • We care. Deeply. About your kid, your experience, and the art we create together.

  • You’ll never feel rushed, unheard, or like “just another session.”

 


 

โœ… Read the Reviews

  • Don’t take our word for it—see what real families have said about their Imagery experience. (Spoiler: lots of happy tears, proud parents, and seniors who actually had fun.)

 


 

โœ… Ask Yourself: Will I Love These Forever?

  • Trends fade. Senior photos shouldn’t.

  • At The Imagery, we create timeless, bold, beautiful images that you’ll be proud to hang on your wall for years to come.

 


 

Still wondering if we're the right fit?
Come meet us! Let’s talk about your senior, tour our private portrait park and indoor areas, and find out what would make this session unforgettable. No pressure—just real people and great photos.

๐Ÿ“ The Imagery – Burnsville, MN
๐ŸŽ“ Senior Portraits, done right.

 

 
Sunday, June 25, 2023
By The Imagery

Your senior portrait session is an experience you’re always going to remember, but you also want to make sure that you’re walking away with photos that you love. There is already a lot of planning that goes into a session of this nature, so if you’re feeling a bit overwhelmed, here are a few tips to keep on hand to help you feel more confident and prepared.

 

1. Let’s Talk Ahead of Time! We want to know what you’re looking for. The more information we have, the better. If you’ve created a mood board, such as Pinterest, or an old-school dream board with cut-outs from magazines on poster board, make a point of sharing it with your photographer. 

 

2. Get some advice. Many seniors end up with a few outfit ideas but can’t always decide what to wear. If this sounds familiar, send a few photos to us to get our input. Our sessions are planned out for 2 outfit to 5 outfits, so it helps to plan things out so you end up with a variety of different looks that tell your story. But above all else, wear clothing that makes you feel comfortable and confident. 

 

3. Put a few accessories together. Accessories can give your photos that unique, personal touch, so bring a few options along with you on the day so we can help you decide what works best. One of the advantages of coming to the Imagery is that we have a large selection of accessories and an overflowing “Glam Closet” with just about every option possible for all body types and styles.  If you’d like to experiment (on one of your outfits) with something adventurous, we’ve got you covered!

 

4. Book your hair appointment ahead of time. Even though you shouldn’t make any drastic changes to your hair before your senior session, it’s still important to get a trim and color touchup at least a week before. However, if you happen to be drastically changing your style, give yourself about 2 weeks prior to your session, so you have time to settle that new look in and make sure you are comfortable and confident with the new you.

 

5. Skip the spray tan. Unless you’ve done it before and know what it will look like, it’s probably best to skip the spray tan for your senior session. This is because if a spray tan isn’t done right, it can make you look orange. Remember that your photos are about capturing the real YOU, and not necessarily making it about your deepest summer tan.

 

6. Don’t skip the mani pedi. Believe it or not, you will notice your nails in your photos, so schedule a mani and pedi before your shoot.  Pedicure is essential if you plan to wear open toe shoes or sandals. 

 

7. Remember your underwear! When planning your outfits, make sure that you have lighter underwear for lighter clothing and darker underwear for darker clothing.  Make sure that straps aren’t showing on any of your looks. The last thing you want is for your underwear to show through. 

 

8. Leave those blemishes alone. If a blemish or two pops up in the days before your shoot, just leave them be – don’t pick! Along with covering it up with a bit of makeup, we will also be able to retouch them out. 

 

9. Sparkles should be avoided. Because there’s a chance it might photograph weirdly, it’s best to avoid any shimmer body lotions and sparkly makeup.  This is true with clothing as well.  Clothing that is sparkly or has a tight weave of different color threads might be interpreted strangely in the camera. Neon colors are also hard to translate into to prints correctly and your outfit may have a slight variation of color when printed.

 

10. Stay hydrated and rested. You’d be surprised at the difference water and proper sleep can make to your skin in your photos. Make sure you’re drinking enough in the days leading up to your shoot and that you don’t have any long movie nights planned. 

 

11. Keep movement in mind. There’s a good chance you’ll be moving around quite a bit on the day, so pick your outfit accordingly. For example, sitting and moving around in a mini-skirt might make you feel uncomfortable and limit your options for posing. 

 

12. Get everything ready the night before. Instead of rushing on the morning of your senior session, rather get everything you need together in one place the night before.  Make sure you have your shoes, underwear, accessories, touch-up makeup, hair ties (if changing your hair to updo for last outfit), and any props that complement your outfit (extracurriculars you have been involved in–full sets of sports items–items that symbolize your interests and personality–anything that could be used creatively in a photograph).  There might be items from your room or home that you’d like to incorporate in your photos as well.  We have a number of ways to subtly include things in backgrounds, digitally add-in overlays, or create backgrounds for collages, and the more personal you can make it the more memorable it will be for generations to come.

 

13. Bring someone along. If you’re feeling nervous about being in front of a camera, bring a friend or family member along with you. Parents are always welcome, and so are friends. Keep it to one or two people though, you want the focus to be on YOU.  Have a special pet? We love photographing you with your fur baby family as well (and we’ve done a number of birds and reptiles too–all pets are welcome).

 

Now that you have a better idea of how to plan for your shoot, you can relax and let us do the rest!




 
Saturday, June 24, 2023
By Stephanie Oman - The Imagery

ooops, read on Class of 2024... the link name can't change at the top from last year's title.. serves me right for trying to use the same QR on this year's brochure!  However, you made it here, so read on--we'll update as we go for deals, so be sure to sign up for our newsletter for a free set of wallets, and so you get updates and future blogs on Senior Pictures! 


RECEIVE A FREE GIFT AT OUR Tuesday Tours! Starting July 18 3pm-6pm


Save $50 off

the 2 or 3-4-5 outfit session taking place

before August 30th, for a morning session

CALL BY JULY 20th to BOOK


A HS Senior experience video (previously recorded, 2018-2019)

HS Senior Session Experience

The Imagery HS Senior Session Experience is unique. Convenient indoor space near private portrait park, private dressing room, A/C, and all the comfort and feels of being at home.

Imagery Tour

Tour the Imagery Studio Portrait Park (updates have occurred since video was made, be sure to tour in person at our Open House July 11th!)

SENIORS CLASS OF 2024 WEEKLY DEALS

 

BEAT THE HEAT! Schedule an AM session in July or August, and take $50 of the2 or  3-4-5 outfit session.

 

HS Senior Session Types:

The 2 Outfit: $300

Includes 45+ minute photography time, 2 outfits indoors and outdoors, 2 digital files with copyright release chosen after your session.

(optional, opt for a 1-outfit indoor only YEARBOOK session for $150, includes 1 retouched file with copyright release)

Unlimited outfits Session (3,4, 5 outfit session) *MOST POPULAR: $450

Includes 90+ minutes with 4-5 recommended outfit changes, 3 digital files, an online gallery to narrow down your favorites and an in-person appointment to finalize your order and answer all your questions.

On Location Session: $500

All of the above, plus let's go where you want to go!!! Do you have a special spot? Do you want us to pick one of our favorite urban or nature settings? Let's go!

FREE Add-Ons:

Add a Friend

Add a Pet

Add a Large Prop (car, drum set, harp, get creative!)

Extras that Client's Love:

Hair/Makeup Artist in your private dressing room - From $125

Online Gallery added to an Express 2 outfit session - $200 retainer towards your order

Printed Proofs (4x6 spiral album) added to an unlimited session,  $150 plus $200 retainer towards your order

Most Popular Items Ordered and their Pricing:

1 8x10: $110

1 5x7: $55 (or buy 5 get one free)

8 wallets: $44

Wall portraits, from 11x14 ($190) to lifesize... always mounted and ready for framing. Frames extra. Canvas, Wood and Metal also available

 

PROOFS OR ALBUMS

Because you will have so many images that you love and you can't display them all on your walls, clients love buying proof books or albums of all their favorites. 

Here is an example of pricing (proofs require a minimum print purchase of $500 before they can be purchased as an add-on).

10 proofs minimum in a spiral book - $150 (additional pages are $15 each)

5x5 mini-coffee table album - $625 (holds 20)

8x8 coffee table album - $825 (holds up to 30)

10x10 coffee table album - $1295 (holds up to 50)

All albums are premium quality stiff pages, custom designed. Album purchases of $400 or more include a mobile app of all the images for free.

Mobile app sold separately: $89

Want a bit of everything when you place your order? Then one of these 3 bundles may be for you!

Platinum Bundle

$1281

16x20 Canvas Wall Print

6 Gift Size Prints
(8x10 or smaller) 

8x8 Designer Coffee Table Album ($895 sold separately!)

Custom Mobile App - all favorites up to 30

 

Gold Bundle

$1022

16x20 Canvas Wall Print

6 Gift Size Prints
(8x10 or smaller)

5x5 Designer Coffee Table Album ($625 sold separately!)

Custom Mobile App - favorite 20

 

Silver Bundle

$750

11x14 Canvas Wall Print

4 Gift Size Prints
(8x10 or smaller)

2 poses of 8 wallets each

15 photo spiral proof book

 

 


2024 HS Senior Brochure (boy version also available)


Call for More Information: 952-890-7640 (landline only - no texts)