Minnesota NOrth Shore adventure Sessions

The Beauty of Right Now
Let’s create heartfelt moments together.
Nicole is based in Foreston MN - serving Central Minnesota & Beyond since 2013

Also serving

Duluth

Artist Point

Gooseberry Falls

Split Rock Lighthouse

Tettegouche State Park

Black Beach

Palisade Head

Temperance River

Grand Marais

Scenic Lake Superior overlooks

Hidden shoreline locations


Wild shorelines. Towering cliffs. Lake Superior mist. Quiet forests. Golden sunsets over the water.

Black Beach

Grand Marais

Palisade Head

Grand Marais

Artists Point

Addtional Locations

Driftwood log on a rocky Lake Superior shoreline with a forested island in the calm blue waters beyond.
Explore My Latest Work

locations

Black Beach

Grand Marais

Palisade Head

Grand Marais

Artists Point

Addtional Locations

Family with four children sitting on driftwood log on sandy beach with lake and forest backdrop at dusk.
Explore My Latest Work

Photography is Connection

Black Beach

Grand Marais

Palisade Head

Grand Marais

Artists Point

Addtional Locations

Bride in white gown standing on rocky cliff overlooking lush forest and serene lake in scenic outdoor wedding photo.
Explore My Latest Work

Photography is Art

Black Beach

Grand Marais

Palisade Head

Grand Marais

Artists Point

Addtional Locations

A tattooed couple stacks rocks together in a shallow stream beside a rugged stone wall, sharing an intimate moment.
Explore My Latest Work

Photography is Expression

Black Beach

Grand Marais

Palisade Head

Grand Marais

Artists Point

Addtional Locations

Two women in flowing orange and gold gowns pose on rocky shoreline with sailboat and blue ocean backdrop.
Explore My Latest Work

locations

Black Beach

Grand Marais

Palisade Head

Grand Marais

Artists Point

Addtional Locations

Small rocky island with orange cliffs, green trees, and birds flying overhead surrounded by calm blue ocean waters.
Duluth

Gooseberry Falls

Split Rock Lighthouse

Tettegouche State Park

Temperance River

Scenic Lake Superior overlooks

Hidden shoreline locations

More locations await

Black Beach

Grand Marais

Palisade Head

Grand Marais

Artists Point

Addtional Locations

Family with four children sitting on driftwood log on sandy beach with lake and forest backdrop at dusk.
Bohemian family with children gathered around a man playing acoustic guitar by a vintage camper van outdoors.
Two women in flowing orange and gold gowns pose on rocky shoreline with sailboat and blue ocean backdrop.
Couple cradling pregnant belly outdoors, woman in boho lace dress, golden hour maternity photo session.

Adventure Portrait Sessions Along Minnesota’s North Shore


Join Nicole Hollenkamp Portrait Studio for a limited series of adventure portrait sessions along Minnesota’s breathtaking North Shore. These special sessions are designed for couples, families, maternity, engagement, motherhood, seniors, and storytelling portraits who want something deeply personal, cinematic, and connected to nature.


A small number of promotional sessions will be available at iconic North Shore locations on select dates. I will already be in the area with my family so clients receive exclusive promotional pricing in exchange for allowing images from their session to be used in marketing, website content, social media, print materials, and promotional campaigns.

A Different Kind of Portrait Experience


These sessions are designed for those who crave more than traditional portraits.


Imagine walking the rocky shoreline barefoot at sunset. Holding your children while waves crash behind you. Running through pine forests. Watching fog roll over Lake Superior cliffs. Embracing the quiet, windswept beauty of Minnesota’s North Shore while your story unfolds naturally.


This is not rushed posing.


These sessions are guided with movement, connection, emotion, and adventure in mind while still providing gentle direction every step of the way.


Perfect for:


Couples & Engagements

Families

Maternity Sessions

Seniors

Motherhood Sessions

Anniversary Sessions

Documentary Style Portraits

Creative Storytelling Portraiture

Couple sharing a romantic kiss in a lush green canyon with rocky walls and a shallow stream.
A joyful family with young children sitting together on a sandy beach log surrounded by pine trees. Grand Marais Family Photography

When to Book


Promotional North Sore adventure sessions are available on select dates that are planned out far in advance. Our August 2026 dates are the only ones planned at this time. Additional dates will be added in the future. Reach out to be added to the list for future dates.


Golden hour (evening light) is especially popular for outdoor sessions, while studio sessions offer a timeless, clean, and cozy feel regardless of weather.


I recommend registering in advance since these sessions are extremely limited.

If you would like to discuss setting up a custom session on a separate date please contact me to set up a full price session.

 

What to expect


Your family session is intentionally designed to feel easy.


You do not need to worry about knowing how to pose your children or what to do in front of the camera. I will guide you through everything in a calm, natural way so you can focus on being together.


We’ll mix a combination of gentle direction and candid interaction to create images that feel alive and honest.


You can expect:


A relaxed, guided experience (no awkward posing)

Movement-based prompts for natural expressions

A mix of connection, candid, and gently posed images

A session that feels more like time together than a photoshoot

A calm, patient approach that works with children—not against them

 

 

"We had an amazing experience with our newborn photos! Nicole was kind, patient, and clearly experienced with newborns. It was easy to schedule, the studio was cute, and everything went super smoothly. We got the photos back quickly afterward and Nicole even accommodated a small request I made. Definitely recommend!"

 

Jenny
Pregnant couple sharing a romantic kiss on a cliff overlooking a serene lake, surrounded by lush greenery.

 

Promotional Session Details

What Makes These Sessions Different?


These North Shore sessions are being offered at promotional pricing with no travel fees because images from participating sessions will be used for:


Website content

Social media marketing

Advertising campaigns

Printed promotional materials

Portfolio display

Educational and business marketing purposes


Because these sessions help build future promotional content for the studio, participating clients receive reduced session pricing compared to standard adventure session rates.

 

Couple sharing a romantic kiss on a leaf-covered autumn trail surrounded by colorful fall foliage and rocks.

Promotional Terms


Participation in promotional North Shore sessions requires:


A signed full model release for all participating individuals

Permission for Nicole Hollenkamp Portrait Studio, LLC to use images for business promotion and marketing in perpetuity

Understanding that session images will likely be shared publicly online and in print

Must maintain a willingness to invest in stylized outfits custom selected by Nicole.


If usage rights are revoked after image delivery and publication, a removal fee of $50 per image/per instance will apply for all previously published promotional images requiring removal from websites, advertising, blogs, social media, printed materials, or marketing content.

 

What's Included


Each promotional adventure session includes:


Guided adventure portrait experience

Location planning

Styling and outfit guidance

Natural posing direction

Access to carefully selected North Shore locations

Professionally edited high-resolution images

Online gallery for viewing and downloading

Emotional storytelling imagery focused on connection and atmosphere


Additional artwork and print options may also be available.


Collections begin at $300, with options to add on 40 additional digital images for $900.

 

A tattooed couple stacks rocks together in a shallow stream beside a rugged stone wall, sharing an intimate moment.

North Shore Portrait Experience

Promo Dates

A relaxed and beautifully planned North Shore portrait experience designed for those who want to explore the beauty of the area without the commitment of an extended adventure session. Perfect for couples, families, maternity, seniors, or anyone wanting a meaningful gallery filled with natural connection, beautiful scenery, and authentic moments.


This experience is thoughtfully planned around one of the North Shore’s beautiful, easy-access locations, allowing us to focus on connection, storytelling, and creating a variety of images without requiring a strenuous hike or overnight travel.


Includes:


Guided adventure portrait session

Beautiful easy-access location selection and planning assistance

Styling and outfit guidance

Professionally edited high-resolution images

15 hand-edited digital images

Online gallery for viewing and downloading

A variety of scenic portraits, candid moments, and storytelling images

No overnight fees


Additional artwork, prints, albums, and full gallery upgrades may also be available.

 

Promotional Dates -  $500

 

Family with four children sitting on driftwood log on sandy beach with lake and forest backdrop at dusk.

North Shore Portrait Experience

Custom Dates

A thoughtfully planned North Shore portrait experience designed around the most beautiful light of the day. This collection is perfect for couples, families, maternity, seniors, or anyone wanting a truly immersive session with beautiful scenery and meaningful moments captured.


This experience includes reserving a dedicated sunset and sunrise window, allowing flexibility to photograph your session during the earliest available stretch of beautiful weather. Your session is thoughtfully planned around the landscape, lighting, and conditions to create the most stunning gallery possible.


Includes:


Dedicated North Shore sunset + sunrise availability

Photographer's overnight stay and travel time reserved specifically for your session

Session scheduled at the earliest possible good weather window

Guided portrait experience at a beautiful, easy-access North Shore location

Personalized location planning assistance

Styling and outfit guidance

Professionally edited high-resolution images

30+ hand-edited digital images

Online gallery for viewing and downloading

A variety of scenic portraits, candid moments, and storytelling images


Additional artwork, prints, and full gallery upgrades may also be available.

 

Custom Dates - $950

 

A family with children poses on driftwood at Minnesota's North Shore beach, with a woman resting on rocks by Lake Superior below.

 

Session Dates

 

North Shore promotional sessions are available occasionally throughout the summer months.



Exact locations, timing, and available dates will be announced soon.


Because travel and lighting conditions are carefully planned, availability will be extremely limited.


Join the waitlist or inquire early for first access to:


Available session dates

Planned North Shore locations

Promotional pricing

Outfit guidance

Travel details

Weather backup plans

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Aug 25th - TBD

 

October or November - TBD

 

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What dates are you interested in booking? Pricing listed here include any travel costs.

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Your session may only happen at one location either sunrise or sunset. Specific locations may vary depending on weather, lighting, crowds, accessibility, and travel timing.

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Are you looking for a location that requires a longer hike or one that requires minimal hiking?

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Please send an image of all participants to Nicole@bynicoleann.com

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A family with children poses on driftwood at Minnesota's North Shore beach, with a woman resting on rocks by Lake Superior below.

Future Dates TBD

North Shore for less

Save on future promotional dates now

Save by registering for one of our promotional dates.



Secure your adventure session now.

We will be in contact with date availability as dates are announced.

Join the list for new work and updates.

Scheduled

Promotional Dates



The calendar below will display our current promotional date availability. You can use that calendar to book a spot during an active promotional date right now. Or use the link to purchase a future promotional date above.

Let us know if you have any questions.

A family with children poses on driftwood at Minnesota's North Shore beach, with a woman resting on rocks by Lake Superior below.

North Shore Availability



Book a full North Shore Experience via the calendar below.

A family with children poses on driftwood at Minnesota's North Shore beach, with a woman resting on rocks by Lake Superior below.
Friends enjoying a road trip in a vintage white VW camper van parked by a scenic lakeside at sunset.
Extras & Add Ons

The vw Bus

Experience

This adorable VW is available for rent. Here is the link to the details to find out more - https://www.instagram.com/thevwbusexperience/


Adorable family relaxing in a vintage VW camper van parked on a Lake Superior beach at sunrise. Grand Marais Minnesota Family Photos

 

Let's document your story

 

Booking this VW bug can be done directly from their facebook.


 

"Nicole was amazing. My little one was tired not feeling 100% and Nicole was super patient while trying to be quick since it was so cold outside. Absolutely worth it and I have some more beautiful photos of my little girl."

 

Amy Rynerson

FAQ

What time of day are these sessions scheduled for?

There are locations that can be used during the day and there are locations that are best when done during Golden hour.


Reach out if you have questions.

Do I need hiking experience?

Not necessarily. Some locations may involve short walks on uneven terrain, while others are easily accessible. Session locations can be selected based on comfort level and accessibility needs.


The waterfall in the photos on this page is a 2 mile hike on somewhat difficult terrain.

Can children participate?

Yes. Families and children are welcome, though some locations are be better suited for older children depending on terrain and timing.

What happens if weather changes?

The North Shore is beautifully unpredictable. Overcast skies, fog, wind, and mist often create the most cinematic imagery.

Severe weather backup plan are included with our Golden hour experience. We will block off a sunset as well as the sunrise the following day for this session. Sessions will be held at the earliest possible good weather window.

Why is a model release required?

Promotional sessions are offered at deeply discounted pricing in exchange for full release to use images for marketing and business promotion.

Where do sessions take place?

Potential locations may include areas near:


Duluth, Artist Point, Gooseberry Falls, Split Rock Lighthouse

Tettegouche State Park, Black Beach, Palisade Head

Temperance River, Grand Marais, Scenic Lake Superior overlooks

Hidden shoreline locations


Specific locations will not be shared publicly to protect the integrity of those locations and may vary depending on weather, lighting, crowds, accessibility, and travel timing.

How long does the session last?

Sessions are relaxed and typically last long enough to allow breaks, movement, and natural interaction without rushing.


For some locations that are more difficult to get to longer hikes are required and enough time is included when upgrading to one of these locations.

What should we wear?

What to Wear for North Shore Adventure Sessions

The North Shore photographs beautifully with:

Earthy neutrals | Linen textures | Flowing dresses | Cozy layers | Muted tones | Barefoot or natural styling | Soft movement fabrics

Clients will receive styling guidance to help create a cohesive look that complements the natural landscape and cinematic feel of the session.


You will receive styling guidance to help coordinate outfits in a way that feels natural, timeless, and cohesive without being overly matching.

Style Guide


Our online catalog of many of our client wardrobe items can be seen here.

Client Wardrobe

Do I need to bring anything?

You only need the essentials for your yourself or your children (water, snacks, etc.).

For the secret waterfall location you will need trekking poles for each person and quality water shoes to protect feet and grip on slippery surfaces.

How long does it take to get our photos?

Your images will be ready within 2–3 weeks. This time allows me to gently and intentionally edit each photograph, preserving the softness and beauty of these fleeting early days.

Do you offer albums or prints?

Yes. Your gallery includes convenient, easy-to-use features for ordering prints or designing a beautiful custom album directly from your images. It’s a simple way to turn your memories into something tangible you can hold and revisit for years to come.

 

“Nicole did such a fantastic job with our maternity photos! They turned out absolutely gorgeous and the experience was delightful. Would highly recommend her for any kind of photos!”

 

Katherine Townsend
Woman in flowing white dress twirls on rocky shore with her reflection visible in a tide pool.
Limited sessions available

Reserve Your North Shore Adventure Session

 

If you’ve been dreaming of emotional, cinematic portraits along Minnesota’s North Shore, this is your opportunity to experience an unforgettable adventure session at exclusive promotional pricing.


Availability is limited and sessions will book on a first-come, first-served basis once dates are officially released.


Join the Waitlist or Inquire Below


Please include:


Type of session desired

Number of people participating

Preferred North Shore locations

Flexible travel dates

Any accessibility considerations

Vision or inspiration for your session

 

 

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