More than a photographer,
a lifelong visual storyteller.

My Story

I'm Lisa Poseley, a Minneapolis-based photographer specializing in newborn, maternity, and family portraits, as well as professional headshots. I create images that are timeless, carefully crafted, and made in a calm, supportive environment. I know how much these moments matter and how fast they pass.

I've had a camera in my hands since childhood. Long before portrait work, I was doing documentary photography, traveling to Cuba, through Asia, Tibet, and South Korea to document lives and places most people never see. My path here wasn't a straight line, and that depth of experience is in everything I shoot.

A woman with long brown hair wearing gold hoop earrings and smiling. 
The Early Years

I grew up in Minneapolis. The creative world pulled me in early, and out of college I was running all advertising and marketing for Prince's nightclubs, Glam Slam in Minneapolis and LA. Working with CAA to book major acts for intimate sets was a formative education in how creative vision and business actually intersect.

Around the same time I was working at Duffy Design and Fallon, which shared resources and talent and was named agency of the year during those years. It was one of the most creatively charged environments I've ever been part of, and it shaped how I think about craft, precision, and the purpose behind every visual decision.

New York City
Black and white poster with the text "Farewell to Bosnia" and the author's name, Gilles Peress.

I eventually made my way to New York City, where I lived for 12 years. I freelanced on large-scale brand and design projects for some of the most recognized names in the world, including all of Gatorade, The Disney Channel (worldwide), and The New York Times website.

The Disney Channel brand identity we built was implemented globally with a style guide translated into seven languages. The New York Times website design and style guide I produced is still in use today.

Photography had always been part of my life, and in New York it became my career goal with the intention of becoming a war photographer I began working with Gilles Peress, one of the great documentary photographers of our time. I created the layouts for books from his war coverage in Bosnia. I was on my own path toward photojournalism.

Then September 11 happened. I volunteered at Ground Zero for nine months, running a canteen in the red zone we called The Hard Hat Café and documenting the recovery with as much care and reverence as I could bring. Some of those images were later used to raise funds for the New York Rescue Workers Detoxification Project, a program that Tom Cruise created to help me and many other first responders dealing with long-term health effects from exposure at the site. I was grateful to be part of it, and grateful to meet Tom Cruise and Penélope Cruz, who were genuinely committed to the cause and gracious in every interaction.

In the years that followed, I worked with the Mayor's office on New York City's bid for the 2012 Olympics. I produced the official bid books for the IOC: three complex, highly detailed volumes translated into multiple languages, finished in personalized leather-bound cases, and delivered by hand to committee members in Switzerland. I handled design, translation, production, and delivery from start to finish.

A group of construction workers and laborers, many wearing helmets, sitting outdoors in an urban setting with tall buildings in the background, some smiling and others appearing thoughtful.

The World Through A Lens

Photography took me around the world with documentary photography projects in Cuba, across Asia, Tibet, and South Korea, spending real time in each place and documenting resident and local life. I was as a stringer photographer for the Associated Press Worldwide and Getty Images for many years. My work from those years has been published in countless publications around the world and shown in gallery exhibitions.

Gallery exhibits include:

10 Days in Havana

30 Days in Asia

9 months at Ground Zero

Children sitting and standing along a historic stone wall with a mural of the Cuban flag painted on it, overlooking the sea with forts and a lighthouse in the background.

Now

I came home to Minneapolis and built a full-time portrait studio. My goal in every session is the same one that drove my documentary work: to convey who someone actually is. Newborn, maternity, family, and headshot work turned out to be the place where that feels most meaningful.

My work has been published internationally and recognized with numerous awards. Each year I'm honored to be named one of the Best Newborn and Family Photographers. I’m honored now to mentor emerging photographers through my education platform The Craft of Light.

I'm also a single mom to incredible twin daughters. They're my greatest inspiration and the reason I photograph families. I understand exactly what you're trying to cherish and hold onto.

Two girls standing near a body of water with one of them holding a stick. A dog is swimming in the water, and trees line the background.

What to Expect

Every session is unique, but my goal is always the same: to make your experience smooth, enjoyable, and stress-free from beginning to end. You'll receive clear communication, thoughtful guidance, and timely responses throughout. All details—including pricing—are shared upfront, so you can book with confidence.

  • We’ll start with a quick phone or Zoom call so I can learn more about your goals and vision for the session. I’ll walk you through how everything works, answer any questions, and go over pricing and artwork options. There's no pressure—just a relaxed conversation to see if we're a good fit.

  • Once you're ready to move forward, you’ll pay a retainer to secure your session date. I’ll guide you through the next steps and make sure everything is clearly laid out, so you can feel confident and excited for what’s ahead.

  • You’ll receive a session prep guide that covers everything—from what to wear and what to bring, to what to expect on the day of your session. You’ll also receive a detailed product and pricing guide so you can begin planning (and dreaming!) about how you’ll display your beautiful images.

  • Whether in my Minneapolis photo studio or on location, your session is designed to be relaxed and stress-free. I’ll guide you every step of the way so you never have to wonder what to do. We'll create a variety of images—from classic portraits to more natural moments—so you have a rich gallery to choose from.

  • After your session, you’ll receive a link to schedule your Zoom gallery review, which will take place 7–14 days after your session.

    During the gallery review, I’ll walk you through your images and help you select your favorite ones. We’ll also review product and package options for your final purchase and show mockups of albums, wall art, and other keepsakes.

  • Once you purchase your selections, I’ll deliver your images through a private online gallery. From there, you’ll be able to download your files and enjoy long-term access.

    Any products you’ve selected will be created and ordered at this time—delivery timelines vary depending on the item.