March and April always feel like a transition period here in North Dakota. The light starts to shift, the snow slowly disappears (reappears, then disappears again), and I start moving back into a mix of studio and outdoor sessions again. I wanted to share a little update on what I have going on, what is coming up, and some behind the scenes life with my studio and sessions.


I am Shaeli Kolden, a photographer serving Bismarck, Garrison, Minot, and surrounding North Dakota areas. I specialize in wedding photography, boudoir sessions, and lifestyle family photography, and this season has been a mix of all three in the best way.


What is happening right now

March has been a mix of studio work, planning, and getting ready for a busy spring season. I have been spending a lot of time in studio sessions lately in Bismarck, especially boudoir and lifestyle work. I really enjoy those slower sessions where everything feels more intentional and focused on connection.


Mommy and Me minis are coming up on April 18 at Plant Perfect in Bismarck and they sold out in just a few days. I am very grateful for the response and excited to see those sessions come together. I still have openings for April 19 in studio. Those will feature my basic boho lifestyle setup along with a floating floral backdrop and white floor. It did not turn out exactly how I originally envisioned it, but it still feels soft, simple, and beautiful for families.


Studio life and updates

Having a studio has been one of the most rewarding parts of my business, but also one of the biggest learning curves.


Recently, a piece of furniture was stolen from right outside my studio door. I still cannot believe it happened, and I am still hoping it turns up. I have not stopped looking for it and I do not plan to anytime soon.


To help clients find me more easily, I also added new signage on my studio door and near the entrance to make everything more visible and straightforward when arriving for sessions.

The studio has been a constant learning experience. Some days I love it and some days it challenges me in every way, but I do enjoy being pushed out of my comfort zone and figuring out how to better use and design the space. Things are always changing and evolving in there.


I had originally planned to rent an additional room in the building to create a dedicated boudoir space, but that is currently on hold until likely fall.


What I am booking right now

I am still actively booking wedding photography in Bismarck, Garrison, Minot, and surrounding areas. I am also booking boudoir sessions, lifestyle family sessions, maternity, and senior portraits as we move into spring and summer.


This time of year is one of the best for golden hour sessions in North Dakota, especially around Bismarck when everything starts turning green again.


Closing thoughts

If you are new here, welcome. I care a lot about more than just the final photos. Whether it is a wedding day, a boudoir session meant to help you feel more confident, or a simple family session during golden hour, I want the experience to feel easy, real, and personal from start to finish.


If you are looking for a photographer in Bismarck ND for weddings, boudoir, or lifestyle sessions, I would love to connect with you.