Noelle McMinn Photography

The best shoots involve pinball. Duh. #parlorshootyourshot #parlorstl @ PARLORstl

My biggest goal in life, and photography; To be present in the face of beauty, attempt to capture some facet of it, and hand it back to you. Making what the world sees in you tangible, even if for only a moment.

Do you ever feel confined by your own rules? ‘You shouldn’t share landscape photography on a portrait profile’ Why? I started this quest with skill hungry eyes, and a desire to witness. I do not stage, I am simply present. I get to submerse myself in others love. Be it land, flesh, water, or light. I get to tell a tale with my lens, the story of which is different for every pair of eyes they fall upon. The cliff notes are yours, the images are mine. I look forward to comparing notes

Lately I have been testing every body of water I encounter. For so long I have confined myself to what outside influence has told me I am good at. Taking their kind words and welding them into my truth. I have no lane. My niche is not for others to define. All I know is what catches my eye. The build of preconceptions, and the freedom of shattering them. This struggle of trying to fine-tune my artistic journey, when in reality finding light and wading through shadows is my ultimate passion.

Perception is such a complex thing to navigate. I struggle with separating business and personal. When, in reality, personal vulnerability is becoming my brand. It’s easy to share things just because they are visually interesting to me. But bring in my business and I get all clammy and I don’t know what to do with my hands. Wanting to share, then the cloud of guilt of backlogged work. Why must expression be linear? The peaks and valleys of creativity and acceptance. Moving forward, you may see work from years ago, to present day, then back to the past. Time is just an illusion. Here’s to loosening its grip on my creative spirit.

Have you ever had an image you love so much, that you are afraid to share it? Something so primal and strong that it evokes your eyes to leak. During a boudoir day with the lovely @carnefixphotography I trusted my gut and asked two beautiful friends if they would like to do some ‘bff photos.’ This photo is over a year old and I have still held back from sharing it. The commercial is easy to share. But this? This is my soul. Two goddesses that set down their armor to embrace. ...This softness that tears down walls and ends wars. I need to trust this instinct that intertwines with my DNA. The future holds so much more vulnerability and beauty. I will do my best not to hold back the things that fill my heart with pride. I will work on sharing the art I am proudest of. Perfection is an idea, but strength and progress are human. To these two women, I thank you. To all women, Happy #internationalwomensday See more

I feel so honored to be able to be so close to my friends on such a monumental day in their lives. Miss @avaperone86 looking stunning per usual for her portraits on a family property. Elopements are my new favorite thing and I can’t wait to get more on the books!

Elopements are such a passion of mine. Having been to my share of weddings, there is something so amazing about the inmate nature of just a handful of people. Each person present has such an important role. Very excited to branch more into elopements.

I have been in an editing frenzy for the better part of this year. I tend to get tunnel vision on my clients and neglect updating my blogs and website. Very excited to share some of the love and moments I’ve captured. Being a documentary/lifestyle photographer I live for the moments that would happen with or without me present. The looks, the touch, the love. Grateful for these two love birds and so happy for their new life together!

A love like this is hard not to capture.

I have had the honor of having this handsome lad in my life for over a decade. He was this kind hearted ball of energy I couldn’t stop hugging. His family welcomed me like one of their own. From birthday dinners, to sleep overs, too many inside jokes and nick names to keep track... Now? I get to photograph him marrying the love of his life this Sunday. Life has funny ways of reminding you of all the good you have. This man is one of mine. Just gonna apologize now for my happy tears!

Cameras can be a little intimidating to kiddos at times. It warms my heart to gain trust. It’s not always an immediate thing. Sometimes it takes bribes, all the weird noises, and crazy gestures. If we’re lucky we get to be apart of their journey. I’m lucky enough to get to follow this families growth and not only capture, but help build memories. Stay tuned for their newest addition!

Over the last year I've pushed myself to try things that may very well not work. I've sought out harsh light, and made art that may not be for everyone, but that I am proud of. I am so excited to push myself and continue to grow. I want to hear your visions and make them tangible. Let's create! <3

Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours! I'm grateful for moments like this.