MJCollins Photography

06/15/2026

The coolest thing you can be is yourself...not a computer generated version of you.

Especially when it comes to your brand, services or your customer experience.

It's you...quirks and smile lines and all.

06/15/2026

Every now and then I cheat on portrait photography and sneak off to photograph houses. 😆

This lake home just hit the market, and I had the pleasure of photographing it for one of my favorite Realtors to work with, Kelly Rae Hunter

If you're house hunting, or know someone who is, take a peek.

🏡 Francis Lake • Isanti, MN
29382 Francis Lake Dr NW, Isanti, MN 55040 | MLS #7056937 | Zillow https://share.google/G7FALugJowXSPQtWw

My work here is done. 🎤⬇️

This 1629 square feet Single Family home has 2 bedrooms and 1 bathroom. It is located at 29382 Francis Lake Dr NW, Isanti, MN.

06/13/2026

Today’s Open Studio is bringing all the summer vibes!

👨 Dad's Garage
Perfect for Father's Day photos with Dad, Grandpa, the kids, or anyone who loves tools, tinkering, and garage-time adventures.

✨ PLUS...

🎆 Firecracker Set
My fireplace has gotten a red, white, and blue makeover! Whether you have a tiny firecracker, patriotic kiddos, or commemorate our 150th 4th of July with an adorable photo update, this set is ready for you.

I'll provide the sets and the help with the wiggles.
You provide the adorable kiddos.

You take the photos, or I will be your professional button pusher ;)

See you soon! 10am-3pm | 6368 Elm Street, North Branch

06/13/2026

Tomorrow's Open Studio is bringing all the summer vibes!

👨 Dad's Garage
Perfect for Father's Day photos with Dad, Grandpa, the kids, or anyone who loves tools, tinkering, and garage-time adventures.

✨ PLUS...

🎆 Firecracker Set
My fireplace has gotten a red, white, and blue makeover! Whether you have a tiny firecracker, patriotic kiddos, or commemorate our 150th 4th of July with an adorable photo update, this set is ready for you.

I'll provide the sets and the help with the wiggles.
You provide the adorable kiddos.

You take the photos, or I will be your professional button pusher ;)

See you tomorrow 10am-3pm | 6368 Elm Street, North Branch

06/12/2026

You guys 😭🏆

MJCollins Photography was voted the 2026 Readers' Choice Winner for Photographer!

The funny thing is, I don't even know who nominated me in the first place. Whoever you are, thank you!!! xo

And thank you to everyone who voted. Running a small business isn't always easy, and there are days when you wonder if what you're doing matters.

Thank you for trusting me with your families, your businesses, your seniors, your memories, your crazy ideas, MY crazy ideas, your pets, your photo projects, and all the moments in between.

I'm feeling pretty grateful today and this whole week.

Love you, mean it
M*

06/11/2026

Well, this was a fun surprise. 😊

I was recently featured as a hidden gem in Voyage Minnesota Magazine and had the opportunity to share a little bit about my journey: from a little girl flipping through my mom's photo albums, to building a photography and memory preservation business that helps people tell and protect their stories.

Running a small business isn't always easy, and there have been plenty of twists and turns along the way. So it's an honor to be recognized and share a little of my story.

Thank you to everyone who has trusted me with your families, milestones, memories, and legacy projects over the years. I truly wouldn't be here without you. ❤️

You can read the article here: https://voyageminnesota.com/interview/meet-melissa-collins-of-minnesota

06/09/2026

Tomorrow I'm presenting a social media class at the North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce luncheon.

Every time I agree to teach a class, there's a brief moment where I think:

"Awesome! This will be fun!"

Followed immediately by:

Audible GULP - "What have I done?" 😳

And ironically, the hardest part has been figuring out what to post about it. 😆

We'll talk about storytelling, building connections, creating content people actually want to engage with, and why being human is still your best marketing strategy.

I'd love to see you there! DM me so I can help get you registered!

06/05/2026

Calling all dads, grandpas, little gearheads, and vintage car lovers!

This adorable antique-inspired garage set is now available in the studio just in time for Father's Day! Whether you're capturing a sweet daddy-and-me moment, sitting on Grandpa's lap, or showing off your little mechanic, this set is packed with charm and personality.

🔧 Perfect for: • Father's Day photos
• Daddy & Me sessions
• Grandpa & grandkids
• Little boys (and girls!) who love cars
• Vintage-themed portraits

Best of all, this set is available during DIY Open Studio Sessions on Saturdays! I'll provide the professional lighting and you bring the smiles!

📅 Available until June 20th!

⚠️Warning: May cause excessive cuteness and spontaneous "vroom vroom" noises. 😆🏁

Open tomorrow 10am-3pm @ 6368 Elm Street North Branch

06/05/2026

Heeeeey! That's me! I am presenting my social media class for my business colleagues at the North Branch Area Chamber of Commerce next week! (June 9th)

You don't have to be a member to join our networking luncheon. And you get to take away real tips and examples to implement right away! Let me know if you need to be there, I can hook you up! I know a girl ;-)

It's me! I'm that girl!!

06/03/2026

Okay, okay... I've gotten enough messages that I should probably ask. 😆

Who wants another photography class this summer? 📸

I'm totally open to putting one on the calendar! I just need at least 4 people who want to learn, play with their cameras, and have some fun.

If you're interested, shoot me a DM or email me at [email protected] and we'll figure out the best date together.

Tag a friend who keeps saying, "I really need to learn how to use this camera!" 👇