Oh, hey there!
Hi, I’m Kandace (but you can call me Kandy), the owner of Kandy Rae Photography! I’ve been a portrait photographer in the Twin Cities for 15 years, and my heart is fully in it.
My journey into photography began after the sudden loss of my mom. That experience taught me just how precious life is and how important it is to capture the moments that matter. It’s why I’m so passionate about what I do. If you’re a mom and you’ve been to one of my sessions, you know I’ll always encourage you to step in front of the camera, no matter what. You deserve to be in the frame, too!
I’ve been married to my incredibly supportive husband for over 23 years. Together we have two awesome kids, Alivia (18) and Weston (15), along with two dogs, four chickens, and one snake.
When I’m not behind the lens, you can find me cruising on my E-bike, paddleboarding, antiquing, hanging with family and friends, loving on my sweet nephew, in a hammock, or spending time in the backyard with my chickens.
My photography style is classic and casual with a healthy dose of goofy. I’m not above acting silly to get a smile, and I tend to become best buds with the kiddos I photograph. Let’s create something beautiful (and fun) together!
Why I do what I do
Pictures freeze moments we can never get back. After losing my mom at a young age, I’ve come to realize just how important family photos truly are. Growing up, we didn’t have many pictures of all of us together, and the few we do have of my mom, I treasure. She was always the one behind the camera, capturing everyone else. I would give anything to have more images of her, more memories I could hold onto. That’s why I believe so deeply in the importance of photos, they become the legacy we leave behind, and the comfort we return to when words fall short.
A year after losing my mom, I received a DSLR camera as a gift for my Golden Birthday. I didn’t want to miss a single moment, so I began capturing everything!! My kids, my family, my pets, flowers, bugs… anyone and anything around me, like a one-woman paparazzi. Through that lens, I fell in love with portrait photography. It became more than a hobby; it became a way to preserve what matters most.
In honoring my mom’s memory, I realized how important it is to offer this gift to others. Life is fleeting, and photos hold the power to keep our loved ones close, even long after they’re gone. In memory of my mom, Bekki
Directions
There is plenty of parking near the studio on the street, in an adjacent parking lot, or in the rear parking ramp. To enter the studio, enter through the door with the Kandy Rae Photography logo, located on Jackson St. The door is tucked in and is between 201 Tavern and 2nd Ave, under the ICEBERG sign.
If you need elevator access, please enter through the back alley. Enter through the 201 Tavern patio door, and the elevator is on your immediate left. Take to the 2nd floor, exit left, and go through the door.
The Studio
203 Jackson St #201, Anoka, MN
The studio is filled with charm and versatility, featuring 11 windows that flood the 2,000 sq ft space with beautiful natural light. Original wood floors and exposed brick walls add character and warmth. Several walls are painted in popular tones ideal for headshots, and a moveable wall offers even more flexibility, with white shiplap on one side and a magnetic surface on the other for hanging a variety of backdrops. It’s a thoughtfully designed space, perfect for creating a wide range of looks in one session.
