HEY, HI, HELLO!
I am Dakota, your future photographer bestie! I am married to my high school sweetheart, Cody. We share two children and two hound dogs. We have planted our roots in Southwest Minnesota and love it here. My favorite hobbies include painting, action/thriller movies, bow hunting, deer hunting and graphic design. I also own a side business called River Ridge Hat Co where I create custom hats. Call me your jack of all trades, because you name it, I can about do it.
wife
mom
entrepreneur
I'M dakota, but many know me as kota. a minnesota based wedding & portrait photographer that BELIEVEs YOUR PHOTOS SHOULD reflect life as you know it
ABOUT Kota rae PHOTOGRAPHY
COFFEE ORDER
blended turtle mocha
Secret Talent
sixth sense
I'd rather be
outside
on my bucket list
amsterdam
Perfect day includes
church + family dinner
Favorite Place
mountains
obsessed with
dogs
Guilty pleasure
online shopping
QUICK FACTS
FOR THE SKIMMERS
OVER THE YEARS
2015
launched the dream
In 2015, I was a sophomore in high school photographing seniors and my first few weddings.
2021
had my first child
After having my daughter, Haven, I loved being a mom more than anything, even my corporate marketing job. So I took a leap of faith and quit. A few weeks later I picked up my camera and started capturing families again.
2022
Went full time
In March 2022, I became a legal business relaunching 'Kota Rae Photography' officially.
2023
Awarded the best of the best
In just over a year of business I was nominated and voted as Cherry Road Media's best photographer in the Minnesota River Valley.
1.
I am very picky about the clients I take on. It has to be a good fit for the both of us. I want us to feel like we've been friends for years when I am capturing this time in your life.
I prefer quality over quantity
2.
I always say I am a girl's gal. If I see a piece of hair even a bit out of place I fix it. Details matter and I take pride in saying that when I am looking through my lens, I am always making sure every detail is perfect.
Find Guides for your upcoming session here.
I'm extremely detail oriented
3.
My speciality and style is capturing life in the moment. I like to take the backseat when it comes to being pushy with poses and let them come naturally. I will give a few prompts and capture the reactions.
I thrive capturing the moments as they happen
