Side Life Studios LLC

Side Life Studios LLC Welcome to Side Life Studios! My name is Steve Moua. I provide indoor and outdoor portrait photography services in the greater Twin Cities.

Aaliyah once said, "Age ain't nothing but a number." As we mature in life and in ourselves, there’s a unique beauty in f...
01/03/2025

Aaliyah once said, "Age ain't nothing but a number." As we mature in life and in ourselves, there’s a unique beauty in feeling truly comfortable in our own skin—accepting who we are and radiating our best selves. Life's journey, no matter where we find ourselves, is a series of destinations—each just another stop along the way.

The continued evolution of self-acceptance is the kind of journey that resonates deeply. And that’s the story these images tell—a celebration of growth, authenticity, and the undeniable beauty of embracing who we are.

🙏 Steve Moua

Sometimes, stripping away all distractions and photographing against a simple white canvas reveals an unexpected depth o...
01/02/2025

Sometimes, stripping away all distractions and photographing against a simple white canvas reveals an unexpected depth of vulnerability. The absence of elaborate backdrops or props creates a space where true essence come to the forefront. In that simplicity, there’s a profound beauty—an environment where who we truly are can shine without interruption.

Shoutouts to Nora for having a snap-tacular session.

🤙🏻 Steve Moua

Happy New Year! Cheers to 1 amazing year of photography! 🥂 As we step into a fresh new year, it's the perfect time for ...
01/02/2025

Happy New Year!

Cheers to 1 amazing year of photography! 🥂 As we step into a fresh new year, it's the perfect time for a fresh new you. To celebrate, I’m kicking things off with a 91ft-away! 🎁✨ Let’s make this year picture-perfect together!

How to enter:
1. Be sure to like this post AND this page!
2. Share this with your friends and tag your bestie.
3. Comment on this post with 1 sentence why it's a new you!
**All three tasks must be completed to be considered for an entry.

🥂Entries closes Saturday, January 4th, 2025 at mid-night. Drawing will be done and posted on my page Sunday, January 5th, 2025. Winner must collect within 24 hours! 🎉

91ft-away Package:
Who | 1 person (2 outfits within that hour if winner would like)
What | Up to 1 hour of studio time for a portrait session, White or Black backdrop, 10 Edited photos
Where: Side Life Studios, Circle Pines, Mn
When: January 18th, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Additional details:
Participant must be 18 years of age +
Must sign print release
No reschedules
I won't collect or ask for any credit information
Winning does not constitute a binding contract
❗Also, don't fall for scams that may look like my page, otherwise, that's a sad life for you.❗

If the date and time don’t work for you, no worries! Just kindly hold off on entering so someone else can have a chance to win. Thanks for being thoughtful!

🍻Cheers!

Steve

Side Life Studios LLC presents:🎓✨Grace | Class of 2025 | Part II✨🎓Grace absolutely sleighed her senior portrait session ...
12/26/2024

Side Life Studios LLC presents:
🎓✨Grace | Class of 2025 | Part II✨🎓

Grace absolutely sleighed her senior portrait session at the studio! (Yes, I’ve been saving that holiday pun for just the right moment.) Sharing a few of my favorite shots from her session felt like the perfect way to wrap up the season.

If you’ve been putting off senior portraits, it’s not too late! And with spring just around the corner, now’s the time to start planning for those memorable graduation photos.

I hope your holiday season was filled with joy, laughter, and that special kind of magic that asks us to imagine and believe. As we move into 2025, that’s a goal I’ll be carrying into my photography—capturing the moments that inspire wonder and connection.

Here’s to a cozy winter season and closing out the year with reflection and gratitude. Cheers!

Steve Moua

12/25/2024

Merry Christmas!

❤️Young Love Part One 💋 | Honestly, I can’t get enough of these two lovebirds. Every time I photograph them, it’s like s...
12/20/2024

❤️Young Love Part One 💋 | Honestly, I can’t get enough of these two lovebirds. Every time I photograph them, it’s like stepping back into my own past, reliving the rush of young love—the kind that makes the world feel infinite and every moment electric. There’s something so captivating about the way they look at each other, like nothing else exists. Maybe it’s the magic of their connection, or maybe it’s just them—so deeply, unshakably in love, it’s impossible not to believe in love stories all over again.

Get your love-shots in!

🔥 Steve Moua

This holiday season, nephews remind me why I appreciate capturing moments that radiate personality and charm. Dressed in...
12/13/2024

This holiday season, nephews remind me why I appreciate capturing moments that radiate personality and charm. Dressed in their holiday best, they struck playful poses and flashed mischievous grins, each one showcasing their effortless confidence—or as they’d say, their "rizz." From casual leans to cheeky smiles, they brought the energy and swagger that makes family photos truly special.

👊 Moua

'Tis the season for holiday portraits! 🎄✨ I hope you're stepping in front of the camera this year to capture some cheris...
12/13/2024

'Tis the season for holiday portraits! 🎄✨ I hope you're stepping in front of the camera this year to capture some cherished memories. Here's a glimpse of another handsome nephew who absolutely shined during his solo portraits. Simple, classy, and proudly Hmong!

🎄 Steve Moua

Seasonal or holiday moments—each one carries a story of change. Change happens faster than we realize, and that's the be...
12/11/2024

Seasonal or holiday moments—each one carries a story of change. Change happens faster than we realize, and that's the beauty of still moments: they preserve what time can't. Often, we don’t see the true value of these investments until years down the road, when they remind us of what was, and what shaped us.

Whether it’s with a professional camera or your smartphone, the tools are right at your fingertips. The key is making the time to snap the photo—because every moment is worth remembering

🎄Steve Moua

Photography Tips for Parents This Holiday SeasonLet’s get real: expecting your kids to sit still and flash picture-perf...
12/08/2024

Photography Tips for Parents This Holiday Season

Let’s get real: expecting your kids to sit still and flash picture-perfect smiles during a holiday photo session is about as realistic as hoping for a silent car ride with toddlers. It’s just not their nature. Instead of losing your cool when the crankiness kicks in, lean into the chaos.

If your little one decides to go full Grinch, don’t fight it—join the fun! Pose alongside their pout, tantrum, or epic “I’m done with this” face. You’ll capture a moment that’s raw, real, and way more memorable than a sea of forced smiles.

Remember, the holidays are about authenticity (and maybe wine). So, embrace the imperfection and “go all in!” One day, you’ll look back and laugh at how perfectly imperfect your family really is.

Happy snapping! 🎄📸

It's not too late to book your last minute Christmas session. I will be available only on Saturday, December 14th with limited slots. Pricing and booking link here: https://sidelifestudiosllc.pixieset.com/booking/

❄️ Steve Moua

Part II | If you haven't seen the original post of this gallery, check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1Nw...
12/06/2024

Part II | If you haven't seen the original post of this gallery, check it out here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1NwebYYYKa/

When creating this gallery, I envisioned how the aura might manifest and sought to bring that vision to life. I'm grateful for the opportunity to artistically interpret what I see through the lens, while also capturing the essence of a modern-day shaman.

💪 Moua

Multi-family moments are a precious way to honor the threads that weave generations together. Time has a way of catching...
12/05/2024

Multi-family moments are a precious way to honor the threads that weave generations together. Time has a way of catching us off guard, gently reminding us that while we cannot escape its passage, we are gifted the chance to witness the beauty of change—in ourselves and in those we hold dear. Capturing these moments allows us to celebrate family in its most enduring and heartfelt form.

To all the families who entrusted me with preserving your multi-family moments this year, thank you from the bottom of my heart. Coordinating and executing a multi-family session is no small feat—it takes a tremendous amount of effort and planning, both before and during the session.It has been a privilege to share in your joy and connection. I wish you all a future filled with love, health, and happiness.

❤️ Steve Moua

Over the past year, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of a life-changing leadership cohort through the Shannon...
12/04/2024

Over the past year, I had the incredible opportunity to be part of a life-changing leadership cohort through the Shannon Institute of Leadership. While diving into photography and starting my own small business, I also embraced the challenge of introspective growth and personal development. Along the way, I had the privilege of connecting with an amazing group of individuals, including my spiritually gifted colleague Sara, whose presence and insights deeply enriched the experience.

One highlight was capturing headshots in quick five-minute intervals—a fast-paced yet rewarding process. The results? Simply stunning! Sometimes, it’s about embracing simplicity and letting the moment speak for itself. It’s remarkable how powerful the outcomes can be when you focus on the essentials.

Stay tuned as I periodically share more of these five-minute sessions. I can’t wait to showcase the authentic beauty and personality that emerged from each one!

💪 Steve Moua

Part II of this wonderful family's story continues, now with an exciting twist! Capturing their fall session was already...
12/03/2024

Part II of this wonderful family's story continues, now with an exciting twist! Capturing their fall session was already a joy, but the chance to include a surprise announcement about their growing family made it truly unforgettable. The vibrant autumn colors perfectly accented this momentous occasion. Congratulations to the Lee family on the upcoming arrival of their new addition—what a blessing!

P.S. Thanksgiving was such a lovely pause to reflect and celebrate. I hope you all had a warm and joyful holiday! As we wrap up fall sessions, I'm excited to transition into the festive spirit of Christmas photos—stay tuned, there’s more to come!

Thank you for being here and hanging out with me—it means so much!

Cheers!

🫶 Moua

11/28/2024

Happy Thanksgiving!

🎄Christmas Mini's are LIVE!🎄Be sure to book early to get your photos in time for the holiday season! Put on some pajamas...
11/22/2024

🎄Christmas Mini's are LIVE!🎄
Be sure to book early to get your photos in time for the holiday season!
Put on some pajamas, dim the lights and let's get cozy. See attached photos for sample of our indoor woodland wonderland this holiday season!

Packages start at $180 for two people!
Limited spots and weekends this holiday season.
Included with each package is your entire unedited gallery!!!

Package and pricing details are available on my booking link: https://sidelifestudiosllc.pixieset.com/booking/

❄️ Steve Moua

Address

9201 Lexington Avenue N Unit 5C
Circle Pines, MN
55014

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Thank you to everyone that supported my photography adventure in 2024. It means the world to have you part of this community! Here’s a quick recap of some of my favorite portraits taken in 2024! To many more photos in 2025! Cheers and Happy New Year! #sidelifestudios #theothersideofsteve

2nd Annual Hmong Breast Cancer Warriors Photoshoot
2nd Annual Hmong Breast Cancer Warriors Photoshoot

Kicking off October with Breast Cancer Awareness Month! In mid-September, I had the privilege of working with an inspiring group of women from the Hmong community who formed a sisterhood to support one another through their journeys. As I photographed each of them, celebrating moments of joy, laughter, sorrow, and life, I felt deeply honored to witness and receive their powerful stories. A little insert from the Hmong Breast Cancer Warriors group: "Nyob zoo! Welcome to our Hmong Breast Cancer Warriors Group! We started this group in hopes that as a Hmong woman, you are not walking this journey alone. We want this to be your safe space to turn to when you feel like no one gets your story. We want this space to be uplifting, positive and supportive. There is no two story that are identical, but we can all share in your journey and help support each other through this unpredictable time. You are STRONG, you are BEAUTIFUL, you are RESILIENT! We are all in this together. We are here to build each other up." In our community, sharing this level of vulnerability is often seen as taboo, but I believe it's more important than ever. If you or someone you know is seeking support, I encourage you to connect with this group of strong, resilient cancer survivors. They offer camaraderie, support, and sisterhood in a truly meaningful way. I hope this short slide show offers a glimpse of their celebration of life through photography! 🩷 @Steve Moua #sidelifestudios #theothersideofsteve #mnphotographer #localphotographer #BreastCancerAwarenessMonth #Warriors #sisterhood #hmong #courage #celebratinglife

Another sneak peek at a gallery I recently delivered. #sidelifestudios #theothersideofsteve #stolen #summervibes

The moment vs the photos. These gentlemen looking FIRE! #sidelifestudios #theothersideofsteve #hmongreels

I hope these luvbirds love the photos as much as I loved having them do silly things! #sidelifestudios #theothersideofsteve #hmongreels #localphotographer #summervibes #portraitphotography #summerportraits #HmongClothes

She was adamant about taking a photo with her daddy! She’s sooo cute! #sidelifestudios #theothersideofsteve

The moment vs the photo! #sidelifestudios #theothersideofsteve #hmongreels #hmongphotographer #HmongClothes #summerportraits #summervibes

I started my photography journey this year. These are my portraits. #sidelifestudios #hmongreels #theothersideofsteve #hmongphotographer #mnportraitphotographer #mnphotographer

What you vs what I see. #sidelifestudios #theothersideofsteve. #mnphotographer #hmongphotographer #hmongreels

The moment vs the photo! #sidelifestudios #mnportraitphotographer #hmongphotographer #hmongreels

Preview of the last set of photos from this session. #sidelifestudios #theothersideofsteve #mnportraitphotographer #hmongphotographer #mnphotographer

And the winner of my July giveaway is….. watch the reel to find out! Congratulations! 🤟🏼

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