Tag: des moines family photographer

AT HOME • IOWA NEWBORN PHOTOGRAPHY
There’s something quietly magical about those first few months being home with your baby. For this in-home newborn (ish) session, we didn’t need to stage much. Their love filled the room and told the story for us.

Why I Love In-Home Newborn Photography

At-home sessions are different from studio work. They’re slower, softer, and deeply personal. Every creak of the floorboard, every light leak through the curtains, tells your story.

And when baby is wrapped in the blanket Grandma knit or lying on your bed beside the dog, that’s the kind of memory that lasts.

What to Expect from a Newborn Session at Home

While you’re cozied up in your home, here’s how I approach newborn photography:
- I use natural light whenever possible to create that dreamy, nostalgic feeling
- No stiff posing, just gentle direction and storytelling guidance
- Sessions typically last 1–2 hours, with plenty of time for feedings and cuddles
- I focus on authentic, artistic frames that reflect your home and energy.
May 27, 2025
BRENNAN FAMILY • IOWA CITY FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHER • LAKE MACBRIDE

Families dancing in the sun, doing their thing, maybe a little bit of chaos. I LOVE THAT. An outdoor family session out by the lake – sometimes Iowa can be really beautiful, but a sweet family and a sunset – perfection. The Brennan family and I met way back last year for their really super hot extended family session – like HOT as in we were melting, but they’re a pretty fire family too! I absolutely love when families come back year after year (I’ve only been doing this a few years, but stiiiilll.) A perfect first day of fall session – we met at Lake Macbride and the five-o errr quint family and I just hung out and played. I have one child, but I’d like to think that I know generally how kids will behave during sessions. I will tell you, 8/10 they’re not going to just sit and smile and do what you say. The stakes are high, folks. Come ready to play and cuddle and DO – we gotta figure out what sweet & unique ways your family smiles together. Come as you are and I will capture that.

October 14, 2020
Terhune Family • Iowa Family Photographer

Giggling little girls, weeping willows, and two parents in love – all the makins for a perfect night. in APRIL. I got a little bit behind on blogging (again. such is life), but I have made some 2019 half year goals and some new strategies to share MORE photos and some oldies. This session feels like years ago. It was one of those first new nights of spring where it was just starting to get a little bit more warmer outside. You know, the perfect weather that we don’t get near enough of here in Iowa. Now it’s almost unbearably hot and I’m waiting for this weather again! I so so enjoy working with this family. I first photographed them when Brooke, their youngest, was just a little one barely sitting up. My favorite thing about photographing Leah & Brooke is how different they are from each other. Leah comes forth with confidence and joyous energy and is the life of the party, while younger sister is a little bit harder to open up – but when she does – just the most contagious little laugh. Enjoy some of my favorites from their session!

July 8, 2019
NICKI + PAT • Iowa Engagement & Wedding Photographer

I have been waiting to post this session just so I can brag about how amazing their wedding is going to be. Which is TOMORROW!! :) And 150% can guarantee that these two, Nicki & Pat, are going to have THEEE wedding. Maybe I’m biased. Boho, lights, love, greenery, a victorian home (THEIR HOME!), and the cutest wedding attendants (Probably gonna get shown up by their cutie son, Otto, NBD) – can you say perfect?

Nicki & Pat are both personal friends of me and my family’s and to be able to help capture such special moments, with special attributes like their home & a bar they fell in love with – makes my heart explode. Seeing two strong people in love who are more powerful together as a couple is what this world needs. These photos were taken way back in FEB and to see how far I’ve come even with my own personal photography grown since then is also amazing. Enjoy a little mix of some family & engagement photos with my favorite family.

May 30, 2019