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little ones grow up so incredibly fast
From toddlers and teens, family sessions are the best way to capture those fleeting years.
Family sessions are a great way to freeze a moment in time. They capture that time when your son still gleefully gives his mama sloppy kisses. They capture that time when your daughter still giggles uncontrollably when twirling around in her favorite skirt. They even capture that time when your moody teenager rolls her eyes at the idea of a family photo shoot (but secretly doesn't mind shopping for it or being treated like a model for an hour).
I absolutely love shooting family sessions. I'm a high-energy person so I don't mind chasing little ones around and letting them go wild a bit. I do like to make sure we get a few posed family portraits (you know those are the ones that Grandma wants) and then we relax and I look for beautiful candid moments to round out the session.
Family Sessions & Pricing
Family sessions include all the members of your immediate family and are priced at $400. This session includes 40+ edited, high-res digital images delivered to you via an online gallery, with full printing rights.
Milestone Sessions & Pricing
Milestone sessions are great for capturing a special birthday or a mommy-and-me moment. Milestone sessions are limited to 1-2 family members and are priced at $250. This session includes 20+ edited, high-res digital images delivered to you via an online gallery, with full printing rights.
Available Dates
Due to Iowa weather, sessions usually take place from May - October. If you’re interested in a session outside of that time frame, please email me for availability.
You can use the calendar below to find a date that works well for your family. Once booked, I’ll follow up with questions and details.
*Payment is not required upon booking. Invoices will be sent at the time of your session
and photo gallery will not be released until paid in full.*
FAQs
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FAQs ?
How long will the session last?
I always plan for about 60 minutes, however, I usually clock in around 30-45 minutes. Most kiddos do best moving fast and getting things done quickly! However, some kiddos need some extra time to warm up. I don’t enforce any strict time limits.
What should I bring?
Just yourself! I don’t recommend outfit changes for a family session. But if you want to throw on a jacket or hat for some variety, that is totally fine. If your kiddo has a special item (lovey/stuffie, etc) that you want in the pictures, please feel free to bring it.
What will you provide?
I usually bring a small selection of seating options (a blanket, a stool/chair, a bench, etc). You’ll notice from my photos, I don’t include lot of ‘props’ in my sessions.
I also have some little treats handy to bribe kiddos into smiles when needed!
What should we wear?
The most anxiety-producing part of a photo shoot is deciding what everyone should wear! I got your back. Check out the blog post below for my best advice and some inspiration photos from real families that I’ve captured over the years.
OMG - What do I wear for Family Photos?
Also, many of my clients will lay out their outfits and take a quick photo and text it to me for feedback. I’m always happy to lend input as needed!
Where will the photo shoot take place?
All photo shoots will take place ‘on location’. That means a park or area around Central Iowa. It can also mean a location special to you! But I do not have an indoor studio. Once your session is booked, I’ll follow up via email regarding location selection. In the meantime, check out these blog posts for a peek at some of my favorite places to shoot!
The Top 4 Locations in Des Moines for Photo Shoots
The 3 Best Parks around Des Moines for Family Photos
Can I include my dog?
Yes, but please plan on the dog only being in a handful of family photos and plan accordingly. That may mean needing to bring along an extra tie-out to secure the dog during the remainder of the session or asking a friend/family member to help out.
When/how will I receive my photos? Will you print them for me?
You will receive your edited, high-res, digital prints via an online gallery about 2-3 weeks after your invoice is paid in full. While I don’t provide any printing services, I’m happy to provide insight and recommendations so you have the best printed products on display in your home!