Dress for the Sesh: Engagement Photos!

Are you planning your engagement photos and wondering what to wear? Sometimes it can be overwhelming when trying to come up with 2 or 3 outfits for not just you, but your fiancé as well! Today, I'm going to share some tips about dressing for your engagement photos—with some examples from my past couples! (And I might just throw in a few things I'd love to see on my brides and grooms this summer during engagement portraits! I love styling, and most likely your photographer does as well, so always feel free to ask for advice or feedback before a session!)

1. Do dress up! This is one time where you can get as fancy as you want, and have good photos to prove it! ;) Go big or go home, right? Plus, most of my couples have at least two outfits (sometimes three!) to wear for their engagement session. Bring a formal outfit, and then something a little more casual or even everyday—I can guarantee it'll add some confidence to be dressed up and looking good! Ladies, consider a longer (formal or not!) dress for one of your outfits. They're classy, elegant, and look good on anyone. Plus for us shorter gals, they make us look a little taller. ;) Pair them with an awesome pair of heels or wedges & bam! You'll look amazing!

BONUS! I'd LOVE to see one of my brides wear this for an epic engagement shoot this summer! Click on the image—it's from Lulu's and would be a stunning buy!

2. Do accessorize! I love when gals incorporate a favorite scarf, hat, blazer, or statement necklace! It just adds a fun "pop" of color & fun! For guys, watches, ties, suspenders, hats, or even vests or blazers (we'll get to that in a minute!) are some great ideas. 

(Above, Brittney did a great job of wearing bright sandals, a complementary cardigan, & simple but standout necklace! You could modify this even more, and the guy could wear a patterned shirt to add even more style.)

BONUS IDEA: incorporate a blanket, or other fun prop! This neutral-toned blanket was perfect for warm snuggles. 

3. Don't try to match…but do complement with your outfits! You can tie in the same colors with various prints and accessories…or you can choose complementing colors and prints. Also, neutral colors are "in" right now (minimal and all that) which I personally like wearing (espeically in the winter)—but if you pick neutral/dark colors for one outfit, maybe pick something with fun color for your second!

(Above, Rachel and Nick's outfits are some of my favorites—and this was a few years ago! The vibrant colors and mixed patterns they chose were so fun and played well off of each other.)

Note: Be careful with really thin stripes or checks. They sometimes photograph weird! Lauren's shirt was just fine, and I also highly suggest pairing patterns (like plaid, floral, or polka-dots) with solids or other prints for added texture (instead of just wearing plain t-shirts)!

4. Utilize layers! Especially if you're shooting in the early morning (when it can be cool), a jacket, blazer, vest, or even a flannel can be just the thing. I've yet to have one of my grooms wearing a blazer, but I've seen it done & it can bring a whole new level of class! (Maybe that will change this summer...)

5. Be YOU! Pull in pieces that photograph well, but also reflect your personality, fashion sense, and interests! Make sure to wear clothing that makes you feel confident. So, don't wear a strapless dress if they make you feel uncomfortable! Also, know what flatters your body type and coloring. If you're a redhead, probably don't wear pink. If you're like me, I know that my skin tone is more yellow than pink & bright yellow is just a weird color for me. Also, in general, more fitted clothing is more flattering! 

That's it for now! What did you find helpful? What questions do you still have?! I would LOVE to hear your thoughts/questions in the comments—leave one below! And for you families and seniors, I'll be posting a similar blog post in the near future!

With love,
Amelia
 

Ames Prairie Moon Winery Wedding: K & J

“Touch my soul and hold it tight
I’ve been waiting all my life
I won’t scar your young heart
Just take my hand.”

— Tori Kelly

Oh, where to begin! These two. Katie and Jake met at Iowa State through the same campus ministry. At first glance, they appeared opposites. He was, through and through, a farm boy. She was also from a small town, but had dreams of moving overseas. Jake is tall. Katie is …not short, but not as tall as Jake. ;) Jake started off quiet, Katie's personality matches her brilliant hair. 

However, the Lord had plans for these two! Katie recruited Jake to go overseas one summer (to Mongolia!). They started hanging out, talking, and the mutual interest grew. Surprise, surprise—they started dating. And got engaged! And that brings us to a month ago. March 18, 2017. The day Katie and Jake married, surrounded by their family and best friends…including a few from around the world! It was a day to celebrate…but first…everyone had to get dolled (and guy'd) up. :)

Next up: the first look. Oh, it was sweet! Also, even though the sun was harsh and the wind just as harsh (in a cold way)…we found a spot at the reception location, Prairie Moon Winery in Ames, and it was just perfect for the big reveal!

On to bridal party portraits! I am going to be real—March is a hard month to make pretty portraits. Everything is still dead, and you don't know if it'll be warm or snowing. I knew campus would at least provide us a few options for open shade, and some evergreens. Iowa State's campus is never a bad choice…it's always gorgeous! ;)

We headed back to warm up inside (it doesn't look it, but it there was a bitter wind.) The musicians began to warm up, the girls put finishing touches back on their makeup, and the ceremony began!

Post-ceremony, everyone heading next door to Prairie Moon. White Willow did an amazing job with the decor—all the greens and white tones were perfect. Katie & Jake's wedding party also did a great job on their entrances. (After being a bridesmaid in 3 weddings, I can attest to how hard it is to come up with fun things to do in the two seconds you think about it before walking in front of 300 people!!)

Cake cutting. Jake's mom put (plastic) spiders in their cake. It was great!

We snuck out to grab a few more portraits in the golden light, around the winery. I narrowed it down, but it was hard! These two rocked it.

Oh—you thought we were done? NOT EVEN CLOSE! Y'all …these two are getting about twice what I normally give out for weddings! This is a new record for me, blogging-wise, and otherwise. Maybe I'm just going to overshoot my 2017 weddings this year? Bring it! Too much pretty!

Vendor Details
Ceremony: Christ Community Ames
Reception: Prairie Moon Winery
Catering: Hickory Park
Videography: Jason & Emily Stuhrenberg
Katie's Dress: Orange City Chrysalis
Bridesmaid's Dresses: Sarah Wood
Event Coordinator: Taylor H. at White Willow Events
 

Greenhouse Portraits | Jordyn

Where better to go when you want it to be spring, but Iowa isn't quite over winter, than a greenhouse!? I stumbled upon this darling Antiques & Greenhouse shop last summer—it is full to the rafters (literally) with treasures! This sweet space is the only place I buy my succulents (and they've got plenty of mugs and pots to pick from, too). If you ever need a place to wander and relax…or are looking to purchase some plants or fresh flowers, give them a try. Apparently, they have baby goats and ponies in the springtime…I'm hoping to go back and give them a visit soon!

Jordyn cultivates such a unique style. It's very "skater/minimalist/artist" and I just knew the Greenhouse would provide a beautiful contrast to her style. This was our first time working together on a shoot, but Jordyn was fantastic. I'm hoping we can collaborate again in the future! 

I'm now booking Senior Portraits for the Class of 2018! If you want to take part in your own unique shoot, connect with me via email.

Prairie Moon Wedding Photography | Sneak Peek

I can't wait to share a full blog post of highlights from Katie and Jake's wedding day at Prairie Moon Winery in Ames! 

Little Man

“A baby is born with a need to be loved - and never outgrows it.”

— Frank. A. Clark

I spent an afternoon with this sweet little guy. His dark curls snagged my heart the first second I saw him, and we had the best of times together! Babies are truly my first and greatest love, so it a treat to get to know this one. He is definitely loved & the sweetest thing! If you have a baby (or babies!) I'd love to spend time playing with them, snuggling them, and maybe even photographing them!!

Winter Reads

This winter hasn't been ideal for reading, in that it has been so warm! I could have used a few more snowstorms to ensure a cozy reading day…or two. Good thing that hasn't stopped me yet! The local public library is probably one of the most dangerous places for me. I could spend all day there, reading my time away. Growing up, my dad would always say, "You can waste your whole life watching movies." It's true. I know I could do that! But it's even easier for me to spend all my time reading. I have to be careful! It's been a learning process, and now I know to only get a few books at a time. Otherwise, bedtime gets pushed back until way too late!

Anyhow, maybe you're looking for some book recommendations. If that's the case, you're at the right place! I've been reading a mix of literature and non-fiction. Comment if you've read one of these books…or if you have any suggestions for my next trip to the library! And keep an eye out for my mini-reviews on Instagram, using the hashtag #ameliareneereads!

1. First up, "And the Mountains Echoed" by Khaled Hosseini. Oh my. This book was fantastic. I found it on the Book Club shelf, and my eyes gravitated to it after realizing the author wrote "The Kite Runner." (I read that over the summer on my way to Mongolia, and am still trying to get the guts to watch the film.) I loved the mystery of not knowing the characters at the beginning, the interwoven stories, and the bittersweet ending. This book also covers many years, which helps me understand the history of war-ravaged Afghanistan (alongside a few of the other books you'll see below!)

2. Oh my—"The Dressmaker of Khair Khana" by Gayle Lemmon. This is one of the two non-fiction book I've decided to highlight! It's written so well, you'd think it was a novel. When the Taliban took over Kabul in 1996, overnight life changed for women. They were unable to work outside the home and attend school. This is the incredible true story of women who fought for their livelihoods, families, and freedom. An inspiring story, Kamila (the dressmaker) is a woman who changed her neighborhood and world.

3. There might be a theme in my reading tastes lately, huh? ;) This is another true story—biography style. I read this book FAST, and really want to re-read it again, more slowly. "Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus" is the fascinating story of a young man who grew up in a conservative Muslim home. Over many years, through conversations, and research (in which he discovers hard things about his background) he comes to a point of asking this key question: "Who are you, Lord?" 

4. I'd been wanting to read this book for a long time, on the Instagram recommendation of another photographer! Last time I'd checked, the Ames Public Library didn't have it. Stumbling on "Station Eleven" in the Book Club section, I was more than thrilled! I'm a fan of post-apocalyptic literature, so this was right up my alley. However, it felt a lot more realistic than some! Emily St. John Mandel writes in a back & forth way between characters, allowing you to see multiple sides and yet not understand the full picture until the end. Wonderful for keeping you on the edge of your seat!

Portraits in Ames, IA | Amber

Weather has been on the warmer side of things lately, and so Amber and I took the opportunity to shoot some portraits. Amber had completely warmed up by the end of our time together, and I just love so many of the photos from her session! Also, is she not super stylish!? ;)

Thanks to Iowa State for the beautiful spaces (seriously in love with all the trees on this campus!!!). See if you can spot the campaneile hiding behind some of those gorgeous evergreens towards the end!

Sneak Peek: Amber!

I shot some portraits of the lovely Amber a little over a week ago, and I'm thrilled with how they turned out! She's adorable & was just charming in front of the camera. Be on the lookout for more soon! 

I'm booking senior portrait sessions for this summer! I adore photographing seniors, so feel free to connect with me via my contact page. Ames, Cedar Falls, Des Moines and beyond—I'm your gal!

Autumn Family Photos in Cedar Falls, Iowa

This family came into my life last summer (2015) and I'm SO glad for that! Emily and Rich are just wonderful people, and when I found out they were expecting, I was thrilled. Their little girl was born this summer, and I finally got to meet her when we photographed some family portraits in Cedar Falls during the fall. It was a little wet, but the trees were gorgeous & they modeled perfectly! Cheers to blogging photos 5 months late. ;)

Stomping Grounds in Ames

Morganne and I spent a few hours chatting, reading, journaling, and shooting at Stomping Grounds last week before classes started up and the influx of students filled up all the cafes in town. Maybe someday, I'll share some video of our adventure. ;) But for now, here's a few stills!

Layflat Wedding Album

Digital photos are wonderful. They're easy to share, transport, manage. However, nothing can replace printed images. The art of printed photos, scrapbooks, and albums has gone by the wayside in lieu of CD's, flashdrives, and online sharing. It's a shame!

I can't fix or change that. And honestly, I wouldn't really want to! However, I hope to offer my clients the chance to have high quality, long-lasting, and beautiful albums to display for years to come. These albums will be cherished on wedding anniversaries, or after a fight when better times need to be remembered. They'll be pulled out to show their children as they recant how they met, got engaged, and the day they said, "I do." 

I'm so excited to now offer high quality albums to my clients! They definitely exceed anything you can get on snapfish. ;) It was so much fun to design this one for the Freemans, who married last summer in Des Moines, and I wanted to give you all a peek into their wedding album. It's never too late to order one—even if your wedding was 5 years ago, I'd love to create one for you! Or, if you are getting married in 2017, add one to your photography package!
It will be worth it…I promise!

I forgot to get a good photo of the cover, so excuse the one of it in the box! Don't you just love the beautiful grey fabric? It reminded me of the groomsmen's suits from the wedding day! Also, take note of how well it lays flat when open (below).

Ahhhh! If I had an album of my own, I'd never stop looking at it. (Insert heart eyes emoji here!) It's my dream that someday, all my clients will insist on these in their photography packages. How could you not? ;) 

PS! I still have openings this summer and fall! If you are getting married in Ames, Cedar Falls, Des Moines or beyond and looking for a wedding photographer… shoot me an email and let's talk! I can't wait to create more beautiful images of wonderful weddings. 

Maddy & Steven

You know couples trust you when they agree to take their engagement photos outside…during the winter! Maddie and Steven both grew up in Cedar Falls, started dating in high school (I actually got to take both of their senior photos!), and have been attending UNI the past few years. Steven proposed to Maddy this fall, just down the street from Cup of Joe, where we started off their engagement photos. I'm so excited for their August wedding, which will certainly be much warmer than their engagement session! ;) Enjoy a few of my favorite photos!

2017 Goals & Dreams

Ok. I have to be honest with you all.

I am in no way ready for 2017. (And, oops, we are 5 days into 2017 already!)
Thankfully, as Lara Casey puts it, "There's nothing special about January 1st." 

2017 brings excitement, as any new thing does. It is shiny and sparkly—full of gold balloons and noise poppers and bubbly champagne. But then the party ends. Friends bundle up and head into the dark morning. And you climb into your bed under extra blankets and wonder…what will this year be? 2017, for me, will be full of changes. What changes? Well, I'm not entirely sure at this point! Which is ok.

The learning curve in your 20's is steep, or so they tell me. So far, I've moved out of my parents' home, transferred from a local college to a state university, legally set up my photography business, graduated university, started a job in full time campus ministry, and turned 25. The past two years, specifically, have been truly growing. I've learned so much about who I am, how I'm wired, and ultimately…that I need to follow Jesus daily. Life after college is so different, and even though I'm still connected to college students for my job, my life is really in a different stage and thus, I have different needs. We are not made to live in college forever, wandering and wondering about our purpose.  

2017 holds a lot of unknowns. My full time ministry commitment comes to an end late this spring, leaving summer open and full of questions. People and sharing life & Jesus with them has a huge part of my heart. I want to continue on that path, but I am unsure what that looks like. Will I stay in Ames? Will I use writing and media for mobilizing to the nations? Will I actually make it full time in photography? I don't know! That stresses me out, y'all. BUT, it is also a wonderful place to be. It's a place for dreaming. Asking questions. And praying for answers. So, with that, I have dreamed up some goals for this new year, both personal and business, and am sharing them with you today!

 

2017 GOALS

PERSONAL

• Drink (and eat) healthier. I know it seems like everyone says this, but it's valid! I don't normally drink pop, but I want to replace it with sparkling or regular water, or milk if possible. Family history shows me that I neeeeed to make sure I'm getting enough calcium, even as an adult woman. So, milk it will be! Eating wise, I'm going to keep healthier snacks around the apartment (like carrots or green pepper slices.) Also, bonus! I'll be blogging some of my favorite healthy-but-cheap meals this year, so keep an eye out for that!
• Spend less. One of my favorites, Hannah B, fasted from shopping last January-March. I want to intentionally spend my dollars, and more importantly, my time. The most valuable thing we have is time! So, this month, shopping goes bye-bye. Groceries are fine, and maybe a new pair of running shoes (mine are at least 5 years old!) so that I can do goal 3…
• Exercise regularly. 3 times a week would be ideal! Our apartment complex includes a small gym, and with that a 3 minute walk away, I really don't have any excuses! Stationary bikes are my jam, so I hope to bike, run, and do abs a minimum of three times weekly this month…but hopefully the entire spring semester! (EDIT: I'm 2 for 2 this week so far! Sore, but worth it.)
• Be present (aka less social media). Social media plays a big part in both of my jobs. And I love it! Sometimes, it can hurt more than help. 2017 will be the year I start to cut back. I'm setting limits to how long I can browse Instagram and Facebook, which will allow me to be present with people around me, and grow in creativity. I'll also be logged out, except for specific times for work or fun breaks. Instead of Instagraming every waking moment, I want to adventure more, cook new things, read more books, try new art forms, listen to more live music, & hold more babies. [My words for the year? Pursue and Cultivate! Inspired by the desire to be present, to create, and to chase after what matters.]
• Live generously. Ann Voskamp's book One Thousand Gifts worked some things out in my heart. Not to mention, I read it when I was fundraising my full salary to come on ministry staff. It's been a hard and humbling two years, but also wonderful! And joy filled! I want to continue to grow in generosity—not just financially, but with my words, time, and giftings.

BUSINESS

• Shoot more. I really want to grow this year in my style and technique! This means, say yes more. To lifestyle sessions, family photos, alll the seniors (if you know high school juniors who will need senior photos this year PLEASE shoot me a note!) and of course, engagement/weddings. Also, I've been wanting to explore the arena of styled sessions. This year might be that time
• Explore video. Videography has been a huge obsession of mine, but I've never seriously dedicated time to it. That changes now. (Literally, actually. This afternoon I will be heading off to shoot video. For fun!) If you want to see a few videos I've already created, check out my vimeo.
• Collaborate with other artists. I'm not sure what this looks like, honestly. I just want to do this. So, if you are a photographer or artist in Des Moines, Ames, Cedar Falls, or even someplace else…let's talk! 
• Book 10 weddings, minimum. This is SO scary to put out there! But if one of my goals is to move towards being a full-time photographer, this needs to happen. So far, I've officially booked (contact signed & deposit down!) 3 weddings. Shoutout to all you newly engaged folks! I've still got spots available in May, June, July, August, September, and into the fall. ;)
• Second shoot. I'd love to second for other local photographers out there. Hit me up if you need an extra pair of hands to carry bags and snag alternate shots!

Whew! That's a lot. (And I'm sure I've forgotten to write up a few things here.) 2017 might just be my craziest, busiest, scariest year yet. However, I know that Jesus goes before me in all things and that He will provide all that I need. It may not be the way I expect, but it will make me more like Him, and ultimately, that's my biggest prayer for 2017. As I journaled last night, "Would you use this work to sanctify me, to make me more like you?" I have no doubt that, wherever this year goes, He will do that. :)

What are your goals and dreams for this year? I'd love to hear them!
Amelia

Katie & Jake | Ames Engagement

It's no secret that I LOVE red hair! My mom, great uncle, and many cousins have variations of red hair and growing up I always wished that I had inherited that. (Secretly hoping that someday I'll marry someone with the genes & we'll end up with a bunch of redheaded kiddos….;) But, that's not really important! The reason you're all here is because Katie and Jake are engaged!
Although Katie is a redhead (with some serious long & gorgeous locks!), that's not the real reason I adore her. She's genuine. This gal knows how to work hard, love well, have fun, and be passionate about what matters. Jake complements her well—he's a "farmboy" with a great work ethic, yet cares deeply for the people around him, and isn't afraid to speak the truth in love. The Lord has worked through these two as individuals to impact so many students at Iowa State, and now they're heading out to Colorado to start married life together! Their wedding is in March and will be gorgeous, no doubt…Katie studied event management, and I can't wait for their beautiful day ahead.

Autumn Reads

Growing up, it was a real good bet that you'd find me with my nose in a book. We went to the library regularly, and I could never leave with under 10 new pieces of literature. In fact, I wanted to be a librarian when I grew up! (Still kinda do…)
As an adult, it's been important for me to learn how to rest in my time off. I love watching movies and television, but honestly, that isn't the best way to rest. A lot of my life requires me to be on a computer, camera, or phone screen. So, resting in other ways is really, really healthy. And fun! It's been amazing to get a new library card. I've used it multiple times, and have no plans to stop. ;) For those of you who also enjoy a good book, here's a list of a few of my recent "reads"…maybe you'll enjoy them, too!

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1. A Homemade Life by Molly Wizenberg (blogger at Orangette). This book was one of my favorites! I'm considering checking it out again, just to make some of the recipes inside. Molly crafted it with class and taste, and it's a great example of a creative non-fiction work. Find this at your library if you enjoy food & memoir-style books. 

2. Madeleine L'Engle has been a favorite author of mine since I re-read A Wrinkle in Time in late elementary school. The Ames library doesn't have many of her works, but this one was perfect for a lazy weekend with a few mugs of tea. Certain Women ties together family, love, mystery, & art in classic L'Engle style.

3. At Home in Mitford is the first in a series by Jan Karon. I actually picked up the first one for $.50 at a local thrift shop last year & fell in love! So far, I've read about four of the books in the series. These are sweet and easy reads, bringing in faith, a little mystery, and lots of good fun!

4. Seven by Jen Hatmaker turned out to be so much better than I'd imagined! I seriously laughed and cried through it, and was also really challenged to think through where my time and money go. I'm not sure that I could pull something like this off…but I have some practical fasting goals for this year, in part inspired by this book!

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There you go! A few books to look into, if any of them sound like your kind of read. I would love to hear what books you have read lately! What books do you suggest for me this spring? Leave your ideas in the comments below! 

-Amelia

Year in Review

Here we are, just a few short days away from the end of 2016 and ready to jump into 2017. The fresh start of a new year never seemed to be a big deal for me growing up, perhaps due to the school year's dominance in academic life. This year feels different. I'm not sure why, because I still live very much in the academic year (hello, college ministry!). Maybe it is due to the fact that I'm older. Paying taxes and thinking about insurance and all that! Whatever it is, I'm feeling very excited to jump forward in 2017. Just even typing those numbers — 2017 — makes me happy. Don't they look so clean & lovely!? It's almost like anticipating a clean, white snowfall. Fresh. Glistening. Ready to be explored.

That's not why we're here, though! This post is to look back. Reflect on 2016 & all the sweetness that it has been. To soak up the last few minutes, rejoice in all that has been and not been, and be thankful. So, here's to you! My friends & not-yet-friends. Those who faithfully read along here, and to you who randomly clicked on this post. And of course…to all my wonderful clients! I am so truly grateful for each of you. It means so much to me to that time and time again, couples, families, and seniors would choose to invest their time, energy, money, and memories to me and my camera! I am truly honored to be a part of your lives in this way. Thank you for trusting me as I grow in artistic ability, in passion, and as a person.

Here are some of my favorite moments, captures, and sessions from 2016. Enjoy!

If you know of anyone looking for a wedding or portrait photographer (or you are yourself!), connect with me via my contact page! I serve the Cedar Falls, Ames, Des Moines areas… and love to travel! So if you're looking for a Colorado or Minnesota or Hawaii wedding photographer, I might be your gal. :)

Colorado | Summit 4

The only thing that can really truly capture (and share) my love of Colorado would be a sound bite of me, squealing with joy at high-pitched frequencies. So, I will spare your ears the probable pain and instead share some photos (much more appealing to the senses!) of my brief time in Colorado for my fourth Edge Summit. I hardly pulled my camera out, but did snag a few photos with two of my good friends out at Garden of the Gods…and a few more at a coffee shop in town. 

I'm in love with The Principal's Office. It's in an old schoolhouse (Ivywild) that has been purchased and re-created into the neatest space for creatives! My kind of hang. ;) They've got a great assortment of drinks…you could hit them up for your breakfast cup of joe, and then head back in the evening for your after-dinner drinks! Definitely check them out if you're in the Springs.

Also, I'm seeing so many proposals happenin' out there these days! Tis the season for engagements…which means that wedding season is coming up fast. :) I'm still booking 2017 weddings, and have room for some bookings yet this summer and fall! Shoot me a note on my contact page if you are getting married this next year. Or, if you have a friend who just got engaged, I'd be honored if you would share my website with them! I would LOVE to photograph not just midwest weddings, but weddings in other states as well… like Colorado! ;)

Be on the lookout for some fun "end of the year" posts!

Selena & Josh | wedding photos!

November can be a gorgeous month, especially on sunny days. This November was unseasonably warm. All the way until Selena & Josh's wedding, that is! Thursday we had weather in the 60's, but Saturday was mostly in the 30's and pretty windy to boot. The bridal party put up with me begging them to head outside for photos, and were such troopers! The light really was gorgeous, and I'm thankful we made it happen. :) 

This wedding was simple and sweet. So many dear friends came to see these two married off, and laughter reverberated through the sanctuary and reception hall the entire day! A few moments that I loved were Selena's first look with her dad…and the cake cutting. ;) Scroll along to see for yourself!

Aamodt Family | Ankeny Family Session

I get a lot of people these days asking me if I photograph babies. The answer is: not often. But, it's always a treat to! My favorite way to photograph little ones is within the context of their family. Parents, siblings, those who love them most—surrounding them with moments of love! So it was a pure joy to escape to Ankeny in October to practice my family photography and make photos with this cutie & her parents! Thank you, crazy fall weather, for giving us a perfect evening with golden light and magic floating about in the warm breeze. 

PSA: I am, in fact, booking for 2017! If you're interested in connecting about proposal photos, wedding photos, or anything else…consider me your gal & shoot me a note via my contact page! I pretty much serve anywhere in Iowa (and I LOVE to travel!). Happy Thanksgiving, friends!