Meet Jaeden

This little man is the sweetest little thing. At 4 weeks... he made the session a breeze. I will let the images speak for themselves!

I just LOVE this shot!!

Look at those lips...
and full head of curly hair!

Even though I told dad that Jaeden sleeping was great.. he kept whispering to him.. waaakkke up! Luckily he listened to me! ;)


Esha, you look fabulous!

Zach, Anna + Nate

This was my last crew from my trip to Des Moines. They were so much fun.... and by that I mean, I had a blast and I think they did too. They laughed the whole time... and got along with each other so well. These guys were also a part of my first visit to Des Moines. They all remembered me.. Zach even noticed my hair color was different!!! 

These guys are definitely the type of kiddos where I get lots of candid shots. I give them an ounce of direction and they run with it. 

I love their slight differences in their facial expressions.
Completely candid. I was cracking up.
 I absolutely adore this shot of Zach and his little brother, Nate.
Oh Anna, being a sweet older sister.
The handsome, Zach. This was completely NOT posed. He was playing around with Nate and just happened to be in a perfect position... called his name.. and this is the look I got. What a stud!
Anna had this great green coat that I want in my size. It was the perfect color for her. She is such a goof ball and a bundle of energy. 
Nate has grown up so much since I saw him last. Still as cute as can be. Great color for him. Good job, mom.
This last shot is one of my absolute favorites. I had these guys running back and forth and they could not stop giggling. I would count...1.......2......3.....GOOOOOOO!!!!!! They got a kick out of it.

I love their little tongues sticking out. Such a great candid shot.
Lori, I am so happy I got a chance to see you guys again. I was so impressed they remembered me! Makes me feel like I am making some type of impact on them. 

The fashionable Solinger Family

These are long standing clients of mine. I photographed Ari+Joe's wedding several years ago. They were actually in the first weddings I shot... and have followed me along my growth of my photography business. They are so fun to work with, trusting in my ideas, and great friends.

This year's family session went so well and I couldn't be happier with the turn out. Great light.. outstanding clothing choices.. and kids with a mind of their own.

Jet, the oldest boy, found a caterpillar who became instantly attached to. His little sister, Jenica was so intrigued and wanted to hold it too. As soon as I placed it in her hands and it began to creep and crawl.. she tossed it. I don't think she was expecting the little legs crawling on her :) It was so cute. When it was finally time to move on, Jet was quite upset that we had to leave the caterpillar in his home.

I loved this shot that came from it. 
Jet is such a sweetheart.
The fashionable princess, Jenica. This little one has a mind of her own. She likes to do things her way. Typically her was is hilarious and makes for some great shots. Ari.. this is the cutest dang outfit.. I can't even stand it!
Is she not the cutest thing ever with those blue eyes and curls?? AND.. she kept that hat on pretty much the whole time! 
The baby of the group is Jack. Such a bundle of energy and such a happy kid. He just recently turned one and is now walking on his own. This is sooo Jack. He reaches his little hands out and opens and closes them with that big grin on his face. 
Ari+Joe, Thank you for being such great clients. I can't tell you how much I appreciate you. These two have a phenomenal dental business.. and they went out of their way to do a little work on my teeth while I was in town. While I am not a fan of the dentist, as most aren't,  Joey was  the best dentist by far.  Even got to watch a movie while they worked on me! Thanks Guys!

The Grown & Mature Addie & Hannah

I met these ladies on my first trip into Des Moines. They were absolutely hilarious and completely goofy. They are growing up, more mature and a little more fierce in their looks :)

Come on Addie.. don't hesitate to smile!

I love this mature look from Hannah. Stylish hair cut & dramatic long lashes.


Loved this old yellow trailer.. and a great shot of Addie.
I did finally get Hannah to laugh a bit.. she did think I was crazy though.. This trailer was rght around the corner from a local gas station and she didn't to be seen posing outside of "Casey's Gas". As I laughed, I promised her no one could see her.. and it was worth it.
These are the girls the last time I saw them.  They are just a tad more grown up now... and a little too cool to be this lovie dovie :)

The More the Merrier

When mom told the kids they were going to "get their pictures taken", the oldest boys turned to the younger and said, "Make sure you are good for mom." Mom quickly let them know that this was not going to be the same experience as every other they have had. "You guys get to play, and she is going to take pictures of you." They all  looked at her quite strange. They got out of the car and looked at me with a sense of confusion. I let them know we were going to have a good time. It is amazing to me when I see kids who are so used to the cookie cutter style of having their photos taken that they dread it. Hopefully I changed their minds!

This family recently lost their dad in a plane accident. Their youngest, and only girl, was 2 months away from making her debut and meeting her brothers and daddy. This oldest guy, Brayden, insisted on being with his mom while she gave birth to their baby girl. He held her hand the whole time. With that said.. Brayden has a special place in his heart for his little sister Ella.
Meet Justin. Fun, goofy.. and a very mature, serious look :)
Keenan...a little more shy than the older boys, loves to do what they do, and very goofy.
Ethan...  oh Ethan :) Ethan is the shy, quiet one of the bunch. He has his moments of goofiness, but does not like all eyes on him. This seemed to be quite the fitting look for him.
The sweet baby girl, Ella. Energetic, fun and independent.. Ella has her own little personality and doesn't mind wandering off a bit by herself. BUT, as soon as she sees her brothers doing something fun... she is all in!
I love this shot of the boys hanging out. Has a very vintage feel.

Ella has this hilarious face she does all the time.. I love everyone's expression here.
So fun!
Heather, Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your family. Your kids are a blast!

Hangin' with The Jennett Family

A perfect eve, tall grass, and a totally kick back family. Nothing could have ended my Saturday of shooting better than that. These guys were so great. They were cracking me up singing some song at this point. :)

I love when families aren't afraid to get close.
I don't even think this image was directed.. but it ended up being so cute.
Awww... gotta love the girls pickin' on their brother.
He does love it deep... deep down :)
Casual. Love it.
This was Ellie walking back to the car. The light hit just right.
Jennett Family.. Thank you for having me at your home, and for being creative with locations to shoot close to you. More to come soon!

Ally:Senior

World, 

Get ready for this senior. Smart. athletic. creative. fashionable. and ROCKIN'! Fashion design +graphic design will be what Ally pursues in college next year. I hope they are ready for her :)

Every senior takes a bit to warm up and feel themselves. For some reason this alley warmed Ally right up.. ;) She started completely workin' it. Ally, her mom and I were all cracking up as she worked it through this random city alleyway. So many great looks. 

Great job Ally.. I hope this felt like a fashion shoot vs a boring posie pose session :)