the signature session

maternity • NEWBORN • FAMILY

savor all the best moments

Des Moines Family photographer

A customized portrait experience for maternity, newborn, and family sessions. Available in our studio in Grinnell or on location in the Des Moines metro area and Iowa City.

The majority of our family, newborn, and maternity sessions are photographed by our portrait photographer, Rachael. With over 10+ years of experience photographing families and little ones, she cares deeply about making the experience stress-free for EVERY member of your family.

OUR MISSION

Legacy portraits that live on in your home for a lifetime.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Session planning and wardrobe assistance
  • Complimentary hair & makeup for one family member
  • Full session in studio or on location with Rachael
  • Design & ordering appointment to choose your artwork

Session fee $450
*All artwork is sold separately. Clients typically invest an additional $2000+ on custom artwork, albums, and digital images

BOOK NOW

We strongly recommend booking early. For expectant mothers, reach out at the beginning of your second trimester. For families, we recommend 2-4 months in advance of your preferred season. Read our FAQs below for more info.

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ASKED QUESTIONS

Signature sessions may take place outdoors for families & maternity sessions. Newborn sessions take place indoors either in our beautiful downtown loft studio located in Grinnell, or in our clients’ home. We travel all across Iowa for photo sessions and can recommend locations to help you achieve the look you are going for!

The sooner the better!  Popular fall dates go quickly.  We recommend that expectant mothers reach out at the beginning of your second trimester to schedule maternity and newborn sessions. Family sessions should reach out 2-4 months in advance, but if it’s sooner, don’t hesitate to contact us. We may have an opening!

Every family receives our session style guide and we are happy to make personalized suggestions for you.  I know this can be a stressful part of the process, but I’m here to help!  We love soft neutrals, but if you’re more colorful or funky, GO FOR IT!  

First, don’t worry about the kids.  The more you worry or stress, the harder it gets.  Just trust us, and BE PATIENT.  We’re well versed in capturing even the busiest little ones, and even so, that’s the way they are now!  So let’s not force them to be perfectly still – it wouldn’t be accurate. We’re moms and so we 100% understand that you want that coveted smile-at-the-camera group photo, but also portraits that capture personality of your little ones. Rest assured, we’ve got this!

Our Simplicity session is shorter and only involves ONE person in the photoshoot.  These sessions are perfect for milestones (3,6, 9 month sessions) or a solo-birthday session for that special year you want to commemorate. Our simplicity sessions do not include hair and makeup. We occasionally have expectant mothers book a simplicity session for maternity photos, however most choose a full signature session.

Our Signature family sessions is perfect for annual photos of your entire family.  We’ll get various group combinations, individual photos, LOTS of variety!  This is our most popular option because it gives the most flexibility when choosing dates and locations.

Signature sessions are the only option we offer for newborn sessions. We want you to feel relaxed and not rushed, with plenty of time for feedings and changes.

We are more than willing to travel for your session!  We are dually based in Grinnell and Des Moines, and thus do not charge travel for sessions in either location, or in Iowa City or Pella. Some locations do incur a travel fee, which we are happy to discuss.

They are more than photographers. They genuinely care for you and will make beautiful memories for you.

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