menuX
Haverlee Photography in Des Moines Iowa

Hi! Let me introduce myself...

I’m Haverlee, (hay-verlee), a solo parent of three teen boys, adventure seeker, and photographer. My photography career was birthed from many years of pain. A decade ago, my life derailed and everything felt unstable and uncertain. The more difficult things became, the more I clung to small moments of beauty. And I could always find beauty in people and in nature. Focusing on others instead of my own dark days brought me joy every time without fail.

 

I always knew I was creative but it took me a while to find my niche! As I ventured further into photography, everything fell into place. It was as if I already knew the language, I just had to find the words.

 

I got remarried in 2023 in the mountains of North Carolina to the love of my life, and walked down the aisle to Brandi Carlile's, Beginning to Feel the Years. Jacob is steady, safe, and sure. We're maintaining a long distance marriage until our kiddos have all launched from the nest, but thankfully this career allows us plenty of freedom and flexibility. And he's now my best 2nd shooter! Life continues to delight and surprise me and I'm here for the beautiful mess of it all.

 

I’m an Enneagram 2w3 and an INFP. If you don’t speak the lingo, that means I’m into helping people, I feel everything deeply, and I view the world with childlike curiosity. I’m a total mix of over enthusiasm and quiet observation.


Favorite TV shows: Normal People & Bad Sisters

Favorite Movie: About Time (the only movie I've rewatched multiple times)

Favorite National Park: Yosemite (sunsets from Sentinel Dome are a life highlight)

Favorite Books: So hard to choose. The Bronze Horseman, The Heart's Invisible Furies, The Extraordinary Life of Sam Hell, These Silent Woods...I could discuss books for days on end.

 

I love connecting deeply with humans and hearing people’s stories. I’d love to have the chance to tell a chapter of yours.

Let's chat!

If you're inquiring about wedding photography, please head to the wedding page and fill out the more extensive contact form at the bottom of that page..

Submit

Form submitted successfully, thank you.Error submitting form, please try again.

 

Where you can also find me:

A featured interview within:

iowa wedding photographer

“Haverlee was so amazing to work with. We gifted my in-laws a family photo shoot after the addition of two grandbabies. With a fifteen month old and a six month old, it was no small task. She was so amazing, working to make sure she got the perfect shot, all while making the babies smile, and focus. She was patient, kind, and just made it so easy. I could not recommend Haverlee enough!”

-Breeann

I was slammed with a realization last night as I was lying awake with anxious thoughts about bookings and business.
I grew up in a household like many others. A father with a quick temper. A mother who shut down and stonewalled at the slightest disappointment. I hit puberty in the 90’s at the height of evangelical purity culture, when therapy was for the self-involved elite. Love felt like a privilege, not a right. I was praised for perfection and ruffling the least amount of feathers so I leaned into that role in my family. We also moved a lot and I started over with friendships every couple of years. We’ve all come such a long way but those early years set the stage for a lifetime of performance. My childhood was very lonely. My needs and feelings grew smaller so I’d appear more lovable. I desperately wanted to be chosen…to be deemed worthy of someone’s time and attention. I spent all of my high school years going out with anyone who paid me the least bit of attention, and then got married at 19 for a permanent sense of belonging. That marriage was a repeat of my childhood training. Don’t have needs, don’t express feelings, just be perfect and you’ll still be lovable. I lived on crumbs of affection until I was about 35. I’ve deconstructed and rebuilt my understanding of my own worthiness of love and finally have a very healthy marriage and wonderful relationship with my parents. Receiving love and tenderness on my worst days has healed me immensely. But last night I realized I’ve been living with that old mindset in my business. I feel desperate to be chosen. That wound of unworthiness flares up often. I spiral in my thoughts of failure, rejection, and lack of belonging in this industry. It’s time flip the script. (Cont’d in comments…)

42 5
Open post by haverleephotography with ID 18115956550638747
I was slammed with a realization last night as I was lying awake with anxious thoughts about bookings and business. I grew up in a household like many others. A father with a quick temper. A mother who shut down and stonewalled at the slightest disappointment. I hit puberty in the 90’s at the height of evangelical purity culture, when therapy was for the self-involved elite. Love felt like a privilege, not a right. I was praised for perfection and ruffling the least amount of feathers so I leaned into that role in my family. We also moved a lot and I started over with friendships every couple of years. We’ve all come such a long way but those early years set the stage for a lifetime of performance. My childhood was very lonely. My needs and feelings grew smaller so I’d appear more lovable. I desperately wanted to be chosen…to be deemed worthy of someone’s time and attention. I spent all of my high school years going out with anyone who paid me the least bit of attention, and then got married at 19 for a permanent sense of belonging. That marriage was a repeat of my childhood training. Don’t have needs, don’t express feelings, just be perfect and you’ll still be lovable. I lived on crumbs of affection until I was about 35. I’ve deconstructed and rebuilt my understanding of my own worthiness of love and finally have a very healthy marriage and wonderful relationship with my parents. Receiving love and tenderness on my worst days has healed me immensely. But last night I realized I’ve been living with that old mindset in my business. I feel desperate to be chosen. That wound of unworthiness flares up often. I spiral in my thoughts of failure, rejection, and lack of belonging in this industry. It’s time flip the script. (Cont’d in comments…)

For the first time in a few years I’m offering a couple days of mini sessions in time for Mother’s Day. I moved away from mini sessions since they didn’t align with my child led, unhurried family photos. But I also recognize there’s a time and a place for them. These will be 20 minutes long in Des Moines for $300, and will include approximately 25 images with rights to download and share. Perfect for milestone photos of babies, a photo of grandmother and grandchildren, or updated family photos with older kids who aren’t quite as sweet and snuggly as they used to be. ;)

I don’t recommend these for spirited children, or little ones who take quite a while to warm up. My half and full sessions are ideal for larger families with very young children. 🤍

April 11th and 12th. DM me for available time slots.

16 0
Open post by haverleephotography with ID 18310887790274355
For the first time in a few years I’m offering a couple days of mini sessions in time for Mother’s Day. I moved away from mini sessions since they didn’t align with my child led, unhurried family photos. But I also recognize there’s a time and a place for them. These will be 20 minutes long in Des Moines for $300, and will include approximately 25 images with rights to download and share. Perfect for milestone photos of babies, a photo of grandmother and grandchildren, or updated family photos with older kids who aren’t quite as sweet and snuggly as they used to be. ;) I don’t recommend these for spirited children, or little ones who take quite a while to warm up. My half and full sessions are ideal for larger families with very young children. 🤍 April 11th and 12th. DM me for available time slots.
iowa wedding photographer
iowa wedding photographer

Photographing love and life in Central Iowa, western north carolina, and beyond.