Hi! Let me introduce myself...
I’m Haverlee, (hay-verlee), a solo parent of three wild things, adventure seeker, and photographer. My photography career was birthed from many years of pain. 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. He 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. 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. There’s magic to be found everywhere. I’m a total mix of over enthusiasm and quiet observation. I’d rather ask questions than talk about myself and I hate the spotlight.
I’m a total nature nerd. I love to discuss books for days on end. I drink English Breakfast tea. I'm a foodie (but not a food snob). Campfires, hammocks, and cabins make me grin just thinking about them. But mostly 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..
Where you can also find me:
A featured interview within:
“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
How adorable is this little fam I got to meet last month? Matilda was smart and curious, like most firstborns, but she was also brave and adventurous. Vivienne, the most delicious little babe, quietly observed but gave some sweet smiles. The older my kids get, the more I love capturing the little years.🥺 (And the more I want to steal the babies and take them home.)
#iowafamilyphotographer #desmoinesfamilyphotographer
Hot take: Weddings aren’t photo shoots.
I watched a reel that broke my heart a little. The photographer was guiding the bride and her mom through zipping the dress. It’s the moment of the day where everything feels real. The emotions that have been held back all morning come flooding in. This photographer was telling the bride exactly how to stand, exactly where to look, and told the mom how to straighten her back for the most flattering angle. There’s no room for emotion when people are self conscious and worried about their best angles. There’s a time and a place for small adjustments and flattering poses. This is not it. If you’re staging and directing every movement, that’s not a wedding. That’s a styled shoot. Because twenty or thirty years from now, no one, and I mean no one, is going to care if you captured the most flattering angle of mom’s arm. But those smiles and hugs and tears are going to mean the world.
Ari & Ben are my kind of people. I absolutely loved this session with them. They wanted casual unfussy photos that felt like them. I love when I get to think a bit outside the box, especially in my own city where I do most of my work. I will never get over her eyes, and I’m guessing Ben won’t either. 😌
Also peep that bird in photo 4! What perfect timing!
A preview from Meredith + Brian’s elegant wedding on Saturday. It was a classy day for a classy pair. So honored to capture their love.
Venue: @hotelfortdesmoines
Florist: @englishrosedsm
DJ: @proxentertainment
Dress: @bridalboutiquedm
Hair: @hairbylaurenelizabeth
Makeup: @hannahhportfolio
A favorite of my boys from our trip to 30A this past week. We had an incredible week with my whole family for my mom’s 70th birthday.
Photographing love and life in Central Iowa, western north carolina, and beyond.