Families
My greatest and most fulfilling role in this life is being a mama to my three boys. Motherhood has been so much harder and so much more wonderful than I ever imagined it would. Two out of three of my boys are now taller than me, and though I wouldn't go back to the baby stage, I'll miss it forever. My biggest regret is not understanding the importance of professional photography back then. Photos of me with my babies are nearly non-existent.
Family photography is my passion and what got me started in this industry. I love children. I thought about being a preschool teacher or a postpartum doula for a long time. There’s just no bond like that between a mother and child and I know exactly how much those precious photos mean. We don’t want to forget that little curl at the nape of their neck, the dimples on their chubby hands, the gap-toothed grin, the scrunched up nose, or the way the bury their head against you when they’re feeling bashful.
I promise your children won’t be too loud, too wiggly, too silly, or too shy. (Mine are all of the above.) I’ll match their energy and meet them where they are. Whether we’re in your home or exploring outside, I want to have fun. I want the photos to represent a precious memory you had together, no phones, no distractions. Leave your kids up to me. I’ll win them over and work a little magic and provide you with photos you’ll cherish more than most anything else.
Des Moines Family Photographer
A few favorite family sessions.
a few favorite family sessions
“Haverlee is extremely gifted behind the camera. From the moment she walked in, she was patient and full of grace. She worked efficiently while exuding a calm, and pleasant vibe that engaged my small children and relaxed all of us. She captured the best of our little family and delivered more amazing images than I could have hoped for. Haverlee is a very special person and I can't wait to hire her again!”
- Catelin S
Des Moines FAMILY Photographer
Family Pricing
Full Family Session - $600
One and a half hours at the location of your choice.
The full session will include time in your home and exploring outside, and allows me to capture truly candid moments of beautiful connection. More time does not equal more stress, especially with little ones. Quite the opposite. When given time to explore and shoot at a relaxed pace, looking for those magic pockets of light, I'm able to capture your honest and true selves. Your children are not required to be on their best behavior. I simply ask for you, the parents to be fully present and ready to soak up the time with your family. (No travel fees within 130 miles of DSM or Statesville NC.)
HALF SESSION - $450
An abbreviated session at one location around the Des Moines metro or Western North Carolina. We'll spend 45 minutes, focused on portraiture and posed photos and candids. (Please inquire about other locations.)
ASK ME ABOUT PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN SESSIONS FOR SINGLE MOMS.
Let's chat!
“Haverlee is, quite frankly, the photographer for our family. Her personality is laid back but she has a critical eye for details while shooting, evident in the photos lining our stairs. The patience she has with our little boy is captivating, From newborn shoots to full family photos, I cannot recommend Haverlee enough!”
- Amanda
This incredibly sweet Chicago wedding is now on the gallery page of my website. Blogging is such a labor of love. It’s really rewarding to reflect back on work when it isn’t so fresh. I asked Ally a few questions about her day and this was so special to hear:
“We were so incredibly happy with how everything turned out, and a huge part of that was working with Haverlee. She was such a calming, steady presence throughout the day and made us feel comfortable in front of the camera. Even though we took photos in busy downtown spots like the Wrigley Building, she captured stunning, intimate shots. We are so grateful to have those photos—they really let us relive the joy of that day!”
We won’t ever forget this day with these two. And not just because of the food at @formentoschi 😮💨🤤
Photo assistant: @jacobncia
Venue: @formentoschi
Coordination: @weddingsbycaitlinpanozzo
Hair: @lightenedbylinds
Makeup: @elleartistryllc
Florals: @catherinesgardens
DJ: @impulsedjs
When I first met Bailey, she told me she didn’t want her wedding day to revolve around the photos. She wants her and her fiancé to have a genuinely wonderful day and for me to document it. Say less. ✨
I cannot wait for their laid back wedding day without any fanfare or fuss. Those are my favorite kind.
I received the sweetest review from Holli & Sam and naturally I had to go back through the archives. If there’s one thing about me, it’s that I’m almost as sappy about your old photos as you are. 🥺 I adore this little fam. Cannot wait to add another album to their gallery!
Mothers will always be my muse. There is nothing more important in my work than this. There is no relationship on earth quite like it. The fierce love between a mother and child cannot be replicated or explained. I’m so grateful to capture it in all its forms.
She started crushing hard on him on a 7th grade field trip. He finally asked her out before they started high school. They’ve already had a lifetime together and they’re only getting started.
Brandon’s big boisterous Italian family and Emma’s small but intensely loving family came together for one of the most delightful weddings I’ve ever witnessed. There were so many incredible moments that day, but I think the first look with her dad was my favorite one. 🥹 10 out of 10, chefs kiss, molto bene day. 🤌🏼🍝🥂 (And yes, they had spaghetti and meatballs for dinner.)
Photo assistant: @jacobncia
Venue: @thetearoomdsm
Coordination & Design: @blissevents_staffing
Hair & Makeup: @hellodarlinglam
Photographing love and life in Des Moines, Iowa, Western North Carolina and beyond.