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
A few previews from Dylan & Bailey’s wedding on Saturday in Des Moines. I always LOVE working on previews for the couple. It’s maybe just as much a treat for me as it is for them. I felt so lucky to capture this day.
Venue: @willowongrand_dsm
Florals: @whitewillowevents
Hair: @hairbylaurenelizabeth
Makeup: @hannahhportfolio
Dress: @schaffersbridal_ia
DJ: @aspecialeventdj
Caterers: @barattas
Brandi & Charlie in Des Moines on a gorgeous summer evening. They wanted photos that felt unfussy and authentic. They’re both down to earth and it was a joy getting to know what makes them tick. They’re absolutely adorable.
We found out toward the end of the session that she worked in the same office as I did at my last desk job, and Charlie probably sat in on a board meeting that I prepped the room for. You’ve heard of the six degrees of Kevin Bacon. Have you heard of the two degrees of Des Moines? Probably not, because I made it up, but it’s absolutely real.
I stopped doing mini sessions a few years ago and it’s been the best decision I made. I understand they can be appealing for a lower budget option but they left me worn out and frazzled. They felt hectic and stressful and I knew families were leaving feeling the same way. Capturing moments you feel annoyed at your children for not sitting still and smiling? Those aren’t cherished keepsakes for you. Those are for other people.
My sessions are 45 minutes or 90 minutes. It takes kids a solid 15-20 minutes to either warm up to me if they’re timid, or to settle in and calm down if they’re spirited and boisterous. I get to make real connections with these little humans, and mom and dad get to slow down and play with no distractions.
Their daughter, Beckett, grabbed my hand anytime we were walking to a new spot and told me I was prettier in person. 😄 I told her my job was to take photos that show exactly how beautiful people are in real life. 😌 Their oldest, Roman, rode in my car from their house to the field and chatted away like firstborns do. And Miles, the classic goofy youngest was giving me flowers and cracking me up. I know your kids are all completely individual and unique. I love having time to capture their spirits and individual connections with you.
These photos don’t require bribes and threats. Your kids get to be themselves. And maybe there will be ice cream afterwards but it’ll just be a bonus to end a sweet night. 😌
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🏷️ Des Moines Family Photographer/ Iowa Family Photographer / Western NC Photographer / Asheville Family Photographer/ Winston Salem Family Photographer / Charlotte Family Photographer
My bi-monthly spiral in which I have to reset my mind and heart. Going through old work always helps with that. I’ve always been envious of photographers who have a partner holding down the fort at home. My whole career as a photographer has been as a solo parent to three boys. I met and married the love of my life but we’re coparenting three kids each and will remain long distance until they’re done with high school. We are the best emotional support for one another but we’re on our own with everything else.
This job isn’t making me rich, unless you stop defining it in monetary terms. I get slow mornings with tea and NYTimes puzzles. I get to stay in comfy clothes as long as I choose to. I get to drive my kids to school and to friends’ houses. I get to have lunch with a friend on a weekday. I get to say yes when my sister asks me to babysit. I have enough money for a good car, groceries, and travel. So yeah, I guess this job has made me rich. I likely won’t ever have a gourmet kitchen or the backyard oasis of my dreams. But I have time, space, friends, and family. And I get paid to be the sentimental caretaker that I naturally am.
I likely won’t ever stop comparing and feeling frustrated at times. But that can be used for good, so long as it’s balanced with the gut-check of gratitude. I am so deliriously grateful for this job and all it affords me in life. 🤍
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🏷️ Des Moines photographer / Iowa wedding photographer / Omaha wedding photographer/ Asheville wedding photographer / western nc photographer / Winston Salem photographer / Charlotte wedding photographer / North Carolina photographer
I’m not sure I’ve witnessed this level of joy and emotion on a wedding day before. I knew this day at Hotel Fort Des Moines was going to be sweet, but my word, these two are special. I’m quite certain everyone cried at some point throughout the day. And the Filipinos absolutely light UP a dance floor.
Photo assistant: @jacobncia
Coordinator & Florals: @honeyandjoyevents
Venue: @hotelfortdesmoines
Hair: @hellodarlinglam
DJ: @dj.das.ent
Desserts: @dorebakerydsm
Photographing love and life in Des Moines, Iowa, Western North Carolina and beyond.