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Haverlee Photography in Des Moines Iowa

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 (and still may pursue those one day!) 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 and Omaha documentary family photographer

Des Moines Family Photographer

  • Family of five at home in Des Moines
  • family snuggled in a quilt
  • baby giving dad a kiss on front porch in Des Moines
  • maternity session at Whistler Studio

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

Des Moines FAMILY Photographer

Family Pricing

Full Family Session - $700

 

We'll spend approximately an hour and a half together starting at home (depending on your preference) and then ending up outside. You'll receive a digital gallery of edited images with rights to print & share. There is no cap on number of images.

 

A full session is perfect for families with multiple young children. 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. Please inquire about other locations. I travel frequently!.)

 

HALF SESSION - $550

 

Perfect for smaller families or families with older children, we'll spend about 45 minutes at one location in the Des Moines metro. Our time together will focus on portraiture, posed photos, and candids.

 

I OFFER PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN SESSIONS FOR SINGLE MOMS.

I'd love to work with you!

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Family laying on a blanket in their backyard

“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

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.
Haverlee Photography, wedding, senior and family photographer in Des Moines Iowa

Photographing love and life in Des Moines, Iowa, Western North Carolina and beyond.