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 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 - $700
Approximately an hour and a half, and a digital gallery of edited images with rights to print & share. There is no cap on number of images. I include everything that's good!
A full session is perfect for families with multiple young children. It 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. Please inquire about other locations. I travel frequently!.)
HALF SESSION - $550
Perfect for smaller families or families with older children, we'll spend 45 minutes at one location in the Des Moines metro. We'll spend our time focused on portraiture, posed photos, and a few candids.
I OFFER PAY-WHAT-YOU-CAN SESSIONS FOR SINGLE MOMS.
I'd love to work with you!
I usually respond within 24 hours, and at most 48. Please check your spam folder if you don't see a reply.
“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
Previews from A & L’s wedding at Salisbury House in Des Moines. The historic mansion is gloriously romantic and we had so much fun creating portraits. Small weddings are my favorite and it was a delight capturing this day for them.
Venue: @salisburyhousedsm
Design and rentals: @vintageloverentals
The biggest misconception with family photos is they only go well if your kids behave. It’s simply not true. But it does absolutely hinge on the parents’ behavior. I will work my magic and get gorgeous photos no matter what your children are doing. But things are not fun for anyone (including me) when parents are short tempered and easily stressed. If you roll with the punches and trust me to gently lead and guide your children as much as their capacity allows, you will end up with photos you treasure and cherish for life. Sure, I do have some magical skills with kids that not every photographer possesses. 😉 But even still…the outcome is on the adults, not the little ones. 🤍
(And if your kiddos have special needs or require more care, we’ll go over that ahead of time and make a plan!)
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Des Moines family photographer, Iowa photographer, lifestyle family session Des Moines, child led family photos Des Moines Iowa
A million favorites from this maternity session with Payton & Jackson. I hadn’t seen Winslow in person since newborn photos with her. She came in with her embroidered romper and pigtails and I asked them, “is she just an angel??” They looked at each other and laughed and said, “nope!” Raising strong willed kids is not for the weak, but I know these two are up for the challenge. It’s years of choosing your battles and gritting your teeth. But these are also the kids that will change the world one day. My child who was the most difficult to raise, and required more patience and energy than I ever knew I had, is now the child that brings me the most joy. We have a bond that feels too good to be true. Plus, I think spicy nice eldest daughters are kinda the best. 😉💅🏼
Iowa family photography | Des Moines Iowa Family Photographer | Lifestyle Family Session Iowa | Maternity Session Des Moines | Whistler Studio Family Photos
“Within photographs we can embody the feelings that we hope, in time, to embody in life.”
- @joyprouty, from her book, The Art of Self Compassion
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Des Moines Photographer | Iowa Photographer | Lifestyle Family Photographer Iowa | Des Moines Family Photographer
I have a million favorites from Olivia & Ken’s wedding at 1868 Farmhouse in Iowa. Even narrowing them down for my blog was difficult. The reason? They had so. much. fun. They had a dunk tank at their reception, for crying out loud. From tears streaming down their faces during their private vows, to the rip roaring dance floor, it was one for the books.
O & K, thank you for trusting me with these memories. It was truly an honor. Y’all are wonderful and so are your people.
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Photo assistant: @growwithmephotography_
Venue: @1868farmhouse
Hair: @dsmsalonia
Makeup: @beautybybriawna
Florals: @englishrosedsm
Dress:@schaffersbridal_ia
DJ: @itsbaileypowell with @weddingdjexpert
Catering: @christianiscateringia
Cake & desserts: @vanhemerts_dutchovenbakery
Des Moines Photographer | lowa Wedding Photographer | Midwest Wedding Photographer | Photography Services
Photographing love and life in Des Moines, Iowa, Western North Carolina and beyond.