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
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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“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
Last Saturday’s wedding in Des Moines with Jadyn & Peyton was so much fun. 🥲 They’re grounded and kind and their families blew me away. I love love love getting to know my clients better through their families on their wedding day, and their parents did a lot of bragging about these two. Their moms are so special! 🥹 I’m thrilled for them and it was such an honor to witness it all.
Photo assistant: @thejenocollective
Venue: @therewindhotel
DJ: @vows.and.vibes
Hair: @elansaloniowa
Dress: @schaffersbridal_ia
Suits: @halberstadtsclothiers
Florals: @something_chic_floral
Des Moines Iowa Wedding Photographer / Iowa Wedding Photographer/ Experienced Wedding Photographer Iowa / Luxury Wedding Photographer Midwest / Midwest Wedding and Family Photographer / Pastel Bouquet Wedding
The precious Wright family with the first of the summer wildflowers in Iowa. Life with toddlers is so far from perfect but it’s so beautiful. It was an honor to capture this fleeting stage for them.
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Des Moines Iowa Family Photographer | Iowa Photographer | Documentary Lifestyle Family Photos Midwest | Family and Newborn Photographer Midwest
Friday with Brandi & Charlie at The Monroe in West Des Moines, Iowa. Their wedding was an absolute dream. So many happy tears. What an honor it was to document the beginning of the rest of their lives together.
Photo assistant: @jacobncia
Venue: @themonroevenue
Coordination: @powchicparties
DJ: Nick with @aspecialeventdj
Dress: @marabrides
Tuxes: @skeffingtonsformalwear
Hair: @laurajoleschstylist
Makeup: @jenebeauty__
Spray tan: @glowongirl.beauty
Katie & Michael, he’s perfect. 🥺
I couldn’t get over this angel. He was screaming when I arrived and got fussy at the end, but was completely and utterly chilled for the whole session. These first weeks of parenthood are such a messy blur. I love helping parents see how beautiful it was too.
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Des Moines Newborn Photographer / Newborn Photographer Iowa / Des Moines Iowa Family Photographer / Natural Lifestyle Documentary Photographer Iowa / Midwest Wedding and Family Photographer
How I adore a chance to slow down with a family. I’ve had the honor of documenting the Coenens since their oldest, Charlotte, was a baby. Both girls are beautifully spirited and strong. When given the chance to move at their pace and take time to play and warm up with them, it was such a successful session.
So many kids aren’t ready to have a near stranger’s camera in their face. But they are ready for playful focused attention. The camera can become part of that. We had a blast on a gorgeous May evening and I loved seeing them relax and laugh together. So happy to have created these photos with them. ✨
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Des Moines Family Photographer / Golden Hour Family Photos Des Moines / Iowa Photographer / Child Led Documentary Family Photography Midwest / Wedding and Family Photographer Des Moines
Photographing love and life in Des Moines, Iowa, Western North Carolina and beyond.