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.
More than she was known for her accomplishments, she was known for the way she loved.
- MORGAN HARPER NICHOLS
A few favorite family sessions.
a few favorite family sessions
“Haverlee is extremely gifted behind the camera. What makes her special is her unique ability to set the tone of the day and make her subjects feel calm and comfortable. I was fully expecting our family session to be complete chaos with a 3-year-old, 1-year-old and newborn. From the moment she walked in, Haverlee was patient and full of grace. She got right down to business and worked efficiently while exuding a calm, light and pleasant vibe that engaged my small children and relaxed all of us. It would have been so easy for me to stress out about so many little things, but with her sweet spirit she maintained a fun and happy environment and I can't thank her enough for this - it was exactly what I needed. 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
Family Pricing
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.)
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.)
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“Haverlee is, quite frankly, the photographer for our family. No matter the location, events of the day, or temperament of our toddler and newborn, Haverlee has always been able to capture the truest moments of 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, I find myself wondering how she gets him to do the things he does. From newborn shoots to full family photos (not to mention all her other amazing work in between), I cannot recommend Haverlee enough!”
- Amanda W.
What a joy and an honor to capture their first photos as a family of five. Three boys is not for the faint of heart but I know these two have the tender strength it will take. (I added the gentle suggestion of some noise canceling headphones when they’re a bit older.) They’re soon leaving Chicago for SoCal and I know they’ll treasure these photos capturing them in the home they brought all three babies home to. 🥺
I love love love photographing moms with their children. This session with Annie & her girls was such a delight. The light! The colors! And knowing the gift I was giving this mama. We give so much of ourselves without anyone noticing. (Double that as solo parents.) Photos like these feel like I’m witnessing and honoring her motherhood.
I never shared more from my favorite family session last year. Newborn photos at home are my favorite. Add in lots of animals and the most adorably thrifted home styled to perfection and I’m in love.
Holli and Sam have ridiculously good taste and the fact that they pull it off on a budget is so impressive. I never want to live more than 15 minutes from a target, but it might almost be worth it for a gorgeous property like theirs. 😌
I believe we’ll get through these next four years by focusing on the people in front of us. By having eyes open for any little act of kindness and love we can share. Not by shutting the world out, but minimizing the scope and focusing on our own neighborhoods and communities. There is so much opportunity for joy and goodness despite what anyone else wants you to believe. Our light will not be dimmed.
I blogged this super special wedding. 😌 It was so fun reflecting back on this day. Lizzie took time to share her thoughts and memories about the day and the venue. You can find it under “gallery” on my site. 🤍