Each year there are dozens of charity fundraising events in Des Moines and Central Iowa benefitting many incredible programs in our community, and it is an honor to be able to donate portrait sessions to support these great causes in our community.

This was my first year donating to the Iowa State Fair Blue Ribbon Foundation’s annual event, The Corn Dog Kickoff.

But then, Covid....

The live event unfortunately had to be cancelled, but that didn’t stop the Iowa State Fair from pivoting and coming up with an amazing virtual event/auction called No Fair - I Do Care!

The Lounsbery family won my certificate for a family portrait session and chose to have their photos done at Water Works Park in Des Moines.

Water Works Park is a fantastic location for photo sessions in the Des Moines area because it offers great variety in one spot. Plus, the fall foliage there is beautiful! The trees were just starting to change when we did this session and while the colors weren’t overly vibrant it was still very pretty.

Another great area at Water Works Park for family photos is the new Lauridsen Amphitheater area. While we didn’t photograph on the theater stage, this fun light sculpture makes a really unique backdrop for your pictures.

We wrapped up the session near this brick utility building on the park grounds as well as the surrounding woods nearby. With heavy cloud cover most of the session, it was great to see the sun peek out to get one last photo with beautiful warm, golden sunset light.

Charity and Will knew they wanted to have updated photos on the wall of their family, especially since their youngest daughter (who is now 20) was just 9 years old in their last family photo. By using a photo of their living room wall, I was able to prepare several mock-up options that were scaled to proper size.

It can be hard to visualize how your photos will look in your own home, but I'm here to help. Seeing a custom mock up takes the guess work out and makes image and product selection a breeze!

This was the design that won! Three 12x12 Gallery Wrapped Canvas prints to update their family photo wall.

This family was laid back and so much fun to work with! Charity and Will - thank you so much for trusting me with your family’s photos this year and for your support of the Iowa State Fair!

To see samples from another photo session at Water Works Park in Des Moines check out this High School Senior’s blog from the Class of 2020.

We’ve been blessed with a beautiful and very vibrant autumn here in Central Iowa but it’s definitely getting colder and the trees are more and more bare every day. That’s why I’m excited to be able to offer indoor studio options for sessions during these colder months here in the midwest! You can see a family indoor studio session sample HERE, and see for yourself how a studio session may be perfect for your family.

Want to know more about family photo shoots and the overall session experience? Click the button below to schedule a no obligation Pre-Booking Consult. I’d love to chat with you!