A young woman with light brown hair, wearing a white sleeveless top, standing outdoors against a stone wall, smiling with her arms crossed.

Session Experience

Your session experience with Wendy Sorensen Photography actually begins before the session itself.  I want to assist you every step of the way to make this process as easy and stress-free as possible.  

 We'll start with a pre-session consultation where we can meet at a local coffee shop (my treat!) to start planning your session.  From location options in the Des Moines metro area, to what to wear, and tips to help your kiddos (and husband!) have fun, we'll cover it all and get to know one another too!  

Family of five outdoors near a pond, smiling for a photo. Adults and children in casual clothing, holding hands, with a backdrop of trees and water.
Two young boys hugging outdoors in front of a wooden fence, smiling at the camera.
Smiling baby sitting on a rustic wooden chair outdoors with a weathered white fence in the background, wearing a nautical-themed shirt and plaid shorts.

Where in your home you would like to display your photographs?  

At the consultation, you can look at various samples including canvas gallery wraps, framed or metal prints, albums, and card samples.  You won't need to make any decisions on which products you want at the consultation, but it helps to have an idea of what you have in mind.  

Knowing which rooms you want to hang wall portraits in will help me know how to photograph for your specific wants and needs.  For example, if you know you want a large piece over the couch or fireplace in a formal living room, you may want a traditional posed shot of everyone looking at the camera.  Or, if you're looking to add wall art to a casual family room, candid/emotive shots may be the way to go.  Do you have an open floor plan without a lot of wall space?  Albums are a fantastic choice to consider!

Two young boys running and playing together on a green grassy field with trees in the background.
A woman with shoulder-length brown hair, wearing glasses, a green cardigan, and a beaded necklace, kisses a young boy on the cheek outdoors in a park with trees and grass in the background.
A man in glasses and a blue shirt hugging two young boys in a field of grass, all smiling and laughing.

At the session itself, you can relax and have fun while I work!  We'll spend the first few minutes getting comfortable with each other and having fun.  Most sessions last approximately 60-90 minutes and are either scheduled 90 minutes before sunset, or about 30 minutes after sunrise (are you an early riser??).  

Three children and two adults sitting on steps in front of a gray door with woman with three children sitting on her lap and two children sitting on either side of her, then two boys standing in front of a large gray door with an arch at the top.

Approximately 2 weeks after your session we will schedule your own personal Reveal Night and Ordering Appointment - this is the best part!  You’ll see your photographs for the first time in a slide show set to music...just sit back and enjoy the show!  

After the slide show I will assist you in selecting images for your prints, canvases or album.  You can even see how your photographs will look on your own walls with a digital wall design gallery - YOUR photos, on YOUR wall, with YOUR furniture and decor, at the right size.  It's a fantastic way to "try before you buy"!  To see more samples of digital wall designs click here.

A living room with two brown tufted armchairs, a white marble fireplace, and built-in bookshelves filled with books. Above the fireplace hangs a family photo of two adults and two children outdoors.
Living room with a beige leather sofa, a wooden side table with a lamp and picture frame, and family photos on the wall. Part of a dining area with a wooden dining table and chairs visible in the background.
Bedroom with light green wall, black wooden bed frame with white bedding, and three decorative pillows. Two black nightstands with lamps and white flowers on the right. Two photo prints of a family on a grassy field hanging above the bed.

Placing a portrait order can feel overwhelming with so many choices, but I will be there to help you every step of the way.  Once your order arrives (usually within 2-3 weeks) I will hand-deliver it to you!

Two young boys hugging outdoors, smiling, in white shirts and brown overalls, with a blurred wooden fence in the background.
“Wendy was such a joy to work with and did an excellent job taking our family photos. She was very flexible and understanding with our energetic children. We were very pleasantly surprised to see so many great moments she captured of our family with everyone actually looking at the camera at the same time! We love how the photos turned out and highly recommend her to anyone!”
— Megan M.
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