Downtown Urban Spring Senior Photoshoot | Josephine | Prairie High School

Downtown Urban Spring Senior Photoshoot with Josephine

Downtown Cedar Rapids & Iowa City | IATL | Prairie High School

Hold on to your boots for this one, guys! This GORGEOUS senior is the daughter of a local celebrity known around these parts as The Cheesecake Lady, aka Dawn who owns Out of the Blue Cheesecakes which are the BEST cheesecakes you can find in our area. (For real, give them a try sometime, or follow her page!) If she ever reads this, she’s going to blush so hard - haha!!

So before Dawn was famous, I did her son’s senior pictures wayyyyy back when I first started photography “professionally.” I honestly don’t even know if I had an official Facebook page yet. So when she reached out again this fall about her daughter’s pictures, I was so excited!!

I met with Josephine and her mom in October last fall, and since Josephine didn’t want to miss any school (fall/winter hours usually mean either taking a full or half day off for my seniors) so we opted for a Sunday photoshoot in the Spring. We knew the weather could be iffy (spoiler alert: it was) and I chatted with Josephine about what she wanted out of her session. She had a lot of eccentric and FUN ideas, which included some retro-futuristic outfits and makeup, using the Botanical Gardens in Des Moines, and some other unique ideas and locations. After chatting with her mom, we decided something more trendy but more traditional and timeless would be the best approach and we made some plans. (And the biggest bummer was that the Botanical Gardens in Des Moines was holding an event that day, so we skipped that idea, too.)

Since I had MANY months to prepare for Josephine’s session, I kept my eyes open for unique buildings in our area when I was out-and-about and came across an few that I felt fit her futuristic-esque vibe. We designed her session based on urban/city looks only and no nature (it IS early Spring, so we don’t have much for pretty natural areas right now anyway), and mixed in grunge, color and unique buildings. I can’t wait to show you what we came up with!

The Sunday of her session we had overcast rainy-sleet-cold weather. We decided to push it to the following Wednesday and cross our fingers. And it turned out to be a perfect, sunny day!!!

We started with professional makeup with Lindsey at their home. Josephine has a signature eyeliner look that she loves so she finished off her makeup with the eyeliner and she also has naturally curly hair, so she opted to do it on her own. It all turned out beautifully and felt so “her!”

We headed to our first location, an underpass in Cedar Rapids. I have always wanted to try this location, and it was one of many NEW locations we tried for Josephine’s shoot. I actually only used one location that I have ever used before during her session!

We were running a little bit behind already so we only spent like 10-15 minutes at this location, but this outfit was perfect here. I loved this combination!!

Then Josephine jumped in with me and we headed to Iowa City. I do NOT like driving in Iowa City. Especially since we were heading there at 5:00 rush-hour time. I missed my turn in downtown Iowa City, one of many times it was going to happen during this trip, and drove RIGHT past the location I was wanting us to stop at that I had picked out on Google Maps - lol! We miraculously found semi-easy parallel parking at the next road and it was actually a really easy walk to our locations. First up: this cool mural wall!

I was worried that with all the locations I had picked for Josephine’s session, that we’d be lacking COLOR in her photos. So when I saw this on Google Maps, I couldn’t wait to try it! And they turned out to be some of her mom’s favorite photos! Isn’t she stunning?!!

After I felt like we captured a good amount there, we headed down the sidewalks to explore. We stopped at some random spots we liked, snapped a few more while dodging pedestrians, and headed back to the car - still trying to make up lost time!

After an outfit change, we decided that instead of trying to squeeze in 2-3 locations for this outfit (in our already crunched schedule), we would just head to the last one: the really cool full metal building that is the Iowa Advanced Technology Laboratories building. There is also a mint-green colored bridge nearby so we could get some more variety. This spot was so fun to shoot and so unique!

We actually ended up parking in a lot that we were technically not supposed to be parking in. But we were in a time crunch and it was the closest to the building. We knew we wouldn’t be there for longer than 15 minutes, so we just crossed our fingers and went for it. (It was all good - phew!) But we made up a lot of lost time at this spot. And this location with this outfit!? Perfection!!! Isn’t she SUCH a model?! These should totally be in a magazine!

Also, this spot wouldn’t have worked out nearly as well if there hadn’t been a ton of clouds in the sky. So I was so thankful for that. But how cool is that fur jacket?! That color is perfect on her!

After a very short while, we headed back to the car to warm up. Sure - it was sunny, but it was still COLD!! We were exactly on time now, and would at our location JUST in time for sunset. Normally my seniors don’t ride along with me, but with our last minute schedule change, her mom couldn’t make it so it was just her and I. I was a little worried that she’d feel awkward with so much car-time with me, but we chatted and how so much fun! We really connected over our love for Indian food - hahah!!

We made it to our last location, changed outfits and headed to the top floor of the parking garage for sunset. This is the only location I had photographed previously so at least I knew what to expect, because the more the sun set the colder it was getting.

We captured some golden hour goodness and tried some fun poses now that we weren’t trying to catch up on time. But it all worked out perfectly! and I LOVE the way these photos turned out!! (And it’s also proof that winter-spring sessions don’t have to be boring or snowy!!)

Your calendar likely fills up as fast as mine does and it’s SO easy to forget to schedule photos! If you are graduating in 2024 (or a parent of an upcoming graduate) - reach out with any questions or to start planning!! Check out my Senior Gallery or contact me for more info!

Trendy and Unique Urban Senior Portraits | Lydia | Iowa City

Trendy and Unique Urban Senior Portraits with Lydia

Downtown Cedar Rapids | Penningroth Barn

I have to be honest. When Lydia first reached out to me, it was through my non-business email address and I assumed it was probably a spam emailer. (I get a lot of those - lol!) But I responded anyway and realized I was talking to Lydia, the senior, and not her mom. Which happens from time-to-time, but not often. And usually my emails get lost in their junk mail, forgotten about, etc etc. To my surprise, she responded and I scheduled a phone call to chat with her mom! And the rest is history as they say.

We scheduled Lydia’s session date and I met up with them for their consultation. I learned so much about Lydia - she’s so open and inviting! We chatted about all her ideas for her session, and came up with a game plan. Her first stop - professional outfit styling with Radiant Boutique by Rhi! Lydia was SO excited about this service and I’m SO glad, too! Rhi and I started collaborating a couple months ago (when I found out she existed) and what a PERFECT service for my seniors. Lydia ended up getting ALL her outfits from Rhi. And as you’ll see, she looked AMAZING!

Fast forward to senior picture day! Lydia’s mom decided to get a quick family photo taken at the beginning of her session (it’s an add-on I offer) so she dropped off Lydia at Moxie Salon and took her sister to go find a last minute outfit during Lydia’s hair and makeup. I had Lindsey on makeup and Justine on hairstyling, and we just had a blast chatting with Lydia!

We met Lydia’s mom and sister (who was the SWEETEST by the way) back at the salon, changed outfits and off we went. We got to our first location, snapped some family pictures and they realized they had left a cell phone in the bathroom at the salon. So while mom went back to the get the phone, Lydia, her sister and I started in on Lydia’s photoshoot day!

And she was SOAKING IT UUUP!!!!

I knew she would be a model and comfortable in front of the camera for me!

We took SO many gorgeous photos! And riiiiight about here is when mom returned. Right in time for an outfit change. And we ventured further into Newbo!

This outfit on these stairs was my FAVORITE combination! STUNNING!

We were moving pretty quickly, because we were running a tiny bit behind, per usual. (ha!) But I knew from our previous conversations that Lydia’s really wanted some really good pictures showing off her pretty blue eyes. As we were heading back to the cars to head to our next stop, I spotted this door and HAD to stop. I knew it would really make her eyes pop!! So gorgeous!

Next stop was the old barn out at Indian Creek Nature Center. Our FAVORITE outfit was next and were were about to spend a good amount of time exploring this spot!

This hat was part of the styling that Rhi at Radiant Boutique styled her in and it was the PERFECT mix of trendy and natural!

I LOVE these yellow stairs! I don’t know why! Next up was the bridge - the specific reason we chose this location.

Can you tell we loved that spot!?! SO pretty!! Then off to the flower field that Lydia picked (with a pit-stop in the trees that was too nature-y for her, so we only took a few lol!!)

! I haven’t photographed this kind of flower field before so it was fun to try something new.

Can you tell we didn’t spend ANY time at this location or LOVE this outfit at alllll!?! (sarcasm, just in case you couldn’t read that through text lol.)

Our last stop and outfit was one I was really excited for because I had always wanted to try this location. And her outfit was perfect for this spot!

Since we were at such a high point in the city, the sun set more slowly and we were able to get creative and shoot a little longer. But Lydia was definitely getting tired out and we were all ready to wrap it up! What a great end to a stunning photoshoot!

Your calendar likely fills up as fast as mine does and it’s SO easy to forget to schedule photos! If you are graduating in 2023 or 2024 (or a parent of an upcoming graduate) - reach out with any questions or to start planning!! Check out my Senior Gallery or contact me for more info!

All the Colorful Fall Vibes Senior Pictures | Bailey | Xavier High School

All the Colorful Fall Vibes Senior Pictures with Bailey

Central City, IA | Pinicon Ridge Park | Xavier High School

OOOH! I’m so excited to show off Bailey’s senior pictures. She was one of my few seniors that requested FALL this year and I was so excited to capture all of that COLOR! I met Bailey’s family a few years ago when I did her sister Maddie’s senior pictures. (You can see her blog here!) So of course I was SO excited to photograph Bailey as well. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again - it is SUCH a compliment to me to have repeat clients!! And oh my goodness, is Bailey beautiful! I’ve been asked so many times this year how all of my seniors are literally SO dang pretty! Y'all are making my job easy. ANYWAY! On to Bailey’s photoshoot!

Her photoshoot day started as all of my senior sessions do - professional hair and makeup! And it was Krysta and Aubree on the job!

Bailey requested a little bit more glam for fall colors and her final look was STUNNING! We decided to do her whole photoshoot in Central City. And I’m SO glad we did. We had originally picked out 3 locations for her, but after scoped out one of the locations, the colors and scenery just weren’t what we had imagined so we decided to cut it down to 2 spots. Which gave us more time to explore the areas and experiment in more challenging locations. We had FUN!!

We started Bailey’s session in downtown Central City and I had no idea what to expect. I had scoped it out, but until I’m able to stop and walk around and explore, it’s hard to know what you’ll find. I found a few key spots that I was excited about, but it’s a small town so I didn’t expect to find more than that! Oh my gosh! We found a perfect spot for each outfit! And I’m SO glad she wanted fall colors and vibes, because that’s definitely the colors that Central City gave us! Browns, reds, blacks! It was better than I expected!

Our first stop was a plain red wall. No brick like I’d normally chose. I didn’t really know how it would photograph. But I was obsessed! I took A LOT of photos here in our first spot! lol! I love how her outfit popped here, but it was still very “fall” and matched the aesthetic of the rest of the day. And, don’t ask me why, but I LOVE how the red paint just kid of fades off at the bottom of the wall!

Like I said, we took A LOT of photos there, and then we started exploring. We of course stopped outside my friend Sarah Fridono Photography’s studio because it’s SO darn cute! And ventured down to the colorful alley walls that I had used on another senior’s pictures a few years ago (you can see Avery’s blog here)!

While walking around, I came across this really pretty green wall that we hadn’t planned on stopping at but had to get some close ups to show off Bailey’s gorgeous eyes!

After Bailey changed into a more “fancy” outfit, I worried we would struggle to find a more “fancy” spot in Central City. I thought the all white wall with these stairs would look cool, and it did for the most part. As long as the ground wasn’t really in the picture because her cute heels just didn’t match the aesthetic we wanted in this spot and with this outfit. So we continued on!

After a short walk, we stopped at the library! I had seen it briefly when scoping out spots but didn’t think we’d use it. It turned out to be a BEAUTIFUL location for this outfit! Isn’t she just the cutest?! And then as we were heading back for an outfit change, right across the street was a bank with gorgeous brick and that looked perfect with this outfit, too!

After exploring Central City more than I thought we would, we changed outfits into her last dress. I had 2 more spots in mind. One that I use all of the time, the other that I wasn’t sure how it would work at all. And both were similar colors and tones, with reds, browns and blacks. Bailey assured me she loved the fall tones, so we gave the a go. First spot - the “I have no idea if this is going to work because there is a giant vending machine there” spot.

We posed her into so many crunched up and weird positions to try to work around this vending machine AND get the right lighting. It was a STRUGGLE but of course, they turned out adorable - I mean, it’s BAILEY! But, we didn’t spend much time there. It was too.. scrunched lol.

Last stop was the reddish brown brick building that I always love using. We spent some time here trying spots I haven’t used before and they all turned out SO cute. Then it was time to head to our “nature” location (Pinicon Ridge Park), which happens to be right across the street!

Our first stop I had picked out and was pretty unsure about how Bailey would feel about it. It doesn’t scream “fall colors” and she had also mentioned she really wasn’t interested in taking photos in long grass. But I couldn’t help myself. Almost all of my seniors take pictures in long grass at some point in their photoshoot - and they’re always the favorites! So I snuck in this spot on them. I also remembered to bring my mini peacock chair that I tend to only remember to bring once a year. Bailey was a little unsure if she’d like the pictures using it or not, so we only used it for a few. But my instincts were right on - Bailey said the long grass pictures were probably her FAVORITE! (phew!!! And the stuff in our shoes was worth it!)

There was also this brilliantly orangey-red tree right across the parking lot and I knew we had to give it a try. The park this time of year was FULL of color and absolutely perfect!! We STRUGGLED to make my vision come to life in this spot. But because we had a little wiggle room in her schedule, we got to stay until we got it right! And maybe it’s just because we spent so much time perfecting them, but I think they’re so dreamy and beautiful!

We changed outfits and drove into the park to go hunt down the perfect red tree. I knew my vision and it was BETTER than I expected!! How dang cute are these?!

We also, tried this huge orange tree, but there was a van parked in the lot right behind her so we struggled a bit there (and lighting was a little wonky) so with some creative angles (and also photoshop) we were able to get some super cute pictures and then head to the next spot!

The next stop is one of my go-to stops at this park - the path next to the bridge. My GOODNESS it photographs beautifully this time of day! I recruited Bailey’s mom for some leaf-throwing, too! If you’re doing fall photos, it’s a MUST right?!

And the last stop was my FAVORITE outfit of the day on the bridge. I KNEW this combo would be amazing! And she brought the adorable sunglasses I had sent her as part of my “I’m so excited to be your senior photographer” gift I always try to send my seniors! She ROCKED them!!

How BEAUTIFUL did these turn out?! The sun was pretty much set in the park at this time, so we wrapped up and headed home. I KNEW I couldn’t wait to show Bailey her photos in a few days and they LOVED them (so did I!!!)

Your calendar likely fills up as fast as mine does and it’s SO easy to forget to schedule photos! If you are graduating in 2023 or 2024 (or a parent of an upcoming graduate) - reach out with any questions or to start planning!! Check out my Senior Gallery or contact me for more info!

5 Reasons Why You Should Choose Me to be Your Wedding Photographer

Pick me, pick me, pick me!!! Ok… only if you want to!

Forewarning: I overuse exclamation point, and this first paragraph isn’t part of my “Why you should choose me” speech.

Quick disclaimer on choosing your wedding photographer. My main goal as a wedding photographer is obviously to capture beautiful photos for you, but in order to do that, you have to be comfortable with me and in front of the camera. I always meet my future bride and groom before they book with me to make sure we “jive” because as a wedding photographer, I will be spending more time with you on your wedding day than anyone else. Meeting with each other builds connections and choosing a wedding photographer who you can connect with and makes YOU feel comfortable is a HUGE deal. (So don’t just choose a photographer based only on their style and cost!)

So now that I’ve said that, let’s move on to the reasons I think you should PICK ME!

1. You get free presents.

Of course I had to start with this one, because I LOVE giving my clients surprise gifts! Every time I meet with my brides and grooms (or any client) I always bring something fun for them (and let’s be honest, it usually it involves food). Whether it be a post-session goodie bags, ordering session cupcakes, or a personalized wedding gift, I love surprising and spoiling my clients with goodies! (I use a local business, Birch & Bauble, for the adorable custom signs!) Eek!! SO CUTE!!

2. You’re not just another wedding couple.

Not even close! I book only a handful of weddings each year because I want to get to KNOW you on a personal level. I know you could find someone to take pictures for you cheaper. I know my process means a few extra meetings with me. I know you can find someone to show up for your wedding, take the photos and then send them over to you on an online gallery for you to figure out how to download. But I LOVE providing a full-service experience to my clients because that’s what they deserve!

And on your wedding day, I’m going to cover ALL the bases… twice. Not every photo I take is going to be perfect and magazine quality because I spend most of my time documenting your day as it unfolds. I’m not photographing your wedding to get my version of the “perfect” photo for my website and social media - I’m there to capture YOUR authentic moments! The moments you were part of and the moments you may have missed in the hustle and bustle of the day. I might be out of commission for a few days following your wedding because I worked (and talked) my booty off, but you chose and trusted in me. You better believe I’ll put my heart and soul in it for you.

3. Girl, I’m multi-talented.

If disaster would strike on your wedding day, I kinda-sorta feel like you’re going to want me there. Cake ruined? Making cakes used to be one of my side-hustles; I’ve got tricks. Dress tear or clasp need sewn? I’ve made entire outfits from fabric; I can sew. Nobody can tie a perfect bow for your dress? I tie pretty little bows daily. Need hair and makeup help? I know my way around a curling iron and fake lashes. Music malfunctioning and you can’t get your special first dance song to play? Girl, I know love songs, and sing in my church choir - just pass the mic. Ok, ok, that last one is more far-fetched, but if needed for ANYTHING I can’t say no. I want your day to be PERFECT. I may be hired as the photographer, but if needed I can be much more… you ask me to dance, I’ll dance. You ask me to clean, I’ll clean. You ask me to hold your boob, I’ll hold your boob ( it happens: see left photo, directly above this paragraph). I got you.

4. I create your wedding day timeline for you.

Most likely, this is your first wedding. Most likely, you have NOOOO idea where to even begin with a wedding day timeline or how much time photos will take and that part is stressing you the heck out. I LOVE that I can do this for my wedding couples because I know it not only helps them out so much, but it helps me know that the day is not going to be either jam-packed (you’re going to want some moments to chill) or waste unnecessary time or your energy. When they’re ready, my clients fill out a survey asking them ALL the questions I might need to know (like are you having a first look vs. are you seeing each other down the aisle or what are the family photos you’d love to have) and I create a 100% customized timeline, just for them!

5. The photo-reveal party, with cupcakes of course.

After your engagement session or wedding, we always meet for what I call the “ordering session” but in reality it’s a photo-reveal party! You can invite your friends or family if you’d like (or have it just be the two of you) and I come to your home and I show you all of your photos on a slideshow, right up on your TV! This is one of my favorite parts… guess why?! I get to be there in person to show you your photos for the first time and it’s AMAZING! And while I’m there at your home, I can use my handy-dandy app to show you what photos and sizes would look like on your actual wall, with your furniture and wall colors. Then I do all the designing and ordering for you, then deliver them right to your door.. and boom, you’re done! How cool is that?! Whether you’re planning your wedding or just wrapped it up, you do NOT want to spend your precious time deciding which photos to print/what size/where to hang them/attempt to design a wedding album. It’s overwhelming and most people give up and never get those gorgeous photos printed. So, that’s why I do what I do!

I hope you had fun reading this list! If my five reasons spoke to your soul - or - if you simply love cupcakes, cry about everything happy/sad, and feel a little nervous or awkward in about getting your photo taken, then you’re my people and we should probably be friends! Fill out the form below and let’s do this thing! (crossing my fingers I still have your date open because I’d LOVE to meet you!!)