Client FAQs

Can we choose which images are edited?

Yes! I offer optional proofing galleries with family and senior packages. These provide twice as many lightly edited images as your final gallery.

For example, for a half family session, you'll receive 50-60 proofing images, from which you'll select 20-30 images for final edits, retouching, and delivery. Some clients love this option as they can go through the images and select their favorites together.

Sound overwhelming? You can always skip the proofing gallery and have me select your final images. Completely up to you!

How quickly will we receive images?

I typically send proofing galleries within a few days, and final galleries are delivered about 10-14 days after image selection. Please note that if you choose to have a proofing gallery, how quickly you select your favorite images will impact how quickly your final images are delivered.  

What if the weather is bad on the day of an outdoor shoot?

If you want the outdoor look, we will reschedule or find a less muddy outdoor location. If you're in a time crunch and rescheduling is not an option, we'll communicate via call or text to find an indoor location, such as your home or an indoor venue.

Please note that many indoor venues in Des Moines now charge rental fees for photography sessions, which is an additional cost you'll be asked to cover. A no-cost option is to do an in-home shoot instead.

Should we send you a posing list?

No need! For families with older kids, I'll provide a brief posing lesson that will help you feel comfortable and answer the question, "What do I do with my hands?"

We'll all practice together, take a few formal photos, and then move into prompted lifestyle photography. That said, if there's a specific group or pose that's important to you, please let me know!

If you have small children, read more about how sessions flow here. 

What if our young kids won't pose?

Completely expected! Because my approach is to prompt your family with activities and games, I'm able to weave in family images in a natural way. You can see an example gallery here.



How do you adapt when kids won't pose?

Taking family photos for the first time can be nerve-racking for kids. Instead of forcing them to do something, we'll circle back to it later in the shoot when they're more comfortable.

This works most of the time. For example, one toddler didn't want to let go of her stuffed bear, and that's understandable. Once we started moving through activities, she got more comfortable and forgot all about her need for tangible comfort.

There are never any guarantees, however, so if your child doesn't drop their stuffed toy, we'll embrace it. Sometimes these momentary frustrations become our favorite memories.



For all we know, your now-toddler might bring this same stuffed bear to her senior photo shoot as a last reminder of childhood before heading off to college. And how lovely would it be to have these two images with the same stuffed bear on either side of childhood?

What advice do you have for preparing our kids?

Sometimes giving in a little helps: My husband once got one of our boys into a suit and tie by letting him wear a Superman T-shirt underneath. When I look at this photo, which is currently hanging on our wall, you would never know — and it's become a fun family story.

Talking about the photo shoot like you would a fun family outing can work wonders. Why not make it a fun family adventure with a little ice cream for good listening afterward? I mean, whatever works, right?  

Can you recommend any good locations?

Yes! I'll offer location recommendations in Des Moines proper and on the west side of the metro. What's more important is that you feel comfortable, and if there's a spot that has special meaning, please tell me!

Can you make wardrobe recommendations?

Yes! I'll offer light guidance on the types of wardrobe choices and colors that make great images — but what you wear is ultimately up to you. More than anything, I want you to feel like "you." My general approach is for you (not your clothes!) to take center stage in your photographs, and I will provide more specifics after booking.

Can we buy prints?

Yes! Digital downloads are included in all packages, and I also offer the option for high-quality prints and wall art through a printing partner. These can be ordered directly from your delivered gallery by following the prompts; they are also offered in community and sports galleries. Due to the nature of printing, all purchases are final.

Do we get all rights to our photos?

This can get a little confusing, so let me offer a brief explanation. When someone creates an image (even a snapshot on your phone), they own the copyright to the image, and they then grant permission or a license to use the image for specific purposes. When you share a snapshot with a friend, you're essentially granting them permission for personal use.

For all family, senior, community, and sports packages, I grant a perpetual license for personal use. This means you can print and enjoy these photos forever, but you do not own the copyright itself, nor can you use the image for commercial or marketing purposes.

If you are seeking photography for commercial purposes, please get in touch with me. For event packages, the purchasing organization is granted a perpetual-use license for organizational purposes.

What's included in your packages?

See our packages here. Sales tax does apply. Packages include travel to locations within Des Moines proper and the west side of the metro. Locations outside of the immediate west metro will be quoted based on distance traveled.