Holiday cards are a favorite tradition for many families. Sending a card that correctly represents your family name shows attention to detail and adds a personal touch. But when it comes to pluralizing last names on holiday cards, confusion often arises. Should you add an "s," "es," or an apostrophe? I am an avid reader and a self-described grammar nerd, so I put together this guide that will help you understand the rules and avoid common mistakes, so your holiday greetings l

Travel planning can quickly become overwhelming, especially when you want a trip that feels personal, seamless, and luxurious. Teresa Herold understands this well. After 36 years in public relations and customer service in the Ag industry, Teresa left the corporate world to focus on what she loves most: crafting unforgettable luxury travel experiences. She specializes in honeymoons, girls' trips, and empty nest traveling, offering personalized travel planning that takes care

When three friends with three decades of shared trauma and friendship approached me about doing a best friend's photo session, I was all ears. I have known Amelia since our babies were babies, and she approached me because she knew I could tell their story. The friends wanted to recreate the iconic story of Mary Anne and Wanda, the beloved characters in the song 'Goodbye Earl' by The Chicks. The story tells about domestic violence and how friendship and girl power prevails.

On November 8th, Whiskers TNR of Warren County held their 9th annual fundraiser event--this year's event is entitled Dressed to the Nines--The Meow Mixer Goes to Prom. In 2016, animal lover and mom, Corissa Arndt noticed a problem with the stray cat population in her community. Corissa, with the help of her husband, Jeremy, started a 501 (c)-3 non-profit charity. Their goal was simple--they wanted to improve the lives of the stray cat population through trapping, neutering,

Since 1955, DMOS Orthopaedic Center has been a staple in the Des Moines metro for providing musculoskeletal care t o patients, and on October 30th, the DMOS team held a groundbreaking ceremony for their new Norwalk location. The clinic will be providing acute and critical care to patients at their new location--which will be located conveniently on the corner of Highway 28 and Turnberry Drive, across from City State Bank. Last winter my middle school son broke his arm in PE

October 24th was a chilly day for Norwalk's annual race, adequately titled RUNorwalk. My heated vest and extra layers kept me warm though as I photographed the runners and documented the morning's fundraiser event. The race is held by the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce and this year, a portion of the money went towards the Norwalk Easter Public Library. Participants could choose to run either a 5k, 10k, or a one-mile fun run/walk. Afterwards, the kids even had a chance to race

In the Des Moines metro area, families and aging adults often find themselves overwhelmed by daily responsibilities. From managing appointments to keeping a tidy home, the demands can feel endless. That's where Simply Golden Solutions comes in. This personal concierge service, founded by Sherrie Nelson, is designed to meet the unique needs of these individuals. By focusing on essential services like technology education, transportation, light housekeeping, and meal planning,

Several months ago, I was invited to attend a Norwalk Area Women's Collective Coffee held by the Norwalk Chamber of Commerce . It's a fun...

Way back in July, Cole reached out to me saying he wanted to propose to his girlfriend, Emily, and wanted the proposal to be...

As a high school senior, you have ideas and interests, and it's only fair that your senior photos represent you . Who you are in this...

Are you getting married and planning your wedding? You're quickly {or not so quickly} crossing things off your to-do list from securing a...

School is back in session here in Iowa, the weather is cooling to a more manageable temperature, and fall is on everyone's mind. With...

Well, the cat is officially out of the bag--Whisker's TNR of Warren County is holding its annual Meow-Mixer Gala and I have been asked to...

In July I offered my first (of many!) Headshot Mini sessions. This was a fun and easy way for people to come in and update their...

I typically start all my newborn sessions with baby on a white backdrop on the posing table. I do what is called 'Mugshots' and I capture different facial expressions along with macro shots and baby's tiny features.

In late May, I organized a 'Back to Basics' Mini session at my studio in Des Moines. I captured the images against a white seamless backdrop without any props—just the family. I must say, these are some of my favorite studio photographs! There is often a beauty in a simple setup that allows the subject to stand out.

Whenever I am asked what my favorite type of session to photograph is, without hesitation I say 'Maternity!' It also makes me feel a bit like a hypocrite though, because I only ever did maternity photos with babies 2 and 3. They are my favorite to photograph though. I have been loving having a larger studio space that allows for a variety of different sets. I do love outdoor sessions, but I am also very honest, that not every person is wanting to traverse through the wilderne

A recap of the Norwalk Easter Public Library's Chair-ish the Library 2025 event that included food, drink, and chairs that were donated to be auctioned off to help support the summer reading program.

In winter of 2024, I offered my first 'Sweater Weather' mini sessions. It was so much fun documenting women and showcasing their strength an

What will the photography do to help soothe and comfort the baby during their newborn photos? Here's a list of ways I keep baby calm and con