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Read more about sessions, inspiration, behind the scenes footage, and some before and after shots on the blog. You can use the search feature if you are looking some specific content such as 'senior' or 'newborn' or you can just scroll and read all the blog posts!
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Senior Photos - Top 5 Favorite Poses for the Guys
As a photographer that photographs a lot of high school seniors, I have my favorite go-to poses for senior photos. I have some that I include in almost every session that I know parents and seniors love, then we can get creative. Seniors love to come to their session with ideas, but if they don't--no worries, I've got you! Keep reading to find out my top 5 favorite senior poses for the guys to make your senior photos stress free and a breeze! Don't worry though, I'll do my to

Calli Tuggle
May 182 min read
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Styling Senior Photos - Outfits
If you're here, that means that you're a rising high school senior or a parent of a senior. First off--congratulations! That's a huge milestone in and of itself. Senior year is filled with so many firsts as well as lasts. It can be overwhelming, but I am here to take the stress out of your senior photos. One thing that most of my seniors stress over is their outfits. What to wear, what will photograph well, and what represents them. We'll discuss my go-to ways to style senior

Calli Tuggle
May 182 min read
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Small Business Spotlight - FreeBird & Co
One of the things I love about being a headshot and branding photographer is meeting small business owners, hearing their stories, and helping support them. I met Marechen, co-owner of FreeBird & Co a year ago and immediately clicked with her and her mission at FreeBird &Co. So now it's time to put FreeBird & Co in the spotlight! What exactly is FreeBird & Co? FreeBird & Co is a small husband/wife duo owned by Marechen (Marci) and Finch Clark. They roast coffee beans here in

Calli Tuggle
Apr 222 min read
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Memory Care Photos - StoryPoint God & Goddess Sessions
The twist on these sessions was that each resident would be either a God or Goddess. Karin, the activities director at StoryPoint in Urbandale was a dream to work with. My trusted make-up artist and dear friend, Alyssa Lloyd, came to pamper the residents before their photos with blush, eyeshadow, and lipstick. Some of the men even opted for a bit of rogue or a sprinkle of glitter.

Calli Tuggle
Apr 153 min read
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The Use of Ai in the Photography Industry
I have lasted as long as possible when it comes to using Ai in photography, but it appears that artificial intelligence is here to stay. In fact, it's now feels like it's more common than it's not to use Ai

Calli Tuggle
Jan 272 min read
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DJ vs Live Band for Your Wedding The Pros and Cons Explained
Choosing the right music for your wedding can shape the entire atmosphere of your special day. Whether you lean toward the energy of a live band or the versatility of a DJ, each option has unique benefits and drawbacks.

Calli Tuggle
Jan 34 min read
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How to Properly Pluralize Your Last Name for Holiday Cards
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

Calli Tuggle
Dec 15, 20253 min read
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Experience Luxury Travel Tailored for You by Teresa Herold
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

Calli Tuggle
Dec 3, 20254 min read
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Goodbye Earl - Domestic Violence and Friendship
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.

Calli Tuggle
Nov 28, 20252 min read
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Whiskers TNR of Warren County: Dressed to the Nines--The Meow Mixer Goes to Prom Recap
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,

Calli Tuggle
Nov 11, 20253 min read
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DMOS Orthopaedic Center's Groundbreaking Ceremony in Norwalk
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

Calli Tuggle
Nov 10, 20251 min read
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RUNorwalk 2025
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

Calli Tuggle
Nov 4, 20251 min read
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Elevating Lives in Des Moines: How Simply Golden Solutions Supports Aging Adults and Busy Families
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,

Calli Tuggle
Oct 30, 20253 min read
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Local Business Spotlight - Craft Daze
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...

Calli Tuggle
Oct 1, 20252 min read
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Cole & Emily - Surprise Proposal
Way back in July, Cole reached out to me saying he wanted to propose to his girlfriend, Emily, and wanted the proposal to be...

Calli Tuggle
Sep 30, 20253 min read
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Senior Photos that Represent YOU
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...

Calli Tuggle
Sep 24, 20252 min read
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Getting Married? Consider Having Two Photographers
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...

Calli Tuggle
Sep 18, 20253 min read
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Top 5 Tips for Stress Free Family Photos
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...

Calli Tuggle
Aug 29, 20252 min read
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Whisker's TNR Launches Meow-Mixer Fundraiser Event in Warren County with Ticket Details
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...

Calli Tuggle
Aug 18, 20252 min read
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July Headshot Mini Sessions
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...

Calli Tuggle
Aug 4, 20252 min read
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Family, senior, couples, and newborn photographer serving the Des Moines, Iowa area since 2021.
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