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Portrait photographer specializing in newborns, families, couples, and seniors. Serving the Des Moines, Iowa metro since 2021.
Blog
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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Back to Basics Studio Mini Sessions - Des Moines, Iowa
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.

Calli Tuggle
Jun 272 min read


Diversity in Studio Maternity Sessions
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

Calli Tuggle
Jun 152 min read


Newborn Photos - How to Soothe a Baby
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

Calli Tuggle
Feb 123 min read


Why Investing in a Professional Photographer Is Worth Every Penny
In today’s image-centric society, captivating visuals play a crucial role in how we communicate and connect. Whether you want to preserve

Calli Tuggle
Jan 194 min read


Go Ninja, TMNT Family Photos!
This was the year we decided to dress as our fav turtles and friends. Funnily enough, the turtles and our boys share similar personality

Calli Tuggle
Nov 5, 20243 min read


Des Moines Music Scene - Musician Spotlight - Ellis Belle
Mara talked to me about the music scene in the Des Moines metro and how she met the team that she would work with the produce her songs, as

Calli Tuggle
Sep 3, 20244 min read


Boudoir vs Pin-Up Photos
A quick guide for boudoir vs pin-up photography

Calli Tuggle
Jul 28, 20242 min read


Sweater Weather - Boudoir Session
In early February I hosted my first annual Sweater Weather sessions. I wanted to create a cozy, playful, sexy space for women that wanted...

Calli Tuggle
Feb 29, 20242 min read


Just Like Dad
I've had Jameson's blog post sitting in my drafts for months. I was so excited to share his photos, but I was drawing a blank on what...

Calli Tuggle
May 25, 20231 min read


Cuddly and Cute Newborn Boy
I have mentioned before that in the late summer, I accepted a position as an in-hospital photographer for a national company that offers...

Calli Tuggle
May 7, 20232 min read


Wonderful Wila Turns Two!
If you've known me for longer than five minutes, you've probably realized that I was born in the wrong decade. Although an 80's baby, I...

Calli Tuggle
Apr 8, 20232 min read


Spring Mini Sessions
Des Moines, Iowa Family Photographer - Indoor spring mini sessions located in Norwalk, Iowa for Mother's Day, families, couples, & maternity

Calli Tuggle
Apr 1, 20232 min read


Glitter Session: Mom+ Mini
A few weeks ago I hosted glitter mini sessions in my in-home studio. P's mom was the first to book the session. A few days before the big...

Calli Tuggle
Mar 9, 20231 min read


Moiré Effect
Have you ever been in a Facebook group primarily made up of moms? Oh yeah, I have. Aside from my least favorite topic of "Name that...

Calli Tuggle
Feb 7, 20231 min read


Why You Need Newborn Photos
Des Moines family photographer - newborn photos

Calli Tuggle
Jan 12, 20232 min read


January Glitter Mini Sessions
Words cannot describe how excited I am to be offering glitter sessions at my studio this winter! For several years, my husband and I have...

Calli Tuggle
Dec 8, 20222 min read


Community Over Competition
"Community over competition" is a saying that I have heard a million times, but never really given much thought to in a professional...

Calli Tuggle
Jul 22, 20222 min read


Tell Me What YOU Want, What YOU Really, Really Want
I want to know. Tell me what you want, what you really, really want in a portrait session. Do not hold back. Do you want bold colors, do...

Calli Tuggle
Mar 27, 20222 min read


I Want Candy
I have been wanting to do a candy photo session for forever. OK, maybe more like a few months. I approached my friend, Shanda, and asked...

Calli Tuggle
Mar 11, 20222 min read


Tiny Cheerleader
When you think of 'cheerleading' or 'cheerleader' what's the first thing that comes to mind? If you came of age in the late 1990's or...

Calli Tuggle
Mar 10, 20221 min read
Family, senior, couples, and newborn photographer serving the Des Moines, Iowa area since 2021.
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