Blog | Calli Tuggle Photography

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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!

Des Moines, Iowa boudoir photography - a black and white image of a woman lying on a bed wearing lingerie and an oversized cardigan

Des Moines, Iowa boudoir photography - a black and white image of a woman lying on a bed wearing lingerie and an oversized cardigan

Sweater Weather {Boudoir Photos} 2025

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

Feb 16, 20252 min read

Newborn Photos - How to Soothe a Baby

Newborn Photos - How to Soothe a Baby

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

Feb 12, 20253 min read

First Day Earthside - Fresh 48 Hospital Sessions

First Day Earthside - Fresh 48 Hospital Sessions

First Day Earthside - Fresh 48 Hospital Sessions

For the last two and a half years I have worked part-time providing Fresh 48 hospital photos for newborn babies. This is a dream...

Feb 8, 20252 min read

Dominic - Dual Athlete's Senior Photos

Dominic - Dual Athlete's Senior Photos

Dominic - Dual Athlete's Senior Photos

Dominic is an athlete and wanted to incorporate his sports (football and wrestling) into his senior photos.

Jan 27, 20252 min read

Lessons I learned in 2024

Lessons I learned in 2024

Lessons I learned in 2024

Each year I have been in business, I continue to learn more about photography as well as the business aspect of actually running a business.

Jan 26, 20253 min read

Why Investing in a Professional Photographer Is Worth Every Penny

Why Investing in a Professional Photographer Is Worth Every Penny

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

Jan 19, 20254 min read

Fairytale - Little Red Riding Hood

Fairytale - Little Red Riding Hood

Fairytale - Little Red Riding Hood

I grew up reading....everything. I was no stranger to books and especially loved fairytales. Library visits were frequently a true...

Dec 19, 20242 min read

Sneak Peeks, Watermarks, and Filters

Sneak Peeks, Watermarks, and Filters

Sneak Peeks, Watermarks, and Filters

When I started out as a professional photographer, there was a lot of little things I had to decide for my business and my brand. Some of th

Nov 22, 20242 min read

Emma - Ankeny Centennial Senior

Emma - Ankeny Centennial Senior

Emma - Ankeny Centennial Senior

Ankeny Centennial Senior photographed during two sessions for her senior photo session.

Nov 19, 20242 min read

Go Ninja, TMNT Family Photos!

Go Ninja, TMNT Family Photos!

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

Nov 5, 20243 min read

Instead of Posed Photos...

Instead of Posed Photos...

Instead of Posed Photos...

When we think of family photos, so many of us think of the stuffy posed photos from the 1990's. The unnatural poses and plastic smiles.

Sep 23, 20242 min read

How Branding Photos can Help Your Small Business

How Branding Photos can Help Your Small Business

How Branding Photos can Help Your Small Business

We live in a world with data at our fingertips. We can easily pull up the latest movie showings or the menu at our favorite restaurant.

Sep 15, 20242 min read

Des Moines Music Scene - Musician Spotlight - Ellis Belle

Des Moines Music Scene - Musician Spotlight - Ellis Belle

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

Sep 3, 20244 min read

Family Photos with Grandparents

Family Photos with Grandparents

Family Photos with Grandparents

Sunday September 8, 2024 is Grandparent's Day. I would give up quite a bit to have a few more hours with my grandparents.

Sep 2, 20242 min read

Camera Basics & Exposure Triangle

Camera Basics & Exposure Triangle

Camera Basics & Exposure Triangle

There's more to photography than simply clicking a button, but most people are unaware of the relationship between light

Aug 22, 20243 min read

Gifting a Photo Session

Gifting a Photo Session

Gifting a Photo Session

For several years now I have been moving towards experience gifts rather than disposable stuff for my children. My four boys have been...

Aug 11, 20242 min read

A Decade Down and a Lifetime to Go - 10 Year Anniversary Photo Shoot

A Decade Down and a Lifetime to Go - 10 Year Anniversary Photo Shoot

A Decade Down and a Lifetime to Go - 10 Year Anniversary Photo Shoot

Maridith went on to state that her and Jeff would be celebrating at the gorgeous Surety Hotel in Downtown Des Moines. The hotel provided the

Aug 4, 20242 min read

Boudoir vs Pin-Up Photos

Boudoir vs Pin-Up Photos

Boudoir vs Pin-Up Photos

A quick guide for boudoir vs pin-up photography

Jul 28, 20242 min read

Celebrating Strength and Love: A Single Mother Maternity Photo Session

Celebrating Strength and Love: A Single Mother Maternity Photo Session

Celebrating Strength and Love: A Single Mother Maternity Photo Session

A single mother maternity photo shoot is more than just a photo session;

May 4, 20242 min read

Shutterfest 2024 Recap

Shutterfest 2024 Recap

Shutterfest 2024 Recap

I have said it a million times, but I absolutely love learning. I am obsessed with learning new photography skills and editing tips and...

Apr 14, 20243 min read

Family, senior, couples, and newborn photographer serving the Des Moines, Iowa area since 2021.

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