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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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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
6 days ago2 min read


Capturing Memories: A Newborn Family Session at Our Des Moines Studio
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.

Calli Tuggle
Jun 283 min read


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


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

Calli Tuggle
Feb 162 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


Dominic - Dual Athlete's Senior Photos
Dominic is an athlete and wanted to incorporate his sports (football and wrestling) into his senior photos.

Calli Tuggle
Jan 272 min read


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.

Calli Tuggle
Jan 263 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


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

Calli Tuggle
Nov 22, 20242 min read


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

Calli Tuggle
Nov 19, 20242 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


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.

Calli Tuggle
Sep 23, 20242 min read


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.

Calli Tuggle
Sep 15, 20242 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


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

Calli Tuggle
Aug 22, 20243 min read


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

Calli Tuggle
Aug 4, 20242 min read


Favorite Baby Names From a Fresh 48 Photographer
Your child's name is one of the most important things you can gift your child. They'll outgrow their carseat, onesies, and even their...

Calli Tuggle
Mar 1, 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


White Sheet Session
If you're anything like me, you've spent hours scrolling Pinterest while procrastinating doing the laundry. I love looking at out of the...

Calli Tuggle
Aug 10, 20232 min read
Family, senior, couples, and newborn photographer serving the Des Moines, Iowa area since 2021.
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