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.

All of the families I photographed this year opted to upgrade to the full gallery, which included the black and white images. I think that was a great idea, because the black and white images were equally as stunning as the colored counterparts!

One of the families that booked the mini session was Katie and Christian. They were one of my very first clients after I started my LLC three and a half years ago! I [photographed their engagement session. It was so much fun to catch up with them to find out how things transpired for them from the wedding, a few moves, and baby! I could have eaten John up--he was so sweet and chill too! Katie and Christian are still the cutest and most photogenetic couple and they are passing those same traits on to John. He was hamming it up for the camera and gave me quite a few little smirks.

Sometimes, kids don't always cooperate during photo sessions and that's 100% OK. Minis are quick. We get what we get. I have photographed Charlotte and her family enough to know that I do not force her to do anything she does not want to do. What's that mean? That means Mom and Dad get more photos then.

I loved being able to pose these parents separately. Charlotte's mom disclosed that she never got the traditional high school senior photos taken. Oooh, my heart. She could totally still pass for a high schooler, so it was an easy pose. Charlotte absolutely loves my stool and cried when he time on it ended. Don't worry. I sent parents the link so they could order her her very own stool on castors! Aside from the simplicity of these sessions, I love how easy it is incorporate these images into an existing gallery wall or further down the line if a new family member is added to the family, include them. Investing in wall art is expensive--that's one of the most common things I hear from clients is how expensive it is to update their canvases or frame artwork every few years--but perhaps--just add to it with a similar style?