Des Moines Family Photographer: Susan and Tim, Autumn 2014

I drove down to Bussey for a session with Susan and Tim and their sons's family photos late in November. We initially made plans to shoot around the Bussey square and some land but because the winter was cutting the air with sharp cold wind gusts, we stayed in their home instead. With a little bit of musical furniture from each composition, I turned their home into a full fledged studio. It was all in good fun and I'm glad to have enjoyed their company.

Des Moines Family Photographer: Sarah, Will & Connor, Autumn 2014

Sarah and Will invited me into their home for a family session with their son Connor. It was late in November but it was one of those weekends where the weather was slightly warmer than usual. We chose to stay inside for their session though as it was still a little brisk and windy. I thoroughly enjoyed talking to Sarah and Will about their experiences at the University of Iowa, being an alumni myself and also talking to Connor… well, mainly just trying to get an expression out of him, but it was still a good time.

Des Moines Family Photographer: Anita and Vaughn, Autumn 2014

I'm always excited to shoot in new locations and for Anita and Vaughn's family mini-session, we met up at the World Food Prize Hall of Laureates. It was on a very bleak November morning. The sky was painted in grey tones and a light rain drizzled the air, which kept us inside for the session. We were able to get away with a few good family photos in the architecturally crafted building complete with classic pillars and well framed paintings.

Des Moines Family Photographer: Megan, Mike and Brenna, Autumn 2014

The transition of autumn from October to November is as unpredictable as any day in the summer. There's always that uncertainty of a rainstorm but on the day that I met up with Megan, Mike and Brenna, it was a blast of a cold northern wind. It forced us to change our plans to meet at Greenwood Park to the Botanical Center. We still had a good time inside though and I just loved the spirit of Brenna as she was doing what any one year old would do. Explore! She was fearless as her curiosity led her to many new discoveries.

Des Moines Family Photographer: Tom and Paula, Autumn 2014

I met Tom and Paula on their property for a family session with their children and grandchildren in early November. It was a sign that the last warm days of autumn had passed. The sun was warm but the eastern wind made it challenging and a little cool, so we kept those inside who weren't having their photos taken. In between Tom and Paula's turn and the big family photo, Tom took me out to a cabin on his four wheeler to see where he hunts on their land, while his family gathered outside for one last photo. Poor little miss Sadie just couldn't make it to the end and fell asleep on grandma's arm.