Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do you have a studio?
Yes, I have a studio that can fit up to six people.
When do you schedule your sessions?
The majority of my sessions are scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays since I work full time at my 'day job' Monday through Thursday. However, I can schedule an occasional weekday evening session to accommodate client needs if so desired.
For outdoor sessions, the best time of day is early morning or towards sunset to allow for the best lighting. Indoor studio sessions can be scheduled at any time of day since I use professional studio lighting.
Where do you recommend taking outdoor photographs in the Des Moines area?
Below are several locations I like to use in the Des Moines area:
- Water Works Park near downtown Des Moines (white rustic barn, metal train bridge, water fountain surrounded by colorful flowers, tree swing, walking trails among large trees)
- Des Moines Art Center and The Rose Garden (beautiful roses, stone paths/stairs/benches, white staircases in front)
- Greenwood Park- behind The Rose Garden and past the outdoor theater (pond, boardwalk, paved trails)
- Valley Junction in West Des Moines (brick walls/outlets, unique storefronts, staircase, train depot area)
- Centennial Park in Waukee (red covered bridge, 2 additional bridges among a beautiful foliage setting, large tree ‘seat’)
- West Des Moines Public Library (pond, bridge, weeping willow trees, trails, benches)
- Brenton Arboretum in Dallas Center (tall prairie grasses, pond, natural rolling hills, wooden bridges, natural 'playscapes' area)
- Southwoods Park in West Des Moines (trails lined with beautiful trees, tall prairie grasses, large grassy area surrounded by trees)
- Maffitt Lake Park in Cumming just south of the Des Moines metro (tall prairie grasses, natural rolling hills, beautiful lake, tree-lined trails)
- East Village in downtown Des Moines (eclectic storefronts, brick buildings, city sidewalks)
- Court Avenue in downtown Des Moines (red/white pedestrian bridge, large colorful mural, stairs with prairie grasses)
- Capital grounds in downtown Des Moines (courtyard with seasonal flowers, city skyline, stairs)
- Riverwalk Hub in downtown Des Moines (stone walkway along the river, stone benches, prairie grasses)
- Train depot area in downtown Des Moines- SW 4th & Vine near the Hessen Haus (railroad tracks, brick wall with climbing vines, unique buildings)
- …I am always looking for new locations, so please let me know if you have a particular spot in mind!
Do I get to select my own images?
Yes! I believe you should get exactly the images that YOU want! Within five days of your photo session I will send you a link to a password-protected proof gallery on my web site. From there you can select the images you'd like me to edit. Once I have your final edited images ready, I will send you a link to a separate password-protected gallery on my web site from which you can download your images and print them on your own.
When can I expect my images to be ready?
I like to post a sneak peek on my Facebook page within 5 days of you selecting which images you'd like me to edit. Normally, your fully-edited digital images are ready 2-3 weeks after you've selected the images from your proofing gallery. During the fall months (my busy season), it could be up to 4 weeks before your images are ready.
Where do you recommend I print my photographs?
I recommend printing your images at www.mpix.com. Their print quality is far better than going to Target, Wal-Mart, Snapfish, Shutterfly, etc. If you’re going to pay a photographer to take professional pictures, I highly recommend getting them printed at a professional quality printer.