I started with a $350 camera, a baby on my hip, and a gut feeling that this was the thing — and now I photograph weddings and newborns across Iowa for couples and families who want images that actually feel like them and honor the phase of life they're in. As a mom, I know what it feels like to want to freeze a moment before it slips away, and that knowing is what I bring to every session I shoot. When I'm not behind the camera, I'm in a worn-out t-shirt, calling scrambled eggs a real dinner, and cracking a cold wheat beer at the end of a long shoot — life is good, and I never take a second of it for granted, which is exactly why I'll never take yours for granted either.
I started with a $350 camera, a baby on my hip, and a gut feeling that this was the thing — and now I photograph weddings and newborns across Iowa for couples and families who want images that actually feel like them and honor the phase of life they're in. As a mom, I know what it feels like to want to freeze a moment before it slips away, and that knowing is what I bring to every session I shoot. When I'm not behind the camera, I'm in a worn-out t-shirt, calling scrambled eggs a real dinner, and cracking a cold wheat beer at the end of a long shoot — life is good, and I never take a second of it for granted, which is exactly why I'll never take yours for granted either.
BEYOND THE LENS
ABOUT
Thank you for making it this far — it tells me you're looking for more than just someone with a camera, and that's exactly who I want to work with.
My job is to give you images that feel true. The kind you can look back on years from now and remember not just what the day looked like, but what it felt like to be alive inside it. I do that by making you feel comfortable enough to forget I'm even there. The real moments only happen when someone feels safe, so instead of directing a scene, I create the conditions where the truth can show up on its own.
Work with me, and you're not just getting photos, you're getting someone who shows up for you, pays close enough attention to catch what matters, and hands you back a piece of your life exactly as it felt to live it.
Thank you for making it this far — it tells me you're looking for more than just someone with a camera, and that's exactly who I want to work with.
My job is to give you images that feel true. The kind you can look back on years from now and remember not just what the day looked like, but what it felt like to be alive inside it. I do that by making you feel comfortable enough to forget I'm even there. The real moments only happen when someone feels safe, so instead of directing a scene, I create the conditions where the truth can show up on its own.
Work with me, and you're not just getting photos, you're getting someone who shows up for you, pays close enough attention to catch what matters, and hands you back a piece of your life exactly as it felt to live it.
LET'S GET CANDID
Because there's always more to the story.
Because there's always more to the story.
things i love
Cool fall sunsets, baseball/softball practice in the backyard with my kids, rangers rides with my husband, moscow mules, girls day.
Cool fall sunsets, baseball/softball practice in the backyard with my kids, rangers rides with my husband, moscow mules, girls day.
MY MANTRA
I believe in loving with your whole heart, committing with your whole soul, living in the present, and using all the talent God gave you.
I believe in loving with your whole heart, committing with your whole soul, living in the present, and using all the talent God
gave you.
What inspires me
The love that came before me and the love I witness unfolding before my eyes.
The love that came before me and the love I witness unfolding before my eyes.
My guilty pleasures
Hershey's dark chocolate, homemade bread... carbs in general.
Hershey's dark chocolate, homemade bread... carbs in general.
MY TOASTING DRINK
Champagne, of course!
Champagne, of course!
“We have had Chelsea take a couple different sessions for us, including our wedding day recently, and we absolutely love her! She is so down to earth, loves what she does, and always builds a relationship with each and everyone of her clients to make them feel comfortable during their sessions."
Sierra S.
I’m always booking weddings and newborn sessions in Des Moines and beyond, with limited availability for families, couples, and seniors.
I’m always booking weddings and newborn sessions in Des Moines and beyond, with limited availability for families, couples, and seniors.