Meet Rachael. Your Ankeny and Des Moines family photographer.
I'm Rachael, a Certified Professional Photographer with more than 14 years of experience creating heirloom portraits for families. I live in Ankeny, I'm a mom of three, and I photograph families across the greater Des Moines area.
How it started
I grew up as the oldest in a busy household, and when I got older I noticed what had happened to our family photos: a dusty box, one print from a holiday or a birthday, and rolls of film that were never developed. That box sparked my career. I realized that photographs only matter if they are printed, displayed and loved.
Why I do this…
I'm a mom, and I know it is usually moms who take the pictures and miss being in them. During a session with a six-month-old baby, I encouraged her mom to snuggle in close. She now has a portrait of that bond, and every time she looks at it, she is back in those days. The perfect moment for family photos is today, in the middle of your beautiful chaos.
Now in Iowa…
In 2024, my family moved from California to Ankeny. We moved here to be closer to our family and we love being part of this community. I'm getting to know the Des Moines community and I'm excited to photograph Iowa families.
So, when is the 'perfect' moment for a family photoshoot?
It's today, right now, in the midst of the beautiful chaos that is your life.
Let’s take a moment to pause and preserve your family’s memories.
It's not just about capturing isolated moments; it's about crafting a timeless narrative that you and your loved ones will treasure for generations. Picture this: Your children and their children flipping through an album filled with your laughter, love and adventures, telling stories from that time in your life. Pictures truly make memories come alive.
My Why.
Because I believe in the power of storytelling through imagery. In an age of fleeting digital images, I'm here to help you pause, capture, and preserve your family's legacy so it endures the test of time. As the years rush by, you'll want something tangible to hold onto. Something that tells your unique story.
My Community Involvement
-
Beauty Revived
Participated in the Beauty Revived Child and Senior projects – which spotlights an amazing member of the community and how they are making a difference in the lives of others.
-
Certified Professional Photographer
I'm a Certified Professional Photographer and an award winning photographer through the PPA.
-
The Gold Hope Project
I volunteer for The Gold Hope Project – an organization that provides families, that have a child with cancer, with a free photo session.