Lauren Campbell Photography: Blog

Mini-Session Notification

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Sat, 14 Jan 2023 22:09:01 GMT

Sign up to be notified of upcoming mini-sessions!

2018 Wedding Sale!

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Wed, 03 Jan 2018 16:49:29 GMT

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If you're engaged or getting married in 2018 or 2019, NOW is the time to book your photographer! Through the month of January, I'm offering a FREE parents album - that's a $225 value!

You'll get:

High-resolution digital files with printing rights
Private gallery with all your images
A slideshow video with highlights of your big day - perfect for sharing on Facebook & Instagram!
A custom designed, leather album featuring your favorite images of your big day
A mobile app with all your images
Engagement session (can be swapped for additional time on your wedding day!)

Dates are filling up fast; book yours today!

email:lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com

2017 Wedding Prices

Click here to see our work See real weddings read what real couples say

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Thank You for an Amazing Year!

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Tue, 02 Jan 2018 19:52:09 GMT

WOW! I can't begin to thank you guys enough for a wonderful 2017! This year saw sweet couples in love, high school seniors getting ready for the next big adventure, and families full of love and laughter. Thank you for letting me capture big days and special moments in your lives! Here's to 2018!

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2017 Small Business Saturday

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Fri, 24 Nov 2017 21:38:25 GMT

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I'm excited to be participating in 2017's Small Business Saturday with the City of Windsor Heights!

Check out all the fun things our great Chamber of Commerce has planned! While I can't be there in person, I'm running a HUGE sale - 25% off any gift certificate purchase! Good for your future session or on location, for prints or specialty products; a gift certificate is always the perfect size and they'll think of your sweet gift every time they see their portraits!

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You can purchase online here until midnight, or stop by my studio at 6571 University Avenue in Windsor Heights from 9:30am-1pm and see my friend Kelly!

Online purchases will be mailed out the following week; if you'd like a purchase in a different amount, email lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com and I'll get you set up!

Pete & Alayna | Des Moines Wedding Photographer

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Sat, 23 Sep 2017 23:33:24 GMT

2017 is full of special weddings for Lauren Campbell Photography. In addition to all my amazing clients, this is the second of three weddings in 2017 that are close family friends. Brandon and Kimmi kicked off wedding season with their beautiful day, now it's Pete & Alayna's turn to celebrate! Their wedding was perfectly planned, even if the weather didn't cooperate. There may have been a few speed bumps, but nothing could stand in the way of these two celebrating! From their ceremony at Raccoon River Lodge, to dancing the night away at Decades Event Center; it was an amazing day of celebration for the Westerkamp and Bailey families! Congratulations, Pete & Alayna!

2017 Everything Bridal Show

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Sat, 09 Sep 2017 18:15:04 GMT

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Hey there! We're thrilled to be a premium vendor at the Fall 2017 Everything Bridal show on Sunday, September 10th at The Ron Pearson Center at HyVee Conference Center! This year's show special is $100 off your package if you book by September 24th and a free parent's album ($225 value) if you book before September 30th!

If you're finding us for the first time, I would love to hear more about your big day! Let's set up time to chat - lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com or call/text 515-996-0326

See our work See real weddings read what real couples say

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Voted Favorite Kid & Baby Photographer by Des Moines Parent Magazine!

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Wed, 23 Aug 2017 17:45:22 GMT

2017 Favorite Kid/Baby Photographer

By Des Moines Parent Magazine Readers!

I was blown away when I found out I won 2017 Favorite Kid/Baby Photographer by the readers of Des Moines Parent Magazine! I've followed the work of Erin at Des Moines Parent for a few years, and love their new magazine! There are so many talented and amazing photographers here in Central Iowa, and I am so incredibly honored to have been voted favorite in Des Moines for 2017!

Check out the Des Moines Parent website, and be sure to follow them on Facebook.

Click here to see the August edition of Des Moines Parent Magazine!

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2017 Fall Family & Mini Sessions!

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Mon, 21 Aug 2017 21:03:31 GMT

2017 Fall Family & Mini Sessions!

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With school starting any day now, fall family photos are just around the corner!

This is my stepdaughter's senior year of high school, and commitments with her marching band are quickly filling up my calendar. In order to accommodate all of my amazing clients, I've set up 3 dates in October for family and mini-sessions.

These 25 minute mini-sessions include unlimited poses (whole family, kids only, mom and kids, etc.) with high resolution digital files ready the following day! Whether you're planning for holiday cards or updated photos of the kids; this is the perfect time to cross it off your to do list! These sessions will be held outdoors at a scenic location to be announced.

You can also book your 1 hour family session online! The one hour session includes all of the above, plus a $50 print credit!

Reserve your time for October 2nd, 22nd, or 28th today!

With the limited availability of these sessions, cancellations within one week of scheduled time are non-refundable.

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Brandon & Kimmi | Des Moines Wedding Photographer

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 13:00:00 GMT

One of the many awesome things to experience as a photographer is getting the chance to photograph milestones for your own family. The Swedbergs are like family; I've known Brandon for over twenty years and when he introduced Kimmi to our crew, we knew she was the perfect match for him.

Brandon and Kimmi planned such a beautiful day, starting at the gorgeous Plymouth Church in Des Moines. We took advantage of the magnificent grounds for their first look and informal photos before formal portraits in the sanctuary. Their union was celebrated with a quick ceremony before they were sent off with cheers for a quick stop at Johnny's Hall of Fame before the reception. When the bridal party arrived at Embassy Club West out at West Glen, we took advantage of the gorgeous surroundings for photos around the pond and pedestrian path that was helpfully scouted by the moms!

Enjoy these photos from their lovely day!

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Congrats, Brandon & Kimmi!

Mitch & Tiffany Wood | Des Moines Wedding Photographer

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Sat, 03 Jun 2017 23:30:31 GMT

Tiffany and Mitch are another great couple I met through Bonnie at Perfect Events. Their April 1st wedding made them a couple of 'fools' in love! Their ceremony was held in the gorgeous St. Ambrose Cathedral in Downtown Des Moines. After formal photos, this adorable couple partied with friends at a few stops around downtown before their grand entrance at Scottish Rite. Amazing food by Hickory Park and fantastic entertainment by DJ Cubbie were the icing on the cake for this delightful couple's big day!

Congrats, Tiffany & Mitch!

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Six Month Old Bennett | Des Moines Photographer

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Fri, 24 Feb 2017 22:00:00 GMT

One of the best feelings as a small business owner is when clients come to you as referrals. It means they saw my work, heard good things from an existing client and wanted to hire me - what a compliment! It's especially meaningful when they become some of your biggest cheerleaders too! I met Bennett's mom and dad for their engagement photos before they jetted off for their destination wedding. I was delighted when they called to schedule maternity and newborn photos, and in a blink of an eye, it was time for six month photos! Bennett was all smiles during our shoot; a total trooper for several outfits and poses. What a happy baby! Can't wait for his 1 year photos!

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Michaela & Justin Bartels | Central Iowa Wedding Photographer

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Tue, 21 Feb 2017 18:09:28 GMT

Honey Creek Resort in southern Iowa hosted the gorgeous wedding of Michaela and Justin on a sunny day in September. From the moment of their first look through dancing the night away, they were surrounded by friends and family who were overjoyed to celebrate the start of their life as husband and wife. I loved the thoughtful touches the couple included in their big day; they posed holding their parents' wedding photos and had framed photos of their grandparents who had passed. This couples amazing day was filled with love and happiness; the perfect start to an amazing life together! Congrats you two!

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Christy & Stephanie | Central Iowa Wedding Photographer

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Tue, 17 Jan 2017 15:39:08 GMT

I first connected with Stephanie & Christy over Facetime one evening, after they found me through my annual Facebook ad. In no time, we were joking around, talking about their wedding day timeline, and planning for their spring engagement session. A few months later the couple made the road trip from their home near Cedar Falls to Des Moines with their sweet pup Callie tagging along for their engagement photos at Gray's Lake and Waterworks Park. It was so wonderful to finally meet face to face after relying on email so much! They were total naturals for their engagement session which left me even more excited for their big day!

While the big day also brought a big rainstorm, the gorgeous Common's building on University of Northern Iowa's campus provided a perfect setting, and even allowed Callie to join a few photos with her moms! Stephanie and Christy exchanged vows in the Georgian Lounge - a vaulted ceiling library, followed by a cocktail hour on the enclosed south terrace before dinner and dancing in the ballroom. The couple was toasted by loved ones and there was a common theme - they were perfectly paired for each other, and both families have been waiting for this day for a long time! As they shared their first dance as wives, the sun broke through the clouds, shining light on such a romantic and special day! Thank you for including me on such a beautiful day, CJ & Stephanie! Wishing you both the absolute best!

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Gordon + Angela Dvorak | Des Moines Wedding Photographer

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Mon, 19 Dec 2016 18:14:48 GMT

On a warm summer evening at the edge of the Des Moines river, a delightful couple exchanged personal vows that included house rules for Settlers of Catan and promises of forever. When I met Angela, we clicked right away as we discussed the plans of their big day; having so much in common, I could totally picture the vintage-glam family affair with shades of gold and cream she described and was hopeful they'd book me. I was elated when I heard back the following day and we set up time for their engagement shoot. Their engagement shoot was my first chance to meet Gordon, and watching this adorable couple interact, it was obvious that he would marry her at the courthouse in a snowstorm - he was eager to start their life together as husband and wife. They spent their big day celebrating with loved ones, partying until dark when we snuck away for a few fun photos, inspired by some of Angela's favorite photos! Thank you Angela and Gordon for inviting me into your amazing day! Enjoy some of the highlights below!

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Nate + Laura | Iowa Wedding Photographer

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Mon, 14 Nov 2016 23:00:00 GMT

I met Nate and Laura through Annie and Ryan Uhlenberg, whose wedding I photographed in 2014! When Nate and Laura and I met up for coffee, we hit it off right away and built a timeline for their big day. They planned a lovely ceremony at Laura's church in Chelsea, Iowa followed by photos at her family's gorgeous land, and then a fantastic party and meal in Toledo, Iowa. The timeline gave us plenty of time for getting ready photos, a first look with Laura's dad, casual photos at their farm, and the reception. But my favorite has to be the first look and private moment between Nate & Laura. They had written letters to each other to read right before seeing each other and exchanged gifts.

Congratulations, Laura & Nate! Wishing you guys a lifetime of happy memories!

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Clare Heinrich | DCHS Senior

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Wed, 02 Nov 2016 16:11:23 GMT

Dowling Catholic High School senior, Clare Heinrich, recently took time from her busy schedule for senior portraits! As a member of Dowling Catholic Vanguard marching band and Flute Choir, it was a no-brainer to feature her uniform, flute, and euphonium before heading out to capitalize on the beautiful fall colors around Des Moines. You may recognize Clare from her recent feature in The Des Moines Register and WHO - TV13 regarding her bee keeping. Clare also stays busy with People to People, Snake Club, Venture Scouts, Catechesis of the Good Shepard, and other groups at Dowling!

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Check out a few more photos here!

Thanks for a great time with our shoot, Clare! It was awesome getting to know you better! Best of luck on the year ahead!

Brandon + Kimmi | Des Moines Wedding Photographer

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Mon, 10 Oct 2016 14:37:27 GMT

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When your parents have such great friends when you're growing up, you end up with friends that are more like family; Brandon's mom and mine fall in that category, making Brandon more like my cousin than anything else. I can't even tell you how long I've known Brandon, but we were overjoyed when he introduced us to Kimmi a few years ago. So it probably goes without saying that I was thrilled when they asked if I would photograph their big day! We took some time this week to capture engagement photos - check out this adorable couple!

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Stella | Class of 2017

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Wed, 21 Sep 2016 21:30:01 GMT

Iowa native Stella has spent most of her life in the desert, but jumped at the chance to have her senior portraits taken in Iowa. Her family began planning a trip to Iowa for Labor Day weekend to attend a family wedding, and contacted me in April to set up Stella's shoot. We had an absolutely gorgeous day and the best senior photo entourage I've had yet! The icing on our cake was running into classic car owner, and local news anchor Todd Magel who graciously allowed us to take a few photos with his 1967 Lincoln Continental!

Congrats, Stella! Thanks for making time for me on your busy trip to Iowa!

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Stella's Entourage!

Sarah & Ethan | Des Moines Wedding Photographer

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Sun, 31 Jul 2016 19:36:00 GMT

Sarah & Ethan's day might have been warm, but it was full of love as friends and family joined them from across the United States! I also met this couple through Bonnie at Perfect Events, and had a wonderful time capturing their big day at Raccoon River Park! The couple exchanged their emotional vows outside under a canopy, and had a fun reception inside (away from the heat!), catered by Palmer's Deli!

Enjoy this peek into their big day!

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Congrats, Sarah & Ethan! Thank you for letting me capture your big day!

Jaimie & Rodney | Des Moines Family Photographer

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Sat, 30 Jul 2016 22:49:59 GMT

I first met Jaimie, Rodney and Hannah when they attended my Open House at my new studio! I distinctly remember Hannah acting shy but managed to get a smile out of her as they introduced their family. Jaimie found me through Nextdoor, a neighborhood based social media site, and I'm so glad she did! A few weeks later, Jaimie and I set up time to best understand their needs. Jaimie and Rodney's 2013 adoption coordinated by Bethany Christian Services brought Hannah to their family and they're ready for their family to grow! Part of their adoption process is putting together a family photo album for prospective birth parents to learn more about their family; we scheduled two shoots, one at a local park, and another at their home to show this family in action! Jaimie quickly pointed out how few photos she's in as she is usually behind the camera!

We had a wonderful time with our shoots, and together made a video for prospective birth parents to watch as well! Take a look at this cute family, and follow their journey on Facebook here: https://www.facebook.com/RodneyJaimieAdopt

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I think this photo perfectly captures "I'm 3!" :)

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Mary & Theo Bartemes | Des Moines Wedding Photographer

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Wed, 27 Jul 2016 23:45:53 GMT

Mary & Theo's wedding and reception in Urbandale, Iowa was a day filled with love, music, and family. They had the most wonderful wedding choir I've ever heard; every song was carefully selected by this musically-gifted couple. I've known the bride for about fifteen years and was overjoyed when she and Theo contacted me for their wedding photography! Together we designed a timeline that accommodated for the photos that were important to the couple, and their families' timelines, ensuring we had the perfect amount of time for formal and candid photos. Theo's grandfather officiated the wedding at St. Pius X Catholic Church, which was attended by extended family on both sides. Their son, James, was adorable and filled his role as ring bearer perfectly! After the beautiful ceremony, everyone celebrated at the Hilton Garden Inn in Urbandale!

Enjoy this peek into their day, and the highlight video at the end!

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Congratulations, Mary & Theo!

Jamie & Brendan | Des Moines Wedding Photographer

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Tue, 26 Jul 2016 21:00:36 GMT

You may remember Jamie & Brendan from their sweet engagement session downtown last fall. I met these two through their wedding planner, Bonnie at Perfect Events in Clive, and could quickly see how loving and sweet they are together. Their day at the Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden was planned to a T and had perfectly scheduled rain to give us gorgeous light, and a cool breeze. This was my first wedding in the newly redesigned outdoor gardens and it is clear to see why engaged couples love this space!

Here is a sneak peek of their special day and a fun video of the highlights!

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Congrats, Jamie & Brendan on your happily ever after!

Richardson Family | June 2016 | Des Moines Photographer

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Thu, 14 Jul 2016 01:17:12 GMT

The Richardson Family is back, and they brought the whole family! I was even able to bust out a few new tricks to get big grins from Crew! Thanks, Richardson family for making a warm afternoon a bunch of fun!

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HeyGiud Communications | Des Moines Photographer

lauren@laurencampbellphotography.com (Lauren Campbell Photography) — Thu, 30 Jun 2016 17:03:14 GMT

I could not have been more excited when my longtime friend and business consultant was given the opportunity to open her own boutique agency guiding business (like mine!) through the constantly changing world of social media. That is, until she contacted me for new head shots and stock photos for her site and my excitement doubled!

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We knew we wanted photos that reflected Annie's style; including her love of coffee, Des Moines, and good music. I mean, with a name like HeyGiud Communications, you know there has to be a music reference! We started our shoot at the lovely Smokey Row coffee shop before hitting up Court Avenue and ending our day with the gorgeous Des Moines skyline from the capital. The incredibly talented TJ Vance also joined us, making this shoot even more fun!

We focused on creating images that Annie could use across all social media platforms and her website that are consistent with her brand identity. Obviously, with her certification in social media from Northwestern, Annie is well aware of the importance of quality visuals to represent her brand, and her clients as well. Annie is now well-stocked for blog posts, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and more! Thanks, Annie! And congrats on HeyGiud!

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Looking to step up your social media game? Check out Annie at HeyGuid communications!

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