Kate Van Dorn Photography

Just a cute couple in love 🤎

Freya's Newborn Session. I about died when I saw that fuzzy head of hair.

I won't be offering mini sessions again for a long while! Here's what I'm offering the rest of 2024:

1. Wildflower Minis- September 28 (am) at The Dale Maffitt Reservoir, Cu***ng

2. Fall Minis- October 19 (am) at Big Creek State Park, Polk City

3. Fall Minis- October 26 (pm) at The Brenton Arboretum, Dallas Center

4. Holiday Minis- November 2 (pm) at The Brenton Arboretum, Dallas Center

More Details & Booking Here: https://katevandornphotography.com/mini-sessions

Are you looking for a small handful of updated family photos or just want to check out what a session with me is like?

There's still a few spots left for Wildflower Minis the morning of September 28!

Book Here: https://katevandornphotography.com/mini-sessions

If you'd like a weekend session time in October, all I have left are a couple of morning time slots.

Otherwise, I do have some week nights free if you want to snag one up!

September is one of the most underrated months to take family photos, but it is BEAUTIFUL for several reasons you may not realize!

With Iowa weather you truly never know what to expect and over the years I've experienced October weather that is just too cold for the younger kiddos and babies who have not yet adjusted to the temps. And when you want to play it safer, September is the recommended way to go.

You'll also likely snag photos with beautiful yellow and white wildflowers!

It's a great way to get summer photos while avoiding the scorching summer heat!

Currently embracing the peaceful calm before the busy September and October storm!

It's the most desired time to photograph because of earlier sunset times, cooler temps and beautiful scenery!

Be sure to inquire before my fall schedule fills up!

Mahaffey Maternity Session

Sweet kisses for baby Hugo 🤎

Join me for a Wildflower Mini Session amidst fields of stunning yellow flowers!

Imagine golden blooms swaying in the breeze, the perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable moments with your loved ones. Whether it's a family photoshoot or a maternity shoot, this is your chance to make memories in a gorgeous location to hold on to the feel of summer!

Date: September 28, 2024
Location: Dale Maffitt Reservoir, Cu***ng
Limited spots available!

BOOK HERE: https://katevandornphotography.hbportal.co/public/66919a671e8277001944a4dd

Welcome to the world, baby Iris! It was so sweet watching her older siblings love on her.

When you're having a baby but your puppy dogs secretly steal the show...for now. 😉

What was the first emotion you remember feeling the first time you saw your newborn baby?

I've heard some women are overcome with emotion and I'm curious to hear what you all remember!

Wanna build sand castle's, splash around, and giggle at each other?

It's time to play and get a little messy!

Hold on to each moment and be present. Being fully present (no phone in hand or TV blaring) is becoming more rare and difficult these days.

With the world at our fingertips, it's easy to get distracted and forget the beauty around you.

Being fully present is truly a gift that means so much to partners, friends, family and your children. It's one of those underrated things you can do for someone else that costs absolutely nothing but your time and attention and the reward by far exceeds the effort put in.

To me, love is the most beautiful thing in this world. And what an honor it is to be the one to capture it.

There's too much pressure to be perfect. Too much negativity on social media through comments.

I vote we spread love by first accepting yourself and all your flaws. Know that you are doing your best and you are beautiful no matter what others may say. You are learning from mistakes. You are growing into your goals. You are perfectly ok with where you are RIGHT NOW in your weight, your career, motherhood etc. You are deserving of love and it starts from within.

Please allow yourself the love you deserve and maybe it will help spread love to others.

For me, photography is evolving away from documenting perfectly staged photos to show off to others. A part of my purpose is providing you with emotion filled snapshots of little memories in time.

They show your love, admiration, joy, playfulness, orneriness, tenderness, hope, strength, resilience. They represent this messy and beautiful chapter in your life and how you got there.

These images are not meant to make you appear to have the perfect family, perfect body or that you have all your s**t together. I think everyone can agree parenting is challenging and kids are unpredictable.

When you look at your images, I hope you feel so proud of the life you have built.

Love & daddy snuggles 🖤

The beach is one of the best location options for summer weather in my opinion.

The kids love getting dirty and splashing around in the water keeps you cool!

Well hello there, wildflowers. We meet again :)

The last time I saw this little man, he was just a weeeee little newborn! And I think he enjoyed checking out the wild flowers around him during our time together.

I feel like I can get so many creative and intimate shots in people's homes during newborn sessions. I really enjoy finding ways to feel like you're just peering in on a moment with your baby in your arms.

Do NOT get pressured by society into buying a new outfit for your maternity photos.

Sometimes you just want to wear what's already in your closet because:

1. it's easy
2. you save money
3. you already know you like the clothes and how they fit
4. you don't want to stress over finding something new
5. what you have feels comfortably you and looks AMAZING!

Seriously, friends. You don't have to go shopping for something new!

In fact, my favorite maternity photos to capture are the ones where mom is wearing jeans and a sports bra or top. I WANT TO SEE THAT BELLY! It's cute! It's special! I don't want you to hide it unless that's how you feel most comfortable.

Just know that as a photographer, I give you full permission to not go shopping before your maternity session.

There. I said it!

Hello summer! It's time to have water gun fights, camp under the stars and pull the butts off of lightning bugs to smear on your body as glow in the dark jewelry.

Or was that just my childhood in the summer? 😂

What activities do you all do in the summer heat and which ones would you love to do as I photograph you playing with your family??

I frequently get asked when the best time to take maternity photos is!

I would say the best time is between 28 and 36 weeks depending on how big you would like your bump to be.

More specifically, week 32 is the most popular time!

For a limited time, new clients can use promo code NEWCLIENT20 to receive 20% off their first session with me!

Feet are meant to touch the grass and feel the earth directly beneath them. Grass stains and dirt are an absolute must for all ages.

Kids are meant to look for bugs and explore the world around them when there is nothing else to do.

Kids are always looking up to us for how to take in the world. Especially for what to do with their boredom when the screens are put away. Please encourage outdoor play and show them all the fun things they can do outside!

I can help to encourage this exploration and play if you'd like to spend an evening with me before sunset!

I know that had I not experienced pregnancy loss, I would not fully and wholeheartedly appreciate the baby I will have some day. I dream about how much I will love and adore them with every hug and kiss when they are finally here. I know I will be incredibly grateful for the life I have created and my little miracle will mean so much more than if everything had worked out "as planned".

Although it's an incredibly difficult lesson, sometimes we need to loose something to truly appreciate what we have or will have.

I also felt this way about an unhealthy relationship I was in a long time ago too. I know that had I not experienced the pain and suffering I did from that relationship, I wouldn't appreciate the beauty of the relationship I currently have with my husband.

I'm constantly working on changing my perspective on things and putting a positive spin on them. I hope that you can be inspired to do the same!

That excitement from a sibling as they cuddle with their baby sister or brother in the womb is always a special moment to document. These are the moments you want to capture when your babies are all grown up with families of their own. These frozen moments in time are so fleeting and that's what is so wonderful about photos.

I'm always chasing those authentic smiles and special moments. These girls had a blast with grandma in this extended family session :)

Jordyn + Austin's full maternity gallery: https://katevandornphotography.com/2024/06/02/jordyn-austin-maternity-photos/