Unapologetically Extra

The day we held our first Unapologetically Extra mini session was absolutely magical. It was day full of constant, positive energy with each woman showing up for herself. But instead of selfishness and self-consciousness, as it could have so easily become, the vibe was truly that of self-confidence. Our unassuming spot in front of a gravel pit in Water Works Park provided us with extraordinary results. These women came with fierce energy and enthusiasm for 15 minutes each, and the results are stunning.

I asked everyone to show up just a little bit extra, with flashy jewelry and big hair and that jacket they could never wear to work. It was their attitudes brought the rest of the sass. The side of themselves that opened up for me on this day was the best, most confident version, the woman that sometimes hides deep down inside for fear of being labeled “too much.” I love this side of people, and I love capturing it in photographs. I think that this side deserves to come out more often. Our Unapologetically Extra shoots are just that: a way to let her out for a little bit and celebrate that side of herself.

Look @ You Fashion Collaboration Shoot

One of my very favorite places to shop in Des Moines is at the East Village boutique Look @ You. If you've ever met me in person, chances are I was wearing a jacket from this store. And if you haven't checked it out yet, do yourself a favor and go! (This recommendation, by the way, is coming from a gal who detests shopping. That's how awesome this store is.)

Last weekend, I got together with Amber Keppler, owner of Look @ You, and a few more of my favorite local vendors for a collaborative shoot. We met at the store, chose several outfits, glammed up our model, and hit the street of the East Village for some fun shots that showcase not only the boutique's range of clothing options but also the capacity and flexibility of our hair and makeup stylists.

Our model for this shoot was the always glamorous Julie Wulfekuhle, whose frame and attitude were perfect for Look @ You's clothing. Julie is the brain and creative force behind Le Foyer, a lifestyle blog that also incorporates career, travel, shopping, and health advice. I met her when she contacted me about taking her headshots, and was impressed during our shoot when her nerves melted away into an incredibly relaxed, confident version of herself. I instantly knew that I wanted to photograph her again. When she came to me about updating her blog, the idea for this collaborative shoot was born.

Ivy Boyd is my go-to gal for clean, classic makeup for every face and skin type. I have the privilege to work with her on a regular basis for my creative portrait shoots. Ivy has the innate ability to make our clients feel comfortable, confident, and 100% themselves, even if they're wearing more makeup than they normally would. Her work on this shoot ranged from clean and light to evening elegance, No matter what look she's trying to achieve, Ivy pulls it off effortlessly.

Working at Elevencherry, Stacy Syroka is my favorite new hairstylist on the scene. She has quickly proven herself to be multitalented, demonstrating her talent in every facet of her job. Her sarcasm never fails to keep me giggling, and I have so much fun on every shoot we get to work together! Stacy's styles for this shoot varied from tousled, sexy curls to a mermaid-esque braid to a playful ponytail. Her skillful styling lent the perfect touch to Julie's multiple looks.

Finally, Miss Amber! She brought everything together with her boutique's phenomenal array of day-to-night looks. We had no shortage of options for Julie to wear on this shoot, and in fact we ended up with three extra looks that we didn't even have time for. Amber specializes in elegant clothing that is every bit as comfy as pajamas. I am so comfortable in everything that I buy from Look @ You, and I love it even more because I can wear the pieces all day and then go out after work in the same thing and feel absolutely fabulous. 

This shoot reminds me of the importance of developing relationships (both business and personal) with other entrepreneurial spirits in our community. Projects like this are great for promoting all of our endeavors. And in situations like this, that old adage is true: A rising tide (or a fabulously styled shoot) lifts all boats!

Wednesdays With Whitney: Dr. Rebecca Lake

You know when you meet someone at just the right time? Dr. Rebecca Lake and I met early this year, just as her business started and mine was beginning to take off. We were connected through FemCity Des Moines and I was so curious to meet the sweet, subtle voice on the other end of the phone.

Dr. Lake makes an impact. Whether she's walking into a room or putting your body back together. While some people lead with loud voices and bravado, Dr. Becca leads with grace and a quiet confidence that immediately draws you closer. Her quick laugh and stunning smile made me feel as if I've known her for years.

Her headshots were a breeze. I loved her gorgeous, detailed tattoos, that are so symbolic of the holistic caring for creatures and the world around her. Her combination of sass and style radiated in every image.

At the time I met Becca, I was in the market for a chiropractor. I could barely turn my neck and was having trouble sleeping on my shooting shoulder. This job I love can take a brutal toll on my body and I'd been ignoring my self-care for far too long. If you've ever been in the market for a chiropractor, you will understand that it can be VERY scary. These people are applying pressure to your body - and adjusting your neck. This is HUGE decision and I was not going to settle for less than amazing.

From the very first time I visited Dr. Becca at Shine Chiropractic, I knew I'd found my doctor. She moves deliberately and continuously around the body, taking her time to find the trigger points and relieving built up tension. She has always been attentive to my hesitations and points of pain, allowing the process to slow down when needed and suggesting a different course of treatment when my body required a bigger adjustment. Our weekly appointments have been a game changer for my neck and back.

Dr. Becca recently came to me to collaborate on new website images. Her vision was simple: holistic care carried out in nature. Dr. Becca's practice is so firmly rooted in the belief that we are all connected. It only made sense to take advantage of the great outdoors. The resulting images were created in an environment that was just as peaceful as it looks. Dr. Becca brings that calm wherever she goes, and I couldn't be more proud to be her patient and photographer.

dsm Magazine: Advisors and Navigators

Thank you to dsm Magazine for inviting me to photograph these lovely humans. Below are my published photos and comments on my participation in the project:

Out of all the beauty in the world, I find myself most passionate about photographing relationships. Being a photographer allows me to bear witness to people's unique interactions. One of my greatest joys is capturing those moments in a real and authentic way. 

I found photographing the mentor/mentee relationships particularly compelling. Since returning back to Des Moines this year to start my own business, I've experienced so many small and large kindnesses from the greater Des Moines community. The mentor mentality appears deeply ingrained in the culture of our strong city. I am awed by the generations before me, who lead Des Moines into the thriving urban center we now take so much pride in. I've observed and benefited from the selflessness with which Des Moines' mentors share their diverse knowledge. The duos and trio photographed for this piece are nothing short of impressive together and separately. Each grouping presented an engaging personal history, filled with mutual respect and admiration for each other's impressive qualities. Hearing their stories, capturing their moments and honoring each or their relationships was truly inspiring.