Business Details
16 Years
experience
Luxury Family Photography in Ankeny, IA
Since 2010, Rachael Venema Photography has been dedicated to transforming fleeting family moments into timeless art. As a Certified Professional Photographer with over 14 years of experience, I specialize in newborn, high school senior, children, family, and branding portraiture. My full-service studio in Ankeny, IA, serves the greater Des Moines area and clients nationwide, offering a stress-free experience from consultation to final artwork installation. We handle every detail, including wardrobe selection, hair, and makeup, ensuring clients can focus on cherishing their moments. My work extends beyond photography, emphasizing storytelling and community involvement through initiatives like the Gold Hope Project and local leadership roles.With a passion for preserving legacies, I guide families through creating heirloom albums, wall art, and custom framing that will be treasured for generations. My approach combines technical expertise with a warm, personalized touch, capturing genuine connections and the unique essence of every subject. Recognized as the 2020 Citizen of the Year by the Ripon Chamber of Commerce, I remain committed to excellence and community impact.
Services
Family Photography
Branding & Headshots
High School Senior
Children & Newborn
Maternity Photography
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- We offer 14+ years of experience in professional family portraiture.
- Our full-service experience includes styling, hair, and makeup assistance.
- Certified Professional Photographer with award-winning expertise.
- Community-focused with initiatives supporting local families and small businesses.
- Stress-free sessions prioritizing genuine connections and client comfort.
Associations and certifications
- Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
What people say
Stunning images
Stress-free experience
Genuine love and connection
Patient with children
Beautiful retouching
Services
Family Photography
Capture authentic family connections through relaxed sessions prioritizing natural interactions. Our planning process ensures personalized attention to your family's unique dynamics, resulting in timeless artwork that reflects your legacy. Includes styling guidance and heirloom-quality prints for lasting display.
Branding & Headshots
Create strategic visual identities for entrepreneurs through professional headshots and behind-the-scenes business photography. Sessions focus on showcasing your unique value proposition and brand story, with curated images enhancing client engagement and marketing effectiveness across multiple platforms.
High School Senior
Document graduation milestones with personalized sessions highlighting individual personalities and achievements. Customizable locations and themes ensure authentic representation of each senior's unique journey, producing professional images suitable for announcements and lasting keepsakes.
Children & Newborn
Preserve early childhood moments with safety-focused newborn photography and playful child sessions. Specialized techniques capture natural expressions while ensuring comfort, creating cherished artwork that documents developmental milestones and family bonds.
Maternity Photography
Celebrate motherhood through elegant maternity sessions emphasizing emotional connections and physical transformation. Sessions prioritize client comfort while creating artistic imagery that becomes treasured heirlooms for future generations to appreciate.
People
Rachael Venema
Owner & Lead Photographer
Certified Professional Photographer with 14+ years experience, specializing in family legacy preservation. 2020 Citizen of the Year awardee, community leader, and founder of the Save Our Small Businesses initiative. Committed to storytelling through imagery.
Questions
What areas do you serve?
Based in Ankeny, IA, serving Des Moines and traveling to California. Available for nationwide and international sessions.
What's included in the full-service experience?
Consultation, styling assistance, hair/makeup for one person, and artwork installation guidance. Prints and products purchased separately.
How long has Rachael been photographing families?
Since 2010, with formal certification through the Professional Photographers of America.
What makes your senior portraits unique?
Customized sessions focusing on individual personalities, interests, and achievements with personalized planning support.
Do you offer maternity photography?
Yes, specializing in elegant maternity portraits capturing the beauty and emotional significance of pregnancy.
What heirloom products are available?
Custom-framed wall art, handcrafted albums, and linen folio boxes for lasting display and intergenerational sharing.
