Girls on the Run: Empowering Girls Through Physical Activity and Goal Setting

As we sat down with Krista Vanderlies, the Council Director for Girls on the Run of Central Iowa, we were immediately struck by the passion and dedication she exuded for the organization's mission. Girls on the Run aims to inspire girls to be more joyful, healthy, and confident, using physical activity as a means to deliver this message. Throughout our conversation, Krista shared insights into the program, the impact it has on the girls it serves, and the challenges they face in reaching their target demographic.

The Mission of Girls on the Run

The mission of Girls on the Run is simple yet powerful: to inspire girls to be more joyful, healthy, and confident. The organization recognizes the importance of physical activity in developing healthy habits that can be carried throughout life. By introducing girls to the positive feelings associated with movement at a young age, Girls on the Run aims to instill a love for physical activity that will stay with them as they grow older. Additionally, the program focuses on goal setting, using running and other physical activities as a means to teach girls how to set and achieve goals. The ultimate goal is to build confidence and resilience in the girls, showing them that they are capable of accomplishing anything they set their minds to.

The Curriculum and Approach

Girls on the Run operates through an eight to ten-week program that meets twice a week. The curriculum is divided into three parts: understanding the girl's self, building relationships, and empowerment.

The first part focuses on helping girls discover what makes them special and unique, teaching them positive self-talk strategies, and helping them develop a strong sense of self.

The second part emphasizes the importance of healthy relationships, teaching girls how to stand up for themselves and resolve conflicts.

The final part is all about empowerment, with girls participating in a practice 5K and implementing a community impact project. Through these activities, girls learn the value of setting goals, working towards them, and experiencing the sense of accomplishment that comes with achieving them.

The Impact of Girls on the Run

Girls on the Run has had a profound impact on the girls it serves. One story that Krista shared was about a shy and reserved participant who surprised her parents by wanting to join the program. Throughout her time in Girls on the Run, this young girl grew in confidence and became more interested in running. She set goals for herself and worked hard to achieve them, ultimately completing a 5K race. The program not only helped her develop a love for physical activity but also taught her important life skills such as handling emotions, standing up for herself, and setting and achieving goals. The transformation in this girl's confidence and self-belief was evident not only to her parents but also to her younger siblings, who she taught important lessons about expressing emotions.

Reaching Girls of All Backgrounds

Girls on the Run aims to be inclusive and accessible to all girls, regardless of their background or abilities. The program welcomes anyone who identifies as a girl, including non-binary individuals. Girls can participate by running, walking, or using assisted devices if needed. The organization works closely with participants, families, and coaches to ensure that everyone feels included and supported throughout the program. By providing financial assistance, Girls on the Run also ensures that girls from all socioeconomic backgrounds can participate, with approximately 40% of participants receiving some form of financial aid.

How to Get Involved

There are several ways to support Girls on the Run and their mission. One of the most impactful ways is through volunteering time as a coach or a volunteer for their end-of-season 5K event. Donations are also crucial in helping the organization provide financial assistance to girls who need it. Additionally, community members can participate in the K5 event, which not only supports the program but also raises awareness about the organization's mission. By getting involved, individuals can make a difference in the lives of young girls, helping them develop important life skills and build confidence.

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Girls on the Run is making a significant impact in the lives of girls by inspiring them to be more joyful, healthy, and confident. Through their unique curriculum and approach, the organization is teaching girls important life skills such as goal setting, positive self-talk, and building healthy relationships. By using physical activity as a means to deliver these messages, Girls on the Run is instilling a love for movement and helping girls develop healthy habits that will stay with them throughout their lives. The program's commitment to inclusivity ensures that girls from all backgrounds can participate and benefit from the program. With continued support from volunteers, donors, and community members, Girls on the Run will continue to empower girls and help them reach their full potential.

The Art of Wedding Photography: Capturing your always and creating legacies

For many photographers, the journey into wedding photography begins with inspiration from other talented professionals in the field. For Amanda Parker, Ivory House’s seasoned Wedding Photographer, that inspiration was "…found Jasmine Star and the late Jessica Claire's blog. I was enamored with their work. I thought if they can do this, I can do this." This initial spark of inspiration lead to a deep desire to learn and master the craft of wedding photography.

The Power of Anticipation and Calmness

Amanda's approach to wedding photography is rooted in a strong foundation of experience and knowledge. She spent two years second shooting with various photographers, learning the ins and outs of wedding day logistics, posing techniques, and problem-solving. Her dedication to understanding every aspect of the wedding day ensures that she is prepared for any situation that may arise.

One of the key qualities that sets Amanda apart as a wedding photographer is her ability to navigate the chaos of a wedding day with grace and calm. She thrives on the challenges and sees them as opportunities to showcase her expertise.

I love having the little things that come up that are like, okay, how do we work through this? How do we push past it? What do we need to do?—Amanda Parker

Amanda understands that her role as a photographer goes beyond capturing beautiful images. She sets the tone for the day and helps to create an atmosphere of calmness and reassurance. Whether it's dealing with a bridesmaid's meltdown or adjusting to unexpected weather conditions, Amanda's presence and professionalism ensures that the couple can relax and enjoy their special day without worry.

The Heart and Soul of Wedding Photography

Weddings are not just about capturing pretty pictures; they are about preserving family history and creating a lasting legacy. Amanda's passion for preserving legacies shines through in her work. She goes above and beyond to ensure that every detail is captured, from pinning boutonnieres to a couple's grand entrance. Her experience and knowledge allow her to handle any situation with ease, making her the least stressful part of the wedding day.

The Ivory House Approach: Holistic and Professional

As an Ivory House standard, our work is grounded in holistic representations, understanding that weddings are not just about the couple but also about their families and the relationships they hold dear. Our goal is always to create an environment where love, support, and kindness are tangible from beginning to end.

This starts from the beginning of our process. From the initial contact to the final delivery of photos, Ivory House prides itself on our attention to detail, clear communication, and promptness. We believe in being a trusted partner to couples who value hiring professionals for both their skills and values.

The Ideal Client: Relationships and Practicality

Ivory House clients are those who value relationships, practicality, and quality over superficiality. Our photographers thrive in environments where families are fully invested in the couple's union and where love and support are palpable. Our clients are not focused on the show or the production; they are focused on the meaningful moments and the legacy they are creating.

Looking To The Future Together

The art of wedding photography is ever-evolving, and photographers like Amanda are at the forefront of this dynamic field. The ability to navigate the chaos, anticipate challenges, and create a legacy through images will remain the cornerstone of successful wedding photography.

By embracing both the technical and emotional aspects of the craft, Ivory Houses creates a truly immersive and meaningful experience for all of our clients. The key to success lies in finding the perfect balance between professionalism, creativity, and a deep understanding of the sentimental value of weddings.

As we move forward, let us celebrate the incredible photographers who dedicate their lives to capturing love, preserving legacies, and creating memories that will last a lifetime.

Amanda Parker

While technical skills and professionalism are essential, what truly sets Amanda apart is her deep understanding of the sentimental and legacy aspects of weddings. For her, weddings are not just about capturing pretty pictures: they are about preserving family history and creating a lasting legacy. As she reflects on her own family's wedding photos, she understands the importance images have in telling a family's story.

Amanda's passion for preserving legacies shines through in her work. She goes above and beyond to ensure that every detail is captured, from pinning boutonnieres to a couple's grand entrance. Her experience and knowledge allows her to handle any situation with ease, ensuring that your photos will be the least stressful part of your day.

Giving Tuesday: $100 Headshot Partner, Eyes Open Iowa

Giving Tuesday is an international celebration that encourages those who are financially able to donation to non-profits doing extraordinary work. We know how important and valuable financial support is for our non-profit organizations, especially during these difficult economic times.

In recognition of Giving Tuesday, we would like to do a special shout-out to our fall $100 Headshot partner, Eyes Open Iowa. As a non-profit that provides safe and informative sexual education services to members of our community, we believe their mission is vital more than ever. As sexual education is a necessary but sometimes uncomfortable experience, we appreciate the dedication of the women at EyesOpenIowa (EOI) who provide this necessary education in a non-judgemental manner.

EOI has avast amount of resources that are specifically designed for each age group (all the way up to the health of older adults) as well as specially made educational materials for professionals. Because of the depth of research and work needed to provide comprehensive sexual education, your donation is extremely valuable.

To learn more about this amazing non-profit organization: Click here to read our blog post and to watch our interview with Eyes Open Iowa

Looking to donate to EOI yourself? Please check out all the ways your donation impacts Eyes Open Iowa and its mission.

Thank you to all who signed up for our $100 Headshot promotion this fall! With your support, we have been able to raise and donate over $1300 for EOI to increase reach and training for sexual health and education.

To see some of our amazing $100 Headshot recipients, check out our video below:

We are so grateful to have the support of our community members as we partner with organizations who continue to make Des Moines a great place to live. So, for this Giving Tuesday, we encourage all to donate to organizations who improve the lives and livelihoods of our community.

Cheers!

$100 Headshot Partner: Eyes Open Iowa

We understand: sex education can feel uncomfortable and overwhelming to talk about: What do you say? What do you NOT say? What do you explain? How do you explain it? Eyes Open Iowa (EOI) is here to support you in answering these questions and to help foster open conversations around sexual education.

EOI is a non-profit dedicated to empowering communities through “comprehensive sexual health information and services to make healthy and informed decisions about sex and relationships, both now and in the future.” Incorporated into various state-wide education programs including no-cost services for schools, trained and certified EOI staff are able to reach over 200,000 young adults annually, helping to prevent teen pregnancy, lowering the risks of contracting sexually transmitted diseases, and guiding teens through creating their own stronger and healthier boundaries in relationships.

We all know that education leads to empowerment, which is why EOI has created specific resources for teens, parents, young parents, care-givers, teachers, health professionals, and older adults. Each set of resources contains guidance and information that specifically answers questions that commonly appear within these age groups. For example, teen resources include The Boost, a website providing support for young parents, and ASK TxTINA, a virtual chat assistant run by EOI staff who answer questions related to sex, relationships, bullying, and birth control.

But we know this is not enough. Parents, care-givers, and trusted adults significantly influence teens’ decisions on sexual relationships: “teens say that their parents influence their decisions about sex even more than their friends, their siblings or the media” and “teenage girls who have ‘The Talk’ are less than half as likely to get pregnant as those who don’t.” For parents who may not know where to begin with “The Talk”, EOI has created a list of tips for when to start “The Talk”, how to keep the conversation awkward-free, and ways to discuss other elements of healthy relationships like boundaries and love.

For teachers and professionals, EOI has compiled a list of national learning standards as well as information from the Iowa Department of Education and links to the Professional Learning Standards for Sex Education (PLSSE). All information is free and available for use.

Teachers who are looking to receive additional training on how to implement sex education more effectively into their school programs, EOI has created the Eyes Open Academy with high-quality trainings aligned with PLSSE and hosts multiple events throughout the year with valuable information on managing tricky topics and controversial conversations.

We acknowledge that sex education can be an awkward, but we know that it is necessary. Time and time again data, reports, and statistics have proven how common sense sex education empowers teenagers and young adults to make healthier choices about their bodies and in their relationships. Sex education is no different than being educated on any other important life skill. In fact, it is arguably one of the most important conversations we have in our lives.

Ivory House Senior Portrait Sessions Interview with Megan

How did you get involved in Senior Portraits? This is a niche-type session.

 When you’re young, you want to do anything just to shoot, but now I feel like Senior sessions are like Extra sessions but for high school kids. It’s their way of expressing themselves in different locations.

 Ah, I’ve never thought about it that way! Senior sessions are just moments of being EXTRA.

 My Senior photos were a bit more of what my mom wanted, but I think nowadays, kids get to do what they want. I think Senior photos are really all about style, who you are, and what you picture for photos.

That’s true! Okay, so someone signs up for a Senior session. What are the things they should do to prep? How does someone even go about deciding on a location?

 I have a few subjects that I ask people to think about:

1. Style

2. Location

3. Outfits

4. Poses

It feels overwhelming but the main question to ask yourself is what do I want these photos to look like? Do I want a timeless, classic portrait? Do I want something stylistic? Do I want to show off my sport?

 You have to start with the baseline of what is your main vision and then go from there.

Should people go on Pinterest and send you Pinterest pictures?

 The plus side with Senior photos is that you can do a little bit of everything. My main goal going into the shoot is knowing what the client wants out of the shoot so that I can do it justice. I don’t want them to say, “let’s go to this location because everyone does it” if that is not really their look.

 My opinion when it comes to Pinterest is that it is a fun place to get ideas and vibes, but don’t go looking for exact photos that you want to recreate because a photographer is going to make their own vision come to life; however, it is nice to see the vibes and the styles that a person likes.

What are the vibes and styles that are super popular right now?

 For girls, a classic one is a flowy dress in a field. For boys, a lot of them will wear their basketball jerseys or a button-down shirt and they go to a brick wall background.

 I have seen a big trend lately of going to parking garages or having big, city skyline views in the background. I think urban has become the new thing.

Oh!

 Yeah, I think growing up in my time, nature is where you would go, but I think urban is taking over that a little bit now.

Should someone prepare differently based upon their location? If they are shooting in an urban location versus the countryside?

Outfits would be different. I would say, everyone should have two to three outfits, and all of that depends on your location. The rule of thumb for me is have one timeless or neutral outfit, one fancy outfit that you wouldn’t wear on an everyday basis, and one that is more stylistic to what you do wear on an everyday basis.

It’s not required preparation because we will always make magic out of whatever someone wants to wear.

Do you have a favorite location to shoot?

For Seniors, my favorite location is just wandering downtown. We have a starting point but then we will walk a couple of blocks, and we’ll find a different backdrop. That to me is my favorite: when we are not trying to recreate a certain image. Let’s just play around and get good images.

What is the advice for hair and make-up?

 Don’t do anything super dramatic. You want to look like yourself. You don’t want to look back on these and be like “What was I thinking?!”

What is a big mistake you see people making before or during their session?

When people overlook at Pinterest or when they have an exact picture in mind. Not everyone has the same lighting, the same hair and make-up, or the same outfit. Photographers also have different shooting styles.

That is the thing about photography: it is art. Not everyone pictures something that same way as another person. Expecting something specific can be a downfall.

Also, trying to do what other people are doing just because it is the cool thing like choosing a location because other people are doing it or wearing an outfit because everyone wears this outfit. I think THAT to me is hard when you come in, and you are already not excited because you are doing something that you are doing for someone else and not yourself.

Yes! It is all about being unapologetically you.

Interview with Ivory House photographer, Megan

Tell us a little bit about yourself, Megan.

I’m kind of a chill person. I am married. I have a niece and nephew who are my life, and I relax by going to the lake.  Editing photos is my life. My world revolves around photos and my family. And I eat tacos every Tuesday. Taco Tuesday. 

Taco Tuesday! Classic.

If you ask me what my favorite meal is, it’s tacos, and my favorite food is cheese. In fact, if I don’t have cheese to have while I am editing, I will drive to the grocery store just to buy cheese. 

So you have to have cheese in order to edit? 

No, it’s actually true. Tim [my husband] laughs at me all the time! He’s like, “Did you go to the grocery store today?” I’ll say yes and he’ll be like, “And you didn’t buy any other groceries?” “No, I needed to buy cheese so that I could work, and I can’t work if I don’t have cheese.” That’s me in a nutshell. 

Speaking about Tim, you recently got married. What was that like?

A little stressful but truthfully, it was a fairytale. Everyone has their own picture-perfect wedding, and mine was what I dreamed of: It was simple, beautiful, and traditional just like me. 

Ivory House Team

How did you find your way to Ivory House Photography? 

I had just moved home after deciding to not do accounting, and my dad basically told me that I needed to either make my hobby my career, get a job, or go to school. I did both. I decided to go to school, and I got my internship with Whitney. 

Whitney’s mom and my dad are friends, so they were able to exchange our contact information. I texted and emailed Whitney and said, “I don't know what you need, but I’m here.” I started at Ivory House just by shadowing Whitney, carrying her camera bag, and changing her lenses during shoots. I just wanted to be around it. 

What do you most like about photography?

You know how you picture something in your head, and you want to make it a reality? I like being about to do that with photography. I get to think about what other people can’t see out of a situation and make it come to life. I like the creative side of seeing something and making it happen.

How would you describe your style of shooting?

Ivory House’s style is crisp, clean, and true to color. I wouldn't call my style that far off. I would define my style as artistic. I use a lot of yellow tones so maybe Golden. I would also say classic too. I gear my shooting towards who I am shooting. If I am photographing a family of 14, it’s going to be classic, but when I am photographing seniors, I want to gear it towards that high school vibe where they are a little bit more edgy or vintage. 

How do you prepare for your photography sessions? 

I like to drive by where I am shooting. I always like to know where I am shooting when I show up. I will literally show up an hour early if I have never been somewhere. I do all of the technical work like getting the camera ready, packed, and by the door hours beforehand. I’ll triple check it in the car, and in fact, there are some days when I pull over to the side of the road just to do the peak back to make sure it’s still there! 

Sometimes I’ll look on Facebook to see who people are so that I can see their style because I want to do people justice. If people have a vision, I want to know their vision because I want to deliver on it. 

Megan

Some of us are really nervous about being photographed. What tips do you have for getting comfortable in front of the camera?

If it’s little kids, it’s easy to gage when they are uncomfortable. If they won’t smile for a posed picture, I’ll have them hold hands with someone and run around because they are going to smile. Then I’ll get to do more candid photos. 

If it’s adults, I’ll tell them that the shoot is only 15 minutes. I get to tell you what’s happening and you just get to follow directions. If you follow directions, everything will turn out beautiful. I do my best to listen to everyone’s concerns, and I like to explain everything while I am doing it. Photos don’t have to be stressful. 

Do you have a favorite location to shoot?

Art Center. The white building…there is no other place like that, and the backside always has perfect greenery. You get a combo of both looks in one. We can get literally any style you want. In any scenario, I know that I am going to get perfect pictures that someone likes. 

What should a client expect when they sign up for a session with you? 

All the work that a client has to do is before the shoot: figuring out when they want to shoot and what they want to wear. I do all the rest, so once they show up, there is a sense of ease.

I am a pretty go with the flow type of person. Infants will cry, parents will get stressed, but that doesn’t bother me. Kids don’t want to smile at me, and it doesn't hurt my feelings. I am still going to take good pictures. I feel like you could throw any bad scenario at me, and I can handle it.

Megan

Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center: Spring $100 Headshot Partner

We all need a reminder of how much we are loved. 

This year, the Ivory House team partnered with the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center (DMPCC) to provide a portion of our $100 Headshot proceeds to the Center. I am incredibly proud to say that we were able to contribute $1225 in donations this session. 

DMPCC is a legacy non-profit, rooted in providing healing for the mind, body, and spirit. They are a non-sectarian practice supporting any person needing assistance with compassion and respect, and no person is turned away from receiving help because of financial difficulties. In fact, a large portion of the Center’s clients receive financial assistance and subsidies made possible through community organization and donations. We are honored to play a small part in ensuring sliding scale mental health care for as many Iowans as possible. 

The DMPCC provides a variety of specialized counseling services for children and adolescents, physiological assessments, spiritual development, suicide awareness, and renewal programs. Over 4,000 individuals in our community have been served by the DMPCC including adults, couples, families, clergy, teachers, police officers, LGBTQ people, veterans, survivors of trauma, families of addicted loved ones, people from all faith traditions (including none), and others who need quality mental health counseling.* Their motto is: No situation is too big, too small, or too insignificant to be addressed by the DMPCC staff: grief, depression, addiction, anger issues, childhood trauma, body image, family conflict, and job concerns are just some of the areas where they provide compassionate support. 

The mission of the DMPCC so closely aligns with the mission of Ivory House that I could not pass on the opportunity to lend support. With every shoot and most especially with the $100 Headshot campaign, we focus on inclusivity and compassion, capturing the person in front of our camera as their whole self. We hope you always find acceptance in front of our lens as we encourage you to show up without your props. Just you is more than enough. 

And the effect is pure magic. 

When I’m photographing someone for the first time, the shift is palpable, with the person transforming from anxious to excited within seconds of seeing the power in the photos they are creating. I see shoulders pull back. Their smile gets bigger. There is more laughter. Confidence and joy begin to shine brighter than nervousness. Trust me, there is no filter out there that can match the radiance of a person who feels completely seen. 

I can’t imagine a better photo or mission. 

Thank you again to DMPCC for allowing us to support your amazing mission. We look forward to continuing the joint work of uplifting Iowans. For anyone looking to donate to DMPCC, please go to https://dmpcc.org

*information obtained from DMPCC website

Cystic Fibrosis Family Mini Sessions

The Cystic Fibrosis Family Mini Sessions were a smashing success! The sessions were beautiful, filled with color, blooms, and most importantly, family.

While all family sessions are special, this one was special for a cause. I have known Susie Rider and her amazing family for over 20 years, and over all of this time, Susie has bravely shared her family's reality with a fatal diagnosis. Susie’s daughter Andrea was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis as a toddler, and like most mother’s, when she heard that diagnosis, her dreams for her child came crashing down. What do you do when you hear that your daughter’s life expectancy is cut by 3/4th? 

When kids are born, we expect everything for them but what do we do when our child has a life-shortening diagnosis? Not only do we have to adjust our expectations about what parenting is going to look like but now our child is forced to grow up adjusting their expectations about what life is going to look like for them. So what struck me as I was photographing these beautiful families is that we never know: we just never know what is around the corner.

Susie and Andrea

Susie has always inspired me with the massive action she takes on behalf of Andrea and the CF community. She is a pivotal fundraiser in the research for CF remedies and cures. Where some mothers would have folded, Susie picked herself up and flew, not just for her, but for her family. 

So many people shy away from the camera. Moms or dads carry these stories about why they shouldn’t be in front of the camera, but here is the real deal: your kids don’t care what you look like. They just want to be able to see you when you are gone, and the same goes both ways. 

You know, kiddos come to these sessions, and they have their own set of emotions. They don’t want to be bossed around or are tired, and we are always going for that “everybody smile! Look at the camera!” At the end of the day though, even if we don’t get that perfect picture, you are all together for that moment, and that moment will never happen again.

That is what we are doing when we are doing family photos. We are creating a moment. We are having the most fun we possibly can doing something that can traditionally be quite painful, and we are acknowledging that this moment will never happen again. We are not guaranteed another moment, so let’s hug hard. Let’s embrace the moment that we have together.

Warne-Dominguez Family Shoot with Megan

Last weekend, Megan shot our family photos, and we had the most magical experience!  However, it was not without the typical family photo drama.

Like many families I photograph, we wound up at Target shopping for Ian and Elias’s outfits the morning of our family photo session with Megan. I had scheduled a last minute shoot right before we were to have our family photos taken, and my mind was focused on what I had coming up rather than the task in front of me. This resulted in me grabbing the wrong size shirt for Elias. A simple problem but I headed out to the shoot without knowing that it needed to be solved. 

I left all further preparation to Erik, my very highly capable man, and went to photograph a magical elopement in the woods. When I came back to reality for my own shoot, I stepped into a Casey’s bathroom to get ready, red lipstick in hand (which later the boys lovingly complimented me on). Luckily, Erik had managed the oversized shirt situation by simply tucking it in, and the boys showed up looking dapper and coordinated. Amazingly, we all arrived early, and Megan began the shoot with a prolonged Winston snuggle with her predictable enthusiasm. 

Before we stepped in front of Megan’s camera, I wondered how this was going to go. Not with her shooting but with ……. our collective behavior. Because we are bringing two highly energetic boys to the encounter, anything is possible.

True to form, Megan managed us with all her energy and creativity. Boy did she keep us moving! We changed poses and locations around the World Food Prize several times, making it feel more like an adventure than a photoshoot. She indulged little Ian in all his antics while kindly and firmly getting him back on track. Elias, with his sly smile, warmed to Megan quickly, relaxing into what started to feel like “playtime.” She showed us photos throughout, so we could get a sense for how things were going. The boys got more and more excited as they saw how handsome they looked, and the momentum just rolled!

What we created together was magic. Anyone who has been photographed by me knows I’m bossy and have incredibly high standards. Megan has lived with, encouraged, and upheld those standards for the 5+ years we’ve worked together, but this shoot was something different.

Maybe it was her, maybe it was me, but I knew that this was Megan’s show, and I was completely and totally safe to relax and let her do her thing. She picked the location, directed us all around the World Food Prize, gently guided us away from a less than ideal background that I had proposed (the sign of a truly confident photographer is knowing where NOT to photograph), and managed every individual's energy on the shoot. Oh, and she of course made Winston, our incredibly stubborn English Bulldog, feel very handsome too. 

As we continue to pour over the photos and post them here, I can say with full confidence that this is the best family photo session I’ve ever experienced. Erik’s texts to me when I started sharing the images with him are proof of the unbridled enthusiasm we had, and we just ordered a whole bunch of images for our walls. 

It’s with great pride and immense confidence that I’m so proud to announce that we are expanding Megan’s shooting role at Ivory House. We are looking forward to her taking over all newborn sessions (just you wait for that blog post❤️) and senior photos along with doing her own family mini sessions. I’m thinking we should come back to the World Food Prize, yes?

Megan had been my personal family photographer since she started with me, and I couldn’t be more excited to expand her role and see her creativity soar. To all you lucky people who have already had the pleasure of being photographed by Megan, you know that this announcement is way overdue.

To my Megan, you are amazing, and I can’t wait to see what we create together!

Your Portrait Shoot: What to Wear

PREPARING FOR YOUR SHOOT

At Ivory House Photography, our goal is to provide a comfortable, holistic photographic experience. A headshot could take as little as five minutes but our sessions last anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour. My goal is for you to walk out the door feeling confident in the person you portrayed to the camera. To ensure this, I guide you through the whole experience, from helping you with clothing selection to directing your facial expression, posture and body movement. My hope is that with strong guidance, you can relax and let the professional take care of you.

GROOMING TIPS

Grooming issues are the toughest Photoshop fixes, so please show up as your freshest self!

Facial hair is the first thing to consider. Eyebrows should be shaped, plucked and waxed to your liking.

Hair is one of the most defining elements of your photo. Make sure your hair color and style are recently updated but remain true to your daily look. Wispy hairs around the temple can be difficult to eliminate. If you have a stylist you trust, I suggest making an appointment with them prior to your session.

Hands might be in some images so freshen up the manicure in advance. I suggest a neutral color palette - a French manicure, pale pinks and gray work well on camera. When in doubt, clean nails are the best route as we can’t change colors in photoshop.

Portrait makeup should be reflective of your daily application but with a bit more emphasis on the eyes. While too much eye makeup can be problematic, just the right about can brighten your face and draw attention to your best features.

When in doubt, call the professionals. We recommend Ivy Boyd, and Blonde Blue Designs.

Gentlemen, nice clean nails and a recent shave are best. Beards or second-day scruff add great personality if they are intentional and well maintained.

WHAT TO WEAR

Consider your personal brand and profession when choosing your outfits. If you wear a suit to work everyday, mimic that in your selections. For an artist, jeans and a patterned shirt might be more on brand. A chef might come in wearing their apron. Every profession has a different dress code. Make sure your clothes reflect the expectations of your target audience.

Well-fitting, even form-fitting clothing is better than baggy. I would prefer a blazer we a little snug than hanging off you.

Iron your clothes and make sure you are lint and animal hair free!!!! This is the biggest tip to creating a polished look.

Blazers photograph well on all body types and the classic black dress or dress shirt is always a great go-to, but don’t be afraid of color. I suggest bringing a few neutral basics along with a pop of color. Subtle patterns can be a great addition and easy way to show off your personal style.

Accessories are a great way to spicy up a professional look. Don’t be afraid to let your jewelry shine. A great watch or statement necklace can be the perfect way to finish an outfit. Long necklaces are harder to photograph. Mid-length or close to the neck is best.

If you have a watch tanline, but don’t want you fitbit/fitness watch in the picture, please bring a professional replacement watch. If you do end up with a watch tan line, this is something we can smooth out in retouching.

If you wear glasses, consider wearing a frame without lenses or not wearing your glasses in the photographs. Though these aren’t a dealbreaker, it will take more time in our session to pose and ensure the best results. Blue light glasses and transition lenses are nearly impossible to photograph.

BRING THE MOST IMPORTANT ELEMENT

YOU ARE THE MOST IMPORTANT PART

Your clothes, shoes, jewelry, hair, and makeup are all important aspects of photography - but what makes you really shine is your energy. If you find yourself getting nervous or fighting back critical thoughts in your head, just remind yourself of what you said yes to this experience in the first place. You get to be seen as the magical, attractive, confident person you are, and I am 100% confident I can guide you towards creating images you are in love with.

See you soon,

Whitney and the Ivory House Team

Family Portrait Style Guide

Thank you for trusting me and Ivory House Photography with the honor of taking your family photos. These moments we capture on camera will be treasured forever and the resulting images are the legacy you create for your family. I take this responsiblity very seriously. At Ivory House Photography, we believe great photos start and are enhanced with a fun experience for everyone involved. I make it my mission to create an entertaining, relaxed environment where your crew can participate and truly show up and show off your bond. I look forward to capturing your always.

PREPARING FOR YOUR SHOOT

At Ivory House Photography, our goal is to provide a comfortable, holistic photographic experience. Family photos have been historically stressful, but they don’t have to be. My goal is for you to walk out of your family session feeling confident and closer to the ones you love. To ensure this, I guide you through the whole experience, from helping you with clothing selection to directing your crew on the day of the shoot. My hope is that with strong guidance, you can relax and let the professional take care of you.

LET’S GET YOU DRESSED

COORDINATE WITH YOUR FAMILY, DON’T MATCH.

Plan your outfits around a color scheme. For spring I love seeing brighter colors - teal, green, blue, and pink. During Fall I suggest earth tones, hunter green, navy, maroon and grey. When picking out tops, it’s best to stick with solid colors with pops of pattern. If everyone is wearing pattern, the visuals get confusing. Small floral prints or stripes are great as the base layer, then add a solid jacket on top of it.

CONSIDER THE FIT

Fitted is better than baggy. We often try to hide our bodies under loose-fitting clothing, but with photos, you actually want to avoid that at all costs. Loose clothing adds dimension to the unwanted areas. I promise to pose everyone in flattering ways! Adding a jacket or a scarf are great ways to cover “problem” areas without wearing baggy clothing.

TRANSITION GLASSES

If a member of your family wears transition glasses, you will need to decide whether to go without glasses or be wearing sunglasses in every photo. I highly suggest bringing a pair on non-transition glasses or going without. We cannot photoshop dark eyes.

WEATHER

We shoot pretty much no matter what the weather is. Overcast days make for some of the very best photos and wind makes for magical movement. If we are experiencing a downpour or a heat advisory, Ivory House will make the reschedule call on the day of the shoot. You will not be charged another session fee when rescheduling for the weather.

LOCATION

Family Mini Sessions are always held at a designated location, either the Art Center, West End Salvage, or Grays Lake. If we are scheduling a Legacy Session for you with a large group, consider one of these locations or the Des Moines Botanical Gardens. I’m also happy to come to your home if you feel it is a good fit for your family’s aesthetic!

MOBILITY AND DISABILITY

Please let me know if anyone has mobility issues, attention issues, or disabilities. I’m well equipped to accommodate all scenarios but would love advanced warning to put your concerns at ease and advise accordingly on the best locations and parking spots.

PROPS

Other than a cute blanket for family photos and clear umbrellas for drizzle, we don’t bring props with us. We prefer to be in the moment with your big smiles. If you do have a special prop that you feel would add to the experience, we are happy to include it in the experience.

THE NITTY GRITTY

The most common thing I hear before someone books a session is, “I don’t photograph well,” or “my family is very awkward in from of the camera.” Let me put your mind at ease. You don’t have to photograph well and awkward is totally okay. Making your crew look good is completely and totally my job. Rest assured that I photograph over 120 families a year. I’ve seen it all, and am a master at getting people present and having fun. You job is to prepare your families look and wardrobe and I will take care of the rest.

• SESSION TYPES

  • FAMILY MINI SESSIONS (DESIGNATED DAYS) - $300

    Mini sessions are ideal for the annual family update, updated couple’s shots, or for a dynamic human/dog duo. These 15-minute sessions held at the Art Center, Grays Lake or downtown DSM on designated family mini session days. Mini sessions can accommodate up to 6 faces (pups count as a face) and come with all the images from the shoot with a light skin filter applied..

  • LEGACY FAMILY SESSIONS - $800

    Are you having a once-in-a-lifetime family reunion? Are four generations finally going to be in the same place all at once? This is a super special occasion and I’d love to document the moment. This package includes an hour of shooting at the location of your choice and can accommodate an unlimited number of people and puppies. The session fee includes 20 polished images, selected by our team, plus the remainder of the images from the shoot with a light skin filter applied.

TIMELINE

At Ivory House Photography, we aim for a speedy turnaround time and you can expect your photos within 7-10 business days of your shoot. You will receive a dropbox link with your images, lightly polished and in color and black and white. If you find you absolutely love an image, but would like a little additional polishing for your annual Christmas card, please reach out. We polish additional images for $25 each.

GRATITUDE

We know you have options. There are many incredible photographers in this town, and you chose to spend your time with us. It is our greatest goal, that throughout this entire process you feel seen, cared for, and extremely photogenic.

We are looking forward to photographing you.

Whitney and the Ivory House Team

Ivory House Photography FAQ

Where is the studio located?

We are thrilled to use a beautiful community space, Whistler Studio. This space is perfect for natural light, professional photographs. We are located in downtown Des Moines in the East Village at 500 E. Locust Street, #202. Please park in the metered parking outside the building,  Enter the building through the doors on Locust and go up one flight of stairs.  The door to the studio is located at the first door to the right. You will see a W above the door - and know you're in the right place!

How do I pick my images? 

We’ll send you a link to your online gallery within 7 days of your shoot. Using the online gallery, you will be able to select the images you would like to purchase. If you find yourself in need of a second opinion, Whitney and the Ivory House team is just an email or a phone call away.

How quickly will I get my polished images back? 

After you have made your final selections, we will deliver your polished images within 7 days, via DropBox folder.  You will be able to download your images from there and use them however you would like. Our images are delivered in both black and white and in color and in a printable JPG format.

When is payment due? 

Payment is due at the time of booking to confirm your date on the calendar.

What is your cancellation/reschedule policy?

Portrait Sessions

We allow 1 reschedule with more than 72 hours’ notice.  Reschedules can be made with less than 48 hour notice, but a $50 reschedule fee will be applied. 

Family Mini Sessions

We allow 1 reschedule, to another family mini session date, but a $50 reschedule fee will be applied. 

$100 Headshots

We offer a very limited amount of $100 Headshot spots.  Because these sessions sell out so quickly, we do not allow for any reschedules or refunds. 

EXTRA Sessions

With EXTRA sessions, there are no refunds, transfers, or reschedules. Commit and show up for yourself.

Jump Rope for Mental Health

One in five Iowa adults will struggle with mental illness in their lifetime. That’s about 600,000 people every year. We also know that the number of people who seek help with their mental health is drastically lower than these numbers. This is for a variety of reasons: stigma, fear, and financial resources. Though some of these barriers will take time to remove, there is one barrier that we can all play a part in. No one should be refused mental health care because of financial status. This is why I am so passionate about The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center, one of the only places in the metro that offers sliding scale counseling. Their much-needed services are open to anyone, and they work tirelessly to ensure as many people as possible can afford mental health services.

After co-chairing their Women Helping Women event last year, I know how important it is to support this mission. Enter, Jump Rope for Mental Health. On May 8th, my main squeeze Erik and I will be setting up shop at Black Collar Crossfit at 10:15 and jump roping to fundraise for the Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center. And we are calling on you to help us out! There are two ways:

1. Donate to our fundraiser! Our goal is to raise $2000. For every dollar raised, we will do one jump rope. So $2000 = 2000 jumps on the rope. Erik will be doing double under and I will be doing struggle bussing through the basics. And the best twist: it will be in ‘80s garb!

2. Join in on the jump roping! Join us on May 8th and the jump rope marathon. The more the merrier to support this important initiative! We’d love to have a gaggle of people jumping rope in 80’s gear with us!

Lastly, if you want to learn more about The Des Moines Pastoral Counseling Center and the great work they do, I encourage you to attend the Women Helping Women event on May 21st. This is a virtual event, and you will hear from wonderful women AND support the organization.

Picturing Woody Brenton

Whitney. I need some photos. 

What kind of photos Woody?

Well, the kind that go on a dating site. The kind that make me look handsome. But I need you to keep this to yourself. Because this is kind of embarrassing.

I smiled. 

There was no way to mess this one up. First of all, Woody was, until the very end, an incredibly attractive man. And two, I had a feeling even from his first phone call that Woody would never truly need to create a dating profile. But I let him hire me anyway. 

The day of our photo shoot was a clear and gorgeous October day. Woody and I went everywhere. That man loved to have his photo taken. We photographed downtown and at the Art Center, and he had all sorts of ideas as to poses, smile verses none smile philosophies, and of course, a constant interjection of his good humor. 

At the close of our photoshoot he told me he was making dinner for my mom the following day. This was news to me, but I wasn’t surprised. As soon as I knew of this impending date, I had a feeling that these photos would never end up on a dating site. 

And sure enough, I was right. After years of friendship, my mom and Woody embarked on another adventure, getting to know each other in a new context and the photos now sit in frames in her home, reminding her of the exuberant man who won her heart.

You see, Woody and his late wife Julie had been a part of our family’s life for decades. I remember Woody showing up to our house on Saturday night for supper club, carrying beautiful dishes with Julie always bringing a gift, usually something gorgeous she’d made. 

Woody and Julie were my very first clients in Des Moines. I had been home for just a few days when I received a call from Julie. 

Whitney, I have cancer. It’s pretty bad. I’d like photos of Woody and I. When are you free? 

That very first photoshoot took place in much of the same places. I saw Woody and Julie’s bond, how they were holding each other through this process. And one year later, I saw my photo of Julie enlarged at her funeral, a beautiful portrait of a beautiful person gone too soon. 

Now, there is a photo of Woody enlarged, one of the images I took on that fated October day. He is exuberant, joyful, full of energy and handsome as hell. He was also at that time I took those photos, already filling with cancer.

Woody was in my family for a very short amount of time, but there is no denying the energy of a man that full of zeal. Overtime, Woody and I developed our own sort of relationship, something unique and completely its own. With Woody, I got to be me. He never pressed too hard, but was a constant and reassuring presence in my life. 

I now find myself wishing I had shared more of myself with him, wishing I had been able to let my guard down sooner and allow him into my life more fully, but this is a lesson I get to take moving forward. 

Woody was present for every single life event I experienced from the time he became my mom’s partner to when he exited. He sat at the table for awards, took me out for birthday dinners and was present to the many meltdowns I would have in the company of my mom. He was a safe place. A kind place. A non-judgmental place. 

I had the privilege of photographing Woody many times over the past four years, and I treasure knowing that I could make him happy with my skill set. I had the honor of being the last person to photograph him. He wanted a picture with his long hair, because it reminded him of his raucous teenage days. In this photo, taken just a few weeks before he died, he’s wearing his pajamas that had become his uniform. But he is still smiling. Still loving the camera and still moving through the world with that sweet nature I had come to depend on him for. 

I am so grateful for this man. For what he created in my life. For the support he gave everyone around him. I’m so grateful he shared himself with me, both in spirit, in life and in photos. 

If you’d like to read more about Woody’s enthusiastic life, please read his obituary. You will be able to feel him jumping off the page in joy.

Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa: Spring $100 Headshot Partner

As I welcomed four chatty, beautiful members of Girl Scout Troop 566 into the studio for some shooting time, I couldn’t help but think of my own Girl Scout memory from childhood. There was a father-daughter sleepaway camp and I have vivid memories of going canoeing, learning to tie knots, and spending the evening eating popcorn and watching the starlit sky with my dad. This is one of the only memories I have of father-daughter time, and I can still smile thinking about my dad snoring in our shared cabin as I desperately tried to sleep.

It’s experiences like these that make The Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa such a profound organization. Not only do they provide girls with invaluable skills and a place to cultivate relationships, but they carve a path for memories like mine that will pop up on the most difficult days and bring a smile to your face.

The impact of being a Girl Scout was reaffirmed after chatting with the four troop members: Journey, Emily, Imani, and Hoda. These tweens (ah, remember what a fun time that was?!) shared fond memories of rock climbing, camping, adventuring, and just hanging out with their troop; a troop that has become more like family. Journey, age 12, shared her favorite Girl Scout experience of going rock climbing. She was scared to do it, but her troop helped her make it to the top. Hoda, age 13, told me about going to Camp Sacajawea and building gingerbread houses. She said, “I just loved hanging out.”

That’s the beauty of each troop. They bring together girls that would have no other way of cultivating relationships with one another. Troop leaders Jessie Phillips and Jill Tobin said each of the girls go to different middle schools. The Girl Scouts provide a safe and nurturing atmosphere to foster and grow their relationships with one another. Leader Jessie Phillips said her best memories of the troop are the times when they just hang out, like at their breakfast movie gatherings.

So what’s the story behind the Girl Scouts? I’ll let their words take it from here:

“We're 2.5 million strong—more than 1.7 million girls and 750,000 adults who believe in the power of every G.I.R.L. (Go-getter, Innovator, Risk-taker, Leader)™ to change the world.

Our extraordinary journey began more than 100 years ago with the original G.I.R.L., Juliette Gordon “Daisy” Low. On March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia, she organized the very first Girl Scout troop, and every year since, we’ve honored her vision and legacy, building girls of courage, confidence, and character who make the world a better place.

We’re the preeminent leadership development organization for girls. And with programs from coast to coast and across the globe, Girl Scouts offers every girl a chance to practice a lifetime of leadership, adventure, and success.”

Join the Ivory House Photography team in supporting the Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa and help make a direct impact for thousands of girls in Iowa. We will be holding sixty $100 Headshots, giving away $10 from each of these session fees. In addition to this, we will be giving $5 from every additional extra file purchased from your session.

Get on the waiting list to be the first to know when the sign ups go live on March 18th!

UPDATE: WE WERE SUCCESSFUL!!! 60 people showed up to donate to the Girl Scouts of Iowa. 50 of those fabulous faces are pictured below! Thanks for supporting our community and helping us raise $1200 for girls in our state!

Young Women's Resource Center: Fall $100 Headshot Partner

When Samira was sixteen years old, she found out she was pregnant. “I was so scared,” she told me. Her older sister was also early in her own pregnancy, and it was not lost on Samira how differently the sisters’ news was received because of Samira’s young age. “My family thought I wasn’t going to get as much help as I’d planned, that I would drop out of school, and things would just be so terrible for me. But I actually ended up graduating early.”

Pictured: Samira looking stunning.

This was no small feat, and Samira’s success was made possible by a whole community of people. Samira’s mom was the one to first help her look for resources for pregnant teenagers in the Des Moines area, and they found the Young Women’s Resource Center. Founded in 1978 with the belief that every girl deserves a life of possibilities, the YWRC has spent the last nearly four decades achieving its mission of supporting, educating, and advocating for girls and young women ages ten to twenty-one, empowering them to be strong, self-confident, and resilient. 

Samara with her daughter, nephew and baby son.

Through a wide variety of programs tailored to fit each individual’s unique needs, the YWRC serves over 2,000 participants in daytime, evening, and summer programs with the overall goal of teaching healthy, resilient decision-making.

The Empowerment Program provides small groups and individual therapy to help young women improve their self-esteem, develop healthy relationships, and understand reproductive health. The Young Moms program, which Samira joined, supports teen mothers and their children through education on how to achieve a healthy pregnancy, parenting skills, self-sufficiency, and the importance of education. All of the programming at the YWRC fosters community involvement, positive thinking, setting goals, self-care, stress management, building communication skills, and finding a sense of purpose.

The organization employs fifteen full-time staff members who are all trained in trauma-informed care, and facilitators utilize evidence-based curriculum. All programs are provided at no cost with free transportation and meals or snacks available for on-site groups. In order to reach underprivileged and underserved young women in the greater Des Moines area, the YWRC intentionally partners with schools, teachers, counselors, success workers, and other agencies.  Their clients are often survivors of trauma, assault, abuse, or mental illness, which have a significant and long-term impact on the mental health and overall wellbeing of the women in our community. The current COVID-19 pandemic is escalating destructive conditions at home, so it is critical that the YWRC is able to ensure continued programming and support to those participants who are at the highest risk. 

Aya, age 5 was a great model.

For Samira, it was the Young Moms program alleviated the burden of young motherhood, supporting her throughout her pregnancy, the birth of her daughter, Aya, and ever since.  “I really like our group. When I was pregnant, they gave me a lot of information about what would happen when I gave birth, and I never knew a lot of that,” she says. “I ended up having to get a C-section, but I wasn’t scared because I was prepared. They were also very supportive during recovery, always checking in to see how I was doing.” In addition, her group helped her figure out her sleep schedules, how to coordinate school and work with a new baby, even how to find daycare.

Samira says one of the best things the YWRC did was advocate for her when the medical team at the hospital was not giving her all of the information she wanted. Doctors often overlook their younger patients, particularly during delivery, making it very difficult to navigate while in a vulnerable position. To Samira, the whole experience seemed very transactional and impersonal. Since then, she has switched hospitals, thanks to the support of her peers and mentors at YWRC. 

In order to finish high school, Samira had to complete her last credits after her baby was born. She woke up at 6 AM every day to take the bus (along with her stroller and baby) to school. She graduated months ahead of time, finishing school in February, but walked the stage in May with the rest of her class. “I was sobbing, I was so relieved,” she recalls. “It was so hard but I am so glad I did it.”

One of the cornerstones of the YWRC’s curriculum is teaching resilience, which is a key factor in determining the success of each participant. Samira recognizes her own resiliency through her ability to go with the flow. “Sometimes things get really overwhelming, but I just have to take it one day at a time. I can try to control the situations by my decisions and actions. When I found out I was pregnant with my second child, my son Asaiah, I was excited but it had been a while. It felt good to go back to my pregnancy group and relearn all that information.” 

There were a lot of cute baby kisses happening!

But this time, of course, was a little bit different. “I was glad they offered me a doula because it was in March, during the pandemic, and I wasn’t allowed any family in the room during the birth.” This time around, the consistent support and advocacy provided by the YWRC made all the difference in what felt to Samara like a whole different experience. 

The YWRC continues to be an asset to Samira’s family. “If I run out of things for the baby, they’re the first ones to tell me that they can get these things for me as soon as possible.”

“The Young Women’s Resource Center is going to support you, they’re going to be your advocate for a lot of things. Especially if you’re pregnant and going through school, or if there’s something you want to do, they will find ways for you to be able to do it. If you’re scared, or if you’re speaking up for something, they will stand behind you.”

Join the Ivory House Photography team in support this amazing mission. We will be holding fifty $100 Headshots, giving away $10 from each of these session fees. In addition to this, we will be giving $5 from every additional extra file purchased from your session.

Get on the waiting list to be the first to know when the sign ups go live on Sept 8th at noon!

Project Iowa: Our spring $100 Headshot Partner

Last week, I had the privilege of photographing a group of incredible women and men who are embarking on their own unique journeys into the workforce. These humans make up the latest graduating class from Project Iowa, a nonprofit organization that, among many other things, helps to match employers with people seeking stable, fulfilling jobs in our community.

Julie Fugenschuh, Executive Director of Project Iowa

“At Project Iowa, we strive to help people align purpose and passion with employment,” says Executive Director Julie Fugenschuh. “We believe finding a career that clicks with your values means you’ll stay in the position, ultimately providing security and stability in your life. [The program} is more about a person’s mindset rather than their skillset.”

Every three months, Project Iowa welcomes a new group of students for their three-month program (which is free of charge) teaching them how to excel in job interviews, write an effective resume, network, while also integrating wellness principles and digital skills.

There is so much more than tactical training happening in this program, and it’s evident in the photos I took of the students on the eve of their graduation. The emotional difference Project Iowa provides is far, far beyond simply finding a job. The transformation is both professional and personal: People who go through this program have more confidence, resources, accountability, and physical and mental wellbeing.

Jane, graduate of Project Iowa’s latest program.

“I was in such a bad place when I started this program,” says Shawna, another graduate. “Besides my kids, this was the best thing I’ve ever done. I thought the program was just about getting a job, but that’s the least of it. It teaches you to recognize your thoughts so that you can change your behaviors. Before, I tended to just go into survival mode. But now I’m figuring out who I was meant to be and who I’ve always been before I got so sidetracked.”

At Ivory House, we believe in finding passion and purpose in our work. Project Iowa’s holistic approach to job placement is completely different from the typical agency and aligned beautifully with the Ivory House mission and core values. Project Iowa believes when a job is well-suited to a person’s identity it also shapes their outlook on life. Meditation, yoga, nutrition, and stress management are all incorporated into the classes, which take place four times per week and run about two hours long. When we recognized the in-depth commitment to self it takes to complete the program, we were hooked and immediately on board with supporting Project Iowa.

“This program got me in touch more with my emotions,” says graduate Carrie. “I’ve always been a task manager, very task-oriented. It has helped me refine some of the emotional aspects of working that I’ve been missing for a while.”

“The biggest thing is changing the way you think and how that’s going to alter the way you act, which has been huge for me,” says Jane, one of the graduating students.

Shawna, graduate of Project Iowa’s latest program.

Tears from Shawna, seeing herself in the right light for the first time.

Students of the Project Iowa program come from every kind of background you can imagine. Whether it’s someone who’s been a stay-at-home mom for the past twenty years and looking to get back into the workforce, someone who’s been convicted of a felony, or someone just looking for a fresh start in a new field, virtually anyone would fit in and find value in the education.

A beautiful group of grateful souls, ready to take on the world with passion and purpose.

“There are no labels here,” Julie says. “You’re a person, you have value. No one in our program is a ‘felon,’ or ‘lazy,’ or any of those other labels people might feel ascribed to when they’re out hunting for a job. They do not define you as a person or a job candidate.”

Jane, totally rocking her photo shoot and leaning into herself fully.

“Project Iowa has helped bring out those parts of me that I didn’t know existed,” says graduate Christina, who traveled an hour each way to attend her classes. “I’m ready to apply for things I wouldn’t normally have applied for. I felt like there were a lot of barriers for me, like I shouldn’t even try. I felt like my past was my name, so I settled for minimum wage jobs.

Now I know that I have worth and hidden talents that can make a company more successful. My name is who I used to be, not who I am. Now I’m answering to new names. I’m worthy, and I have things to offer people.”

Christina, confidently captured.

For me, photography is my way to truly see people, and in this case, I was able to witness these graduates transformation. They have been doing the work for months, diving deep into themselves, removing road block and building new skills, but I know from personal experience, that change doesn’t feel real until you see it on the outside.

By photographing them, I was able to mirror their new mindset, label, title, career path and capture it in a photograph that will hopefully remind them of how far they’ve come. And in addition to simply celebrating their growth, having headshots taken was a brand-new experience for many of them. Stepping in front of a professional camera wasn’t something most of them were comfortable with — not because of cost, availability or usefulness, but simply because they had been denying themselves of the recognition.

“I was like, who gets headshots?” Christina laughed. “It made me feel important. It made me feel like I was someone to watch out for.”

“Last time I had my pictures taken was graduation,” says Shawna. “I felt like I could smile again. It’s so cool to be given a decent chance.”

The reactions are ALWAYS the best part.

“Whatever we do, we do it together,” says Julie. “It’s not just about what Project Iowa could do for you. It’s about who you have in your corner, in your community. We are part of your team. We are someone you can rely on, no matter what your goals are.”

We couldn’t have said it better ourselves. If you’re ready to be seen and support a great cause, grab one of our 80 $100 Headshot timeslots. At the time of publishing this blog, the session are already 50% sold out so DON’T hesitate to show yourself and your community who you are and what you’re capable of.

SPECIAL THANKS TO WHISTLER STUDIO and Anna Jones for donating the space for these shoots. If you’re ever in need of a gorgeous shooting space, with perfect light, we highly recommend.

2019: Year in Review

Every year I take stock of the biggest points of impact, both in my life and my community. As always, thank you for being on this journey with me. Your participation in and support of my abilities is what propels me forward every year.

40 Under 40

At 32, I received the distinguished honor of Des Moines Business Record’s 2019 40 Under 40. To me, this was recognition of the contribution one small business owner can make in their community. I was so proud to walk across that stage, knowing that my HR department is my mom, my team includes my 2 dedicated employees and loads of friends, and every single hour and resource I donate to my community come directly out of my own pocket.

If I have one goal in life, it’s to lead by example and inspire EVERY person to know they can make a difference simply by showing up and having the confidence to walk out on to the shaky, unstable branches of life, contributing everything they have to the causes and community they love.

I photographed over 100 individuals for $100 Headshots

I started the $100 headshot campaign in 2017. The concept is simple. Once a year I lower my portrait prices to $100 for 15 minutes of my time and one polished file. On top of that great deal, I donate $10 from every session to a charity of choice.

This year, there was so much interest, I ran two $100 headshot sessions, one to benefit Dress for Success and the other benefiting Food Bank of Iowa. The most mind-boggling part of the whole experience? These offers sold out in less than 48 hours. Talk about an all-around win.

Your Personal Brand Launch: Online Course Launched in 2020

Emily and I started Brand Launch with one major goal: teach people how to elevate their lives and business through intentional personal branding. After 2 years of successful workshops, we’ve poured our hearts, souls, and knowledge into this course curriculum and couldn’t be more proud of what we’ve created! The course launched TODAY, Jan 8th, and is already bringing us so much joy and fulfillment.

On top of this great accomplishment, we wrote our first E-book, Showing up Social, sharing our perspective on why social is important and how you can make an impact by simply telling your own story. Grab the E-Book HERE.

HEARTCORE LEADERSHIP

The Universe sent me all sorts of signs this year and I was finally in a mental position to listen. One of the biggest signs I received was during No Meetings March (read past post on that). My friend and client Kathleen Riessen called me during this meeting hiatus and I actually had the energy to pick up the phone. Kathleen said, “Whitney, I’m in this leadership program right now and this is it. This is what you need to do. Here are the dates and here is the price point.”

At the time of Kathleen’s call, I was digging myself out of a deep emotional hole, working hard to correct 3 years of working from the burnout zone. I knew I needed something but I didn’t know what. I took Kathleen’s call as a sign and I paid the deposit the next day. Little did I know the massive amount of serendipity I’d just set in motion.

From August to December, I traveled to San Diego 4 times, diving deep into myself and my leadership capacities. I learned more, grew more and built more in those 4 months than I have at any other point in my life. Of the life-changing experiences I’ve been through, this one takes the cake. I chose it. I committed to it. And I completed it. And at the end of the day, I received a sense of calm in myself, grounding and clarity I never thought possible. Of the things I’m most grateful for this year, HCL and the friends I made there are at the top of the list.

DSM Hummingbirds went from a concept to a platform!

In July of 2018, Emily and I launched the concept of DSM Hummingbirds, a community marketing strategy pairing enthusiastic community members with brands, services, and experience that need a little buzz and momentum. The idea was simple. EVERYONE has influence, especially in hyper-local markets and we were eager to show what impact your neighbors could have on local business growth.

Over and over, this concept continues to prove itself. Our Hummingbirds LOVE trying new things and sharing their experiences with their friends on social and in person. And the businesses? They are getting new ideal client exposure with the added benefit of authentic social posting. EVERYONE WINS.

And this year, we started the long process of creating the technology to support this. It’s been a long journey, but we’re so excited to say that by mid-2020, we’ll have a fully functioning Hummingbird site and are looking to expand outside of DSM! We’ll keep you posted on these exciting developments.

I wore shorts

and lived to tell about it.

I realize that this might seem like the silliest win of 2019 but for me, it was huge. 2019 was a year of true body acceptance. It was also the year I discovered Eloquii, the site where curvy girls like me can go to unload all their extra money and come out looking fabulous.

Because of this site, I wore shorts, crop tops, many jumpsuits, sequin skirts…. the list goes on. I preach a lot about what it means to be unapologetically extra, being bold in our bodies and our brains, but even I struggle with giving my external self the praise it deserves. So here’s to 2020, perhaps this is the year of the two-piece bathing suit. You never know!

Left to right: Megan, Production Manager - Whitney, Chief Empowerment Officer - Amanda, Operations Manager

My teams GREW!

Running two business’s isn’t easy and I don’t do it alone.

Megan and I have been operating as the dynamic duo of Ivory House for too long and we desperately needed an admin to keep everything on track! Amanda Arnold entered our lives at the most amazing time and provided both of us the support and space we needed to really take Ivory House to the next level. With Amanda by our side, we’ve honed in on our systems and made Ivory House an efficient business with loads of personal impact!

Left to right: Callie, Integration specialist. Whitney, Co-Founder. Emily, Co-Founder, Amanda, Operations Manager. Matt, Technology specialist.

Our Brand Launch team also grew! Emily and I have been doing as much as we can as a duo, but we were pleased to bring on several team members in 2019! Amanda, also joined the Brand Launch team as our operations manager (so basically she runs every aspect of Emily and my calendar), Callie came on board this summer as an intern and we quickly found that she is an extraordinary integrator. Now we can’t imagine our team without her. And Matt came on the team earlier this year as our technology lead to take DSM Hummingbirds to the next level. It’s with his help and guidance that we have watched DSM Hummingbirds grow from a concept to a platform.

I had my first fine art gallery show in DSM!

And I did my first artist talk and I sold my first fine artwork ever!!! These are pretty big personal wins. I loved being able to share my thesis work, Self Control, with the people of DSM and Liz Lidgett’s Gallery was the perfect place to showcase this work.

Presenting at LEAP on the Power of Personal Branding!

I got a jump start on my public speaking career!

I got to stand on lots of stages this year and it absolutely thrilled me! I spoke on topics ranging from personal branding, community marketing, being your own nano influencer to being unapologetically extra and defining your own path. Every single one of these opportunities was a thrill and a learning opportunity.

These lead me to my 2020 goal of speaking on 10 big stages across the country. So if you know of anyone looking to bring in an Unapologetically Extra speaker or personal brand strategist, let me know!

May in Amsterdam!

On a personal note….

I traveled to:

1. Denver

2. Charlotte

3. Rochester, NY

4. NYC

5. Copenhagen

6. Took a river cruise down the Rhine from Amsterdam to Frankfurt

7. San Diego (4 times) for leadership training

8. Kansas City

9. Napa

Every single one of these adventures adds to the beautiful, vibrant texture of my life and l’m so grateful for this life I get to lead.

AND…. I fell in love. Yup, if you’re reading this to the very end, you get the juicy bits. I met a man named Erik in June. We bonded over a mutual love of the Enneagram, tacos, The Storytellers Project and deep conversations. We’re pretty smitten and having a great time doing life together.