Business Details
16 Years
experience
Luxury Family & Senior Portrait Photography in Ankeny, IA
Since 2010, Rachael Venema Photography has been dedicated to preserving life's most beautiful moments through professional studio and on-location photography. As a Certified Professional Photographer with over 14 years of experience, I specialize in newborn, high school senior, children, family, and branding portraiture. Our luxury full-service studio in Ankeny, IA, serves the greater Des Moines area and clients in Ripon and Central Valley, California. We handle every detail from wardrobe selection and hair/makeup services to creating and installing stunning prints in your home.My passion for storytelling through imagery ensures your family's legacy is captured authentically. As a mother of three, I understand the fleeting nature of time and prioritize making sessions stress-free while celebrating your unique story. Community involvement remains central to my work, including initiatives like the Save Our Small Businesses project and volunteering with The Gold Hope Project.
Services
Family Photography
Branding & Headshots
High School Senior
Children & Newborn
Maternity Photography
Storytelling Portraits
Brand Photography
Heirloom Albums
Wall Art Creation
Session Consultation
Details
- Year established: 2010
Highlights and features
- Certified Professional Photographer with 14+ years of experience since 2010
- Full-service experience including wardrobe, hair/makeup, and home installation
- Specialized in newborn, senior, and storytelling portraiture since 2010
- Community-focused with 2020 Citizen of the Year award recognition
- Stress-free sessions with 100% client satisfaction guarantee
Associations and certifications
- Professional Photographers of America (PPA)
What people say
Stress-free experience
Beautiful portraits
Exceptional customer service
Professional results
Emotional impact
Services
Family Photography
Capture authentic family connections through professionally guided sessions. We handle all details from wardrobe planning to hair/makeup services, creating timeless artwork that reflects your unique relationships. Sessions include personalized consultation and stress-free execution for families of all sizes.
High School Senior
Document graduation milestones with customized senior photography. Sessions highlight individual personalities through location scouting, outfit coordination, and storytelling elements that showcase achievements and personal interests. Includes professional retouching and print options.
Maternity Photography
Celebrate pregnancy journeys with elegant maternity sessions. We specialize in creating comfortable environments for expectant mothers, offering wardrobe assistance and posing techniques that emphasize natural beauty and emotional connections with unborn children.
Branding & Headshots
Develop professional brand imagery for entrepreneurs and businesses. Services include strategic wardrobe consultation, background selection, and multi-set photography to create cohesive visual identities for marketing materials and professional profiles.
Storytelling Portraits
Document personal journeys through conceptual portrait sessions. This service includes pre-session storyboarding, location scouting, and cinematic techniques to visually represent overcoming challenges and celebrating life milestones.
People
Rachael Venema
Owner & Lead Photographer
Certified Professional Photographer with 14+ years experience specializing in family legacy portraiture. 2020 Citizen of the Year award recipient, community leader, and mother of three. Holds PPA certification and serves on Garden Joy Board of Directors.
Questions
What areas do you serve for photography sessions?
We operate from our Ankeny, IA studio and serve the Des Moines metro area. We also travel to Ripon and Central Valley, California multiple times yearly for sessions.
What is included in the portrait session fee?
The $500 session fee includes professional photography services, hair/makeup for one person, and personalized consultation. Additional costs apply for prints and artwork.
How should we prepare for a family photography session?
We provide detailed preparation guides, including wardrobe suggestions and timing recommendations. Parents receive pre-session checklists and tips for preparing children for the shoot.
What makes your senior photography different?
Our senior sessions focus on personal storytelling through customized location scouting and outfit planning. We create cinematic portraits that reflect individual personalities and achievements beyond standard graduation photos.
Do you offer payment plans for portrait packages?
While we don't offer formal financing, we accept major credit cards and provide flexible options for purchasing artwork and digital files separately.
How long does the full portrait process take?
The complete process from consultation to artwork delivery typically takes 8-12 weeks, including 2-3 weeks for image editing and product creation after the session.
