DKA Photography

The action has moved!!!!

2010-11-12T15:23:00.003-06:00

I created a new blog and I'm so excited to finally share it with all of you.

You can find all DKA Photography's blog action now and moving forward at:

www.dkaphotographyblog.com

See ya over there! -- Debbie Arringdale

The perfect fall evening -- Central Iowa Family Photographer

2010-11-04T08:04:00.007-05:00

The perfect fall evening with a beautiful family of five and their grandmother. The light was pretty, there was no wind, the temp was just the right sweater weather, the sun was shinning and I got to meet another great Des Moines family.

Fall meets Christmas --- Central Iowa Child Photographer

2010-10-31T21:36:00.008-05:00

The great part of a custom photoshoot is that we can take the session in whatever we decide meets your needs. With these three little cuties we got two seasons taken care of at once. We took advantage of the beauty fall brings and also snapped some photos in their Christmas attire. Now, getting two seasons taken care of at once is impressive in my mind. Not from my standpoint as a photographer but from mom's side of the equation. Having all three kids Christmas clothes purchased by mid-October is one on-top-of-it mom who plans ahead.

Urban baby -- Central Iowa family photographer

2010-10-27T19:02:00.006-05:00

Baby V turns one and to capture this very special milestone in her life, I headed downtown Des Moines with her family. I've been lucky enough to get to photograph Baby V since she was just a newborn. Like all my sessions with her, I always enjoy my time with her, mom and dad. They bring modern style, gorgeous smiles and total smitten looks for each other.

Planning for Holiday Cards -- Central Iowa Family Photographer

2010-10-18T22:10:00.007-05:00

To capture little sister's six month milestone and to get a few images for their Christmas card, I got to hang out again with one of the cutest blond haired family of five here in Iowa. You first met them on my blog here....

Since mom plans to use a family image for their Christmas cards, I tired not to pick the best one to show in the sneak peek. I don't want to spoil it for their family and friends who might be receiving one.

Enjoy and have a great Tuesday! -- Debbie

Family of three -- Central Iowa Family Photographer

2010-10-18T21:50:00.004-05:00

I met this cute family of three now in one of my favorite spots that I get to drive by each day. I call it the hidden path even though it's not so hidden at all... it just reminds me of one. Each season here in Iowa it screams my name inviting me in to take photographs or just take a walk with my family. Right now, the leaves are so beautiful making it a tunnel of warm, happy sunshine. Once the snow hits (sooner than later unfortunately), it's transformed into a magicial snow and ice runway. I'm glad I got to meet this cute family and their new little guy here at one of my favorite spots for their photo session.

Family in the fall -- Central Iowa family photographer

2010-10-13T14:24:00.006-05:00

This fall in Iowa has been just wonderful. The light, colors, weather. etc. has all been making my job of taking photos of Iowa families even more fun. I get to spend time outside enjoying the summer weather with a fall atmosphere a while meeting new families. It's been great. Recently, I spent time with little guy S and his mom and dad. The were so sweet and laid back. The little guy was all serious during his photosession but we did manage to get him to crack a few of his adorable smiles that mom and dad says he sports all of the time. Enjoy your sneak peek mom and dad. I enjoyed meeting another Ankeny young family.

Happy Fall -- Central Iowa Child Photographer

2010-10-08T15:22:00.003-05:00

Happy Fall friends! I'm loving this beautiful Fall weather and how Iowa is looking right now. I'm crossing my fingers this weather continues through most of October. I'm almost booked full so I want the weather to be just perfect for all my clients.

Cute little guy -- Central Iowa Family Photographer

2010-10-08T08:17:00.004-05:00

I met this cute family and their little guy in the park the other week. The light was beautiful and they were full of smiles making the session images turn out just perfect. Baby C was all deck out like a cute little man. Who says boys aren't as fun to dress. I beg to differ. All the little guys I am lucky enough to photograph bring their style. Baby C is no different.

I love how this photo shows how little baby C is in his daddy's arms at this age. And then the details of hand in hand and the size. Don't you wish your baby could stay this size forever in your arms?

These photos are just precious to me. The affection mom has for baby C is just priceless as she snuggles with him and fills him with love.

And now just per cuteness of baby C and his fam.

How time changes -- Central Iowa Family Photographer

2010-09-29T23:54:00.010-05:00

I met up with one of my oldest and best friends and her whole family for a photo session recently. I've know their family from way back when we were 7th grade girls entering the fun/scary years of junior high and high school. Since then we've been on trips together,had lots of sleep overs, created tons of fun memories, were college roommates and maid-of-honors, held each other baby showers, go on regular mom's nights out, etc. But I never imagined I would be photographing her family of two kids and her extended family with four kids total. It's funny to think back to junior high and high school and wonder what we thought our life would be like at the age of upper 20's and all the things we had gone through together both good and bad. I hands down never imagined this scene. When I was in 7th grade I didn't know I wanted to be a photographer and I bet she didn't imgine her life as a stay at home mom with a baby boy and baby girl.

So getting together with them got me thinking... as I approach 30 in the next year (ok, I'm not even 29 yet but 30 just seems way too close right now), is this where I thought my life would be when I was 30.... a married, working, mom/individual. And I think it is. I'm happy right now, content, liked where my path has taken me. The thing about the age 30 to me is that you are no longer in your 20's where you are suppose to be figuring out your life and where you are going. Now in your 30's, I feel like I'm suppose to know these things and being going there. I'm sure I won't feel this way once I'm 30+. But for now, it has me thinking... have I accomplished what I wanted to? What I thought I would? What about you?

So back on topic of my session with my dear friend, her parents and her bother's family. I love that they both had boys within a couple of months of each other and then they had baby girls within a couple of months of each other. How's that for some plans working out for the better? They all live in the same town and get to see each other often. It will be so fun for their kids to all grow up so close. As for my girls, my brother who lives in town needs to produce a cousin for them to play with and the other 5 cousins who live in two different states need to move back. My girls do have four cousins that live near so we are thankful for that. But two of the cousins that live out of state were born the exact same week as Addison. Therefore they are at the same stage in life and I know would have a ball growing up together.

Ok, now on with the sneak peek...

Sweet as pie -- Central Iowa Baby Photographer

2010-09-27T13:57:00.003-05:00

Baby girl Q was such a treat to be around. She is super sweet and was just as mellow as can be during her morning session at her house. And if you are sitting around wondering how mom got her bow to stay in so well with the lack of hair she is sporting at 3 months, email me. It's a super easy trick to get it to stay in that I'll share with you.

You'll notice a new format for photos here. The verdict is still out for me on showing sneak peeks in a template form rather than one by one like I've been doing. I'm told on my new blog (still under construction... sigh) that these templates will appear much bigger so you can all see the images much better. I'm so excited for it to be done and share with you. But now, I'm excited for you check out sweet Baby girl Q's sneak peek below. She's a doll!

Their magic castle, I mean tent

2010-09-24T14:48:00.004-05:00

When you have kids, you can never have too many blankets in my opinion.You never know when they can come in handy and provide kids with a fun, imaginary world to play in. My neighbors might not have liked the big colorful blob in our backyard when they go home from work, but my girls loved playing in their tent for hours this day. So if you are looking for an activity to do with your kids this weekend, indoors or out, pull out your blankets and build a tent. I promise, it will be fun.

Giggles and Grins -- Central Iowa Child Photographer

2010-09-16T21:18:00.004-05:00

I had the pleasure of meeting this sweet family for a session recently. Their little boy was getting his two year old milestone photos done and they took this the opportunity to do family images as well. I loved their black wordrobe with splashes of red color here and there. We had a perfect end of summer/starting of fall evening weather mixed with lots of smiles and laughter. That combo equals lots of adorable images for mom and dad to choose from. Below are just a fraction of the cute images I captured during thier session. Happy Friday everyone!

All smilies at two -- Central Iowa Child Photographer

2010-09-13T14:07:00.004-05:00

This little handsome guy was all smiles as he celebrated his second birthday on the day of his photoshoot. Why wouldn't he be? First he opened some presents when he woke up, then he got to play outside during his session and finally he was off to a hotel waterpark for his birthday party.

I'm always amazed at the difference between boys and girls during a session. This location was perfect becuase it had lots of rocks and sticks to keep him entertained and happy. At one point, his pockets were full of rocks while I took his pictures. LOL. I guess I just told you a secert how we kept him smiling and focused during some of these photos. :)

Thanks for stopping by the blog.

Twin time -- Central Iowa Child Photographer

2010-09-07T13:10:00.008-05:00

Minus the swarm of mosquitoes and 10+ bites from them just on my right arm alone, I had a ton of fun at this session. We first started at a grassy area but had to change locations because the mosquitoes were the worst I've ever experienced. So we headed downtown Des Moines. I'm glad we did because the urban photos turned out to be some of my favs from the session. This session was actually from a free family session I donated to the Des Moines' group, Mothers of Multiples. This lucky family bid and won a free session from DKA Photography at their spring auction event.

Since these cuties rocked it in front of the camera, I have a ton of images to share here with you. In fact, when I debut my new and improved blog within the week, you might even see a photo or two of them in my artwork.

Pretty Flower Girl -- Central Iowa Child Photographer

2010-09-01T14:16:00.004-05:00

This little mama's girl was so fun to follow around and take her photos during her one year old session. She just started to walk which is such a fun stage... still a little wobbly on the feet but yet determined to get places with their feet now. She also has a super cute name that I managed to called her by 97 percent of the time when taking her photos. But mine lips are sealed. Sorry, no name sharing here. As you noticed, I don't post names often on my blog, but I do post their cute little faces, expressions, attitudes, etc. to brighten your day.

Family time -- Central Iowa Photographer

2010-08-31T08:30:00.003-05:00

I had the honor of capturing this family while they spent time together this summer. With the four siblings in four different locations, I could tell from my short time with them, it was a special few days for all of them, especially for mom and dad. They had wine in hand, cute pink dresses, a fluffy white dog, a beautiful setting at home and most of all, the most relaxed attitude that made their session turn out great. Cheers to family time.

The whole gang

Mom, Dad and the Kids

Mom and Dad (I couldn't believe mom wasn't one of the siblings when I first walked in.)

Mom and her mom

The whole fam again

Little Mr. C -- Central Iowa Baby Photographer

2010-08-24T12:57:00.005-05:00

I love this session because it's been awhile since I held a session in downtown Des Moines. I love the Urban looks... all the colorful options yet at the same time the beauty a brick background offers. Plus, this session took place on a gorgeous morning with a handsom little boy. Enjoy the sneak peek from this session.

Hello Cutie! - Central Iowa Child Photographer

2010-08-11T14:33:00.002-05:00

Baby D gets cuter and cuter each time see her for her sessions. At this session, we celebrated who she is and looks like at 9 months old. I love how these bold and bright these photos turned out. Plus, pink is my favorite color, so that's just another reason I love how her images came out.

Flower Power -- Central Iowa Child Photographer

2010-08-10T14:00:00.002-05:00

These two little ones' mama is one of my best friends. In fact, Addison (my daughter) is at the pool with them right now this afternoon.

I don't normally share kids names on my blog for safety reasons but since baby Presley is wearing her's proud, I guess that cat is out of the bag this time around.

2010-08-09T22:39:00.006-05:00

I have to admit, I'm behind on my blogging big time. I have a handful of sessions to blog still that have taken place over the past couple of weeks. I think the more I wish this summer not to end, the more the days go faster. I seriously don't know where time goes some days. I guess when you are chasing around little ones all day, time flies.

I have been anxiously waiting to post some photos from my session with this cute family. Little brother's energy was so refreshing. You can just tell from his photos he was enjoying his time outside playing while getting his photos taken. Little sis was a little more of a challenge for me. She was getting tired and didn't find me as quirky as big brother. But we did manage to get some smiles out of her during the session before she went home and hit the sack for the night.

Speaking of hitting the sack, it's nearly 11 p.m. and I'm going to call it quits for the night. But look for more sneak peeks in the next day. I have lots of cute families to share with you all! Nighty Night! --- Debbie

1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 months old - Central Iowa Baby Photographer

2010-08-04T14:36:00.005-05:00

Baby H turns six months old. And he is still super cute and laid back as the first time I met him at his newborn session and three month session. This time we headed outdoors to a nearby marsh area. This session lasted about an hour longer than normal. Not because of Baby H of course, but me and mom gabbed for so long during it and afterwards. That's what I love about my job and meeting so many other moms along the way, I make new friends at the same time. Sometimes after sessions, I catch myself thinking that my family (hubby and two girls) would love to meet this great family I just spent time with photographing. Luckily, Baby H's mom felt the same way and we've been having some play dates here and there. Fun times....

Enjoy your day everyone.

Bits and Pieces of Love -- Central Iowa engagement photographer

2010-08-04T14:19:00.004-05:00

I'm switching it up a bit here on the blog from showing you adorable little ones to showing you some love birds during their engagement session. Their family members joined together and bought them an engagement session with. Believe it or not, it was rainy during their whole session. At one point, I even had to cover my camera up with a blanket and take it out only when I was going to snap a few images. I looked like a wet dog after it was all said and done but it was all worth it.

Now, here is a sneak peek to their "official sneak peek" coming up next. I just love the romance in the air from these photos. They say so much without even showing who they are.

Little Dude -- Central Iowa Newborn Photographer

2010-08-03T22:22:00.005-05:00

Good morning blogger readers. I wanted to share a sneak peek of a recent newborn session I had last week. I went to his home which is out in more of a rural neighborhood. We held the session in the front yard and it was so peaceful with nature all around us. I just love his sparkling eyes and his powder soft, creamy skin. He is so precious. Check baby D out for yourself below...

A future soccer player. He already has goal nets set up in the yard!

With mom and loving big sis!

Sweet Heart -- Central Iowa Newborn Photographer

2010-07-25T23:18:00.008-05:00

The proud parent of this little girl is one of my best friends since junior high. She had her baby a few days earlier than I was expecting. I was out of town with family so was bummed when I couldn't get to the hospital to meet her. I did finally get to meet her a one week, one day old during her newborn session. And she is a cutie! Look below at her pics for proof. Her full lips look like a heart upside down and she was so sweet during her session (hence my blog post title). And I just loved all her dark hair and of course, the baby chub, folds and squishiness she is sporting. Congrats Lindsay on the addition of a baby girl into your family. You better start making room with all those trucks and tools in your house for all the fun girl stuff that's to come.