Jen Reed Photography

08/22/2026

Jester Park Fall Minis are now LIVE!

These were a huge hit last year so I'm offering them again this year! Two days to take advantage of the beautiful spots located at Jester Park in Granger! You do not want to miss these minis at this location!

🗓 Saturday, Nov. 7 and Sunday, Nov. 8
🌅 Golden Hour Sessions
🧭 20 minute mini sessions
💲 $150 ($75 due to confirm session date, $75 due day of session)

First come first served and there will be limited spots available. First bookings have option for preferred timeslots. Contact me now to get on my calendar to update your family images. These can be used for family, seniors, maternity or couples!

Email me at [email protected], message me here or text me at 641.895.5560.

08/21/2026

I'm not sure if you've noticed or not, but the Iowa State Fair is certainly not lacking in color! No matter where you look, bright colors are all around. And bright colors just make me happy! Stay tuned for more from this colorful senior session!

08/19/2026

When shooting at the Iowa State Fair, you may think the only place for great images with added brightness from lights would be in the Midway as the rides spin in the sky. I managed to find the perfect spot for Makenze where the sun was peaking through the perfect opening where the trees framed my shot.

Speaking of the Midway at the fair, what is your favorite spot on the fairgrounds?

I can still squeeze in one, maybe two more mini sessions as well. Message me if interested ASAP!

08/19/2026

2026 Iowa State Fair

Can you say WOW! It's me again, going against the normal posting times and working against that darn algorithm, but how could I possibly wait any longer to at least share these two images!?!

From the very first image of this senior session, to the very last image of this senior session, and every capture in between, we absolutely took advantage of all the Iowa State Fair has to offer! There will be more previews to come from this session as well so stay tuned.

I do want to add some extra insight into these sessions. Before my camera begins clicking away, I always let my seniors know that taking images like this at an extremely busy, filled with people location means there will be several more photos taken than normal. I can remove things as needed of course but I'm working around other fairgoers as well as numerous objects and it can take just a little more time getting the perfect shot.

I give these warnings and yet each time I drop low for a shot or step back to frame my subject, I am always absolutely amazed at the kindness people show. If someone accidentally walks in front of my camera, they apologize to me. I hear constant "I'm sorrys" and yet I always feel it is myself that should be apologizing to others. I'm the one in awkward places and positions and putting myself in the way of others. Hence why I'm always quick to reply back that they are absolutely fine and no apologies necessary.

I so do appreciate the thoughtfulness and the excitement others share when they realize someone is having their senior photos done at the great Iowa State Fair. It's part of the process and makes memories that much sweeter. And it reminds me that Iowa nice is alive and well!

Now, back to enjoying these images of the beautiful Makenze who also just happens to be the reigning 2025-2026 ISRBA Queen!!

08/17/2026

When I photographed this beautiful mama, I asked her if she wanted me to edit her continuous glucose monitor (CGM) out of her images. She assured me she was completely comfortable either way.

I chose to leave it.

Not because it is something that needs to be hidden, but because it tells part of her story.

Pregnancy can be beautiful, magical and full of anticipation, but it can also come with appointments, monitoring, medications, discomforts, worries, sacrifices and challenges that aren't always visible in photographs.

That little CGM represents one of the many things this mama is doing to help bring a healthy baby into the world. And to me, that's beautiful too.

Motherhood begins long before that first cry. It begins with every choice, every sacrifice, every worry, every appointment, every sleepless night and every moment a mother puts the well being of her baby before her own. And this mama has certainly not had it easy during her pregnancy.

So these photographs aren't just about a glowing mama and the beautiful life growing inside her.

They're about strength.

They're about the things mothers endure, both seen and unseen, in the journey of bringing their babies into this world.

Because motherhood isn't about being perfect.

It's about being willing to do whatever it takes, love without limits and carry a little more than anyone else may ever realize. And this mama is absolutely glowing while showing her strength.

Still more to share from this beautiful session!

💐 Blooms and Things, Albia Iowa

08/17/2026

Golden hour was made for moments like this… and a mama who’s already glowing from the inside out.

Stay tuned for more from this beautiful maternity session!

08/14/2026

One year ago today it was also a gloomy weather day, but these smiles sure brightened up the day!

🏉🖤❤️ COMING SOON . . .

Friday Night Lights are about to shine brighter with the Centerville Football Cheer squad on the sidelines!

These beauties spent a couple days working hard at team camp in the city and decided they wanted to change up their team photos this year. Timing worked out perfectly, even though Mother Nature was a little angry and spit some rain at us, we were still able to work quickly and get in some amazing shots with the downtown Des Moines skyline behind them.

Have a great season girls and cheer your team to victory!

08/14/2026

Neva
Class of 2027

This beautiful girl traveled to my neck of the woods recently and she was the sweetest thing! I mapped out a few locations for her session which included spending a little time at Sedum & Sage Grow Co. enjoying all the colorful views. Neva was so excited for her senior photos and I absolutely loved her excitement! It's so fun having subjects in front of my camera that are not only enjoying the experience but also looking forward to seeing the results. And seriously, how amazing are the results!?!

💐- Sedum & Sage Grow Co.

08/14/2026

In honor of the Iowa State Fair kicking off . . .can you imagine me as a butter sculpture 🤣🤣 .I like this version though.

Who's headed to the Iowa State Fair? Im curious what your favorite thing about the Iowa State Fair is??

And are you trying any new foods? If so, let me know what you try and your thoughts!

Don't forget to reach out if your wanting a Midway Mini Session at the fairgrounds!

08/14/2026

Senior Session All-Inclusive Investments

I often see comments online when previews are shared from a senior session. When friends and family see previews they wonder how parents will ever choose their favorite image. Questions arise wondering how to handle the task of selecting which images to keep.

When booking your senior session with me, the great news is, you don't have to decide! I don't limit your image count to only a few. Instead I include every great image within your gallery where you have full access and rights for saving, printing, sharing, etc. That means when I share previews and you love them all, you can relax because you're getting them all and then some! (Usually quite a bit more!)

My senior package pricing includes the session fee and the gallery of edited images. No additional costs after the fact.

If you've been holding off on booking your senior session, reach out now if you have questions. I do have ONE State Fair session time slot available for next week. I also have early November times available. And don't forget, if you have a Class of 2028 senior, I have quite a few booked session dates already for that class. Booking early takes the pressure off of ensuring a date and gets you the current year pricing.

Message me here, email me at [email protected] or text me at 641.895.5560 with any questions or to get your session booked!