Golden Ember Photography

Golden Ember Photography Hi in Sammi 👋🏼
🐾 Pet & Lifestyle Photographer | Iowa
✨ Golden hour. Real moments.
📍 Des Moines, IA

Meet Ollie. 🐾🤎My mom’s big goofy goober, and one very special dog.Ollie has been through more medical issues than any do...
08/27/2026

Meet Ollie. 🐾🤎

My mom’s big goofy goober, and one very special dog.

Ollie has been through more medical issues than any dog should have to, and there have been some scary moments where we weren’t sure he’d make it through. Somehow, this big guy keeps proving us wrong. 🥹

We’re incredibly lucky to have him here today, still being his goofy, lovable self.

Getting to capture these memories of him and his person means a little extra to me. These are the moments we hope we’ll have forever, but never take for granted. 🌿

So grateful for Ollie, and for the chance to freeze a little piece of his story in time. 📸🤎

Happy National Dog Day. 🐾🤎For the dogs who greet us like we’ve been gone for years.For the ones who follow us from room ...
08/27/2026

Happy National Dog Day. 🐾🤎

For the dogs who greet us like we’ve been gone for years.
For the ones who follow us from room to room.
For the muddy paws, the goofy faces, the zoomies, the gray muzzles, and the quiet moments beside us.

They’re only a chapter of our lives, but to them, we’re their whole story.

That’s why I love photographing dogs. Not just the perfect portraits, but them. Their personality. Their quirks. The way they look at their person.

Because someday, these little moments will mean everything. ✨

Happy National Dog Day from Golden Ember Photography. 🐶📸

🐾 Portfolio Model Spots Are FULL!I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who signed up for my portfolio model ...
08/26/2026

🐾 Portfolio Model Spots Are FULL!

I just wanted to say a HUGE thank you to everyone who signed up for my portfolio model spots! 🥹🤎

I’m so excited for all of the pups and families I’ll be photographing and I seriously appreciate everyone who trusted me with their family members!

With the response I’ve received, I’m officially closing my portfolio model pricing and going back to regular session booking & pricing. ✨

If you already signed up for a portfolio spot, you are still completely locked into the discounted rate you booked under! 🤎 Nothing changes for you.

For everyone else, Golden Ember Photography is officially back to regular booking! 🐶📸

I can’t wait to turn these upcoming sessions into some seriously beautiful golden memories. ✨

Meet the 4 M’s… well, technically the 5 M’s. 😂🐾Megan, Marley, Major, Matilda & Monroe spent an evening exploring the woo...
08/24/2026

Meet the 4 M’s… well, technically the 5 M’s. 😂🐾

Megan, Marley, Major, Matilda & Monroe spent an evening exploring the woods, soaking up the sunshine, and giving me approximately 47 different facial expressions to photograph.

And honestly? I wouldn’t have it any other way. 🤎🌲

Because dog photography isn’t just about getting the perfect portrait. It’s about capturing who they are, how they love you, and the little moments you’ll want to remember forever.

I’ve been asked a few times why I chose the name Golden Ember Photography, so I thought it was finally time to tell the ...
08/14/2026

I’ve been asked a few times why I chose the name Golden Ember Photography, so I thought it was finally time to tell the story. 🤎

The truth is, this name came from a photography session with my two dogs, Buddy and Raine.

Golden is for Buddy, my soul dog. He has been beside me through some of the hardest parts of my life and, in ways I never expected, became my medical savior.

Ember is for the part of me that keeps going. An ember doesn’t have to be a roaring fire to keep burning. Sometimes all you need is that little bit of warmth that refuses to go out.

And then there’s everything I love about the feeling of fall: warm woods, golden light, earthy tones, and that quiet kind of warmth that makes you want to hold onto a moment a little longer. 🍂🔥

This session with Buddy and Raine was where the idea started.

So Golden Ember isn’t just a photography business name.

It’s a little piece of Buddy.
A reminder to keep burning.
And a reflection of the kind of warmth I want my photography to hold.

Welcome to Golden Ember. 🤎

Some of the sweetest memories are the ones we don’t realize we’ll treasure forever. 🤎A little time with Grandma. A littl...
08/13/2026

Some of the sweetest memories are the ones we don’t realize we’ll treasure forever. 🤎

A little time with Grandma. A little girl growing way too quickly. And photographs that get to hold onto this season for them both. 🌿

This is exactly why I love lifestyle photography. The little moments, the genuine connection, the people who matter most.

✨ Golden Ember Photography
Authentic moments. Real connections. Timeless memories.

✨ Golden Ember Photography is officially OPEN! ✨I’m so excited to announce that I’m officially booking sessions!!Whether...
08/02/2026

✨ Golden Ember Photography is officially OPEN! ✨

I’m so excited to announce that I’m officially booking sessions!!

Whether you’re celebrating a growing family, documenting motherhood, capturing your pets’ personalities, or simply preserving this season of life, I’d be honored to tell your story.

🤍 Now booking:
• Family
• Motherhood
• Couples
• Pets
• Lifestyle

Thank you to everyone who’s encouraged me along the way. It means more than you know.

If you’re ready to book, send me a message. I can’t wait to create something beautiful together! 📸

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I put together this patriotic photoshoot with frie...
07/04/2026

🇺🇸 Happy Independence Day! ❤️🤍💙

To celebrate America’s 250th birthday, I put together this patriotic photoshoot with friends, capturing everything from timeless flag portraits to a few fun, personality-filled moments.

While I was behind the camera for nearly the entire session, I set up a few shots on a tripod so I could jump in and celebrate too. 📸

A heartfelt thank you to the Clive Police Department for taking the time to join us and allowing us to include one of their patrol vehicles in part of the session. Your support helped make this shoot even more memorable!

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July. ❤️🤍💙

Confession: these were taken in a little patch of wildflowers close to home. 🌼You don’t always need a grand location to ...
06/24/2026

Confession: these were taken in a little patch of wildflowers close to home. 🌼

You don’t always need a grand location to create beautiful images.

A tiny wooden bench, a field of yellow blooms, and a baby determined to taste the furniture was all it took. 🤍

These are the moments I love capturing most: genuine expressions, curious personalities, and the little details parents never want to forget. Love my little girl 😍

Had so much fun with this little St. Patrick’s Day session 🍀💚a mix of posed, playful, and a little bit of chaos… which h...
03/18/2026

Had so much fun with this little St. Patrick’s Day session 🍀💚

a mix of posed, playful, and a little bit of chaos… which honestly always makes for the best photos.

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Des Moines, IA

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