April + August Photography
Des Moines, Iowa
Why we ranked them
Why we chose April + August Photography
Waukee-based photographer Mandy Stephenson runs April + August Photography with a client base spread across Clive, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Adel, and Grimes, and her site lists lifestyle newborn photography as a named specialty alongside family, child, and pet portraiture. The studio was named one of the "8 Best Lifestyle Photographers in Des Moines" by Peerspace, a nod to the natural, unposed style that runs through her newborn galleries — babies photographed in a parent's arms or resting in a bassinet rather than arranged into the tightly wrapped, curled poses common in studio newborn work. That lifestyle focus means sessions typically happen in a family's home or a softly lit indoor space rather than a studio backdrop, letting the newborn's actual nursery or living room become part of the images. Stephenson's broader portfolio of family and pet photography means many of her newborn clients continue working with her for milestone and family sessions as the baby grows, giving families continuity in style across multiple years of photos. Because her service area spans several western Des Moines suburbs, she's a practical option for families based outside the city core who still want a photographer familiar with the wider metro. Inquiries and portfolio browsing happen through her website and active Facebook and Instagram pages.
April + August Photography location, hours & contact
April + August Photography FAQs
Where can I book a session with April + August Photography?
April + August Photography is a Des Moines-area newborn photographer. Waukee-based photographer Mandy Stephenson runs April + August Photography with a client base spread across Clive, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Adel, and Grimes, and her site lists lifestyle newborn photography as a named specialty alongside family, child, and pet portraiture.
What makes April + August Photography's photos stand out?
Stephenson's broader portfolio of family and pet photography means many of her newborn clients continue working with her for milestone and family sessions as the baby grows, giving families continuity in style across multiple years of photos.
What kind of clients does April + August Photography work with?
Because her service area spans several western Des Moines suburbs, she's a practical option for families based outside the city core who still want a photographer familiar with the wider metro.
How does April + August Photography rank among Des Moines newborn photographers?
April + August Photography ranks No. 4 for newborn photography and No. 9 for family photography among the Des Moines studios we reviewed for 2026. Rankings are earned through research and can't be bought.
What types of photography does April + August Photography offer?
Besides newborn work, April + August Photography is listed for family photography.
How do I book April + August Photography?
You can reach April + August Photography through aprilandaugustphotography.com and by sending your date through the form on this page.
What areas around Des Moines does April + August Photography serve?
The studio serves Waukee and the surrounding western suburbs, including Clive, West Des Moines, Urbandale, Adel, and Grimes.
Do they photograph newborns in-home or in a studio?
Newborn sessions follow a lifestyle approach, typically photographed in the family's own home rather than a traditional studio setup.
Can families book ongoing milestone sessions with the same photographer?
Yes, many newborn clients continue on for milestone, family, and even pet photography sessions as their child grows.
How should families prepare their home for an in-home lifestyle session?
Specific guidance on lighting, room choice, and outfits is shared directly with clients ahead of the session so the space photographs well.
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