mom holding toddler daughter on her lap laughing as they cuddle on bed next to dad as he feeds the newborn a bottle
young brother and older sister running through an Iowa prairie carefree and laughing

DES MOINES FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Creating candid, heartfelt photos for fun-loving families

son laying his head in mom's lap smiling up at her as she holds his hand and looks at him
mom, dad and their three young children on their laps crouched on the ground looking at each other laughing

- FAMILY - CHILDREN - NEWBORN - MATERNITY

- FAMILY - CHILDREN - NEWBORN - MATERNITY

four young brothers with their arms around each other all looking into the camera smiling

Capturing your now to enjoy forever

Because your days turn into months that turn into years. Your toddler who was just taking his first steps is now stealing bases in little league and will be studying for his driver’s permit before you know it. 

As a mama of 15 years, I've experienced this and I’m telling you...time doesn’t slow down. (It actually speeds up.) Which is why I'm here for you - to document your family as you are right now in this season of life. 

I'll plan a fun, relaxed session where you can simply enjoy being present with your family - playing, laughing, loving - while I capture both intentional and candid moments.

Toddler girl laying on her back on lace blanket smiling up at camera
family of four posing and smiling on a wooded trail with fall colors in background
mom gently smiling with her eyes closed while holding her baby daughter to her chest
pregnant mom reaching up to kiss toddler son who is on dad's shoulders during a maternity photo session
adult daughter and mother with their arms linked and laughing
family of four posing with son on dad's back on a nature trail
boy swinging high into the sky laughing with his sister on another swing in the background
an over the shoulder perspective of a mom nursing her newborn baby
baby boy sitting up on couch in linen overalls and smiling big
two young sisters rolling down a large green hill under an art sculpture on the horizon
Jill Neil holding her Nikon camera in her hands and smiling really big

Hello!

I’M JILL - A MAMA, WIFE + LIFESTYLE PHOTOGRAPHER IN DES MOINES, IOWA. I CREATE STORYTELLING IMAGES FOR FAMILIES + BRANDS.

I love offering a photography experience that allows my clients to relax in front of my camera, trusting that I'm capturing their most desired shots, as well as the moments that organically unfold before us.

mom holding toddler son in her arms as she looks over her shoulder smiling

“Jill - I just wanted to send a quick note to say thank you for such a positive experience yesterday. You were so kind and patient with our son. By far, this was the best photo session we've had. Thank you again!”

- Anna, motherhood session

mom dancing in a dress while dad plays the guitar and their two sons smile at them

"Jill is awesome. She makes everyone feel comfortable and has a magical way of bringing out and capturing each of our personalities and family togetherness...Highly recommend!"

- Katrina, family session

“"Jill was absolutely amazing to work with! We had so much fun and she captured every moment perfectly."

- Grace, family session

mom and dad holding baby son in a nature area and all are smiling
mom and her four children all holding hands and running on the beach smiling

Session Pricing

SIGNATURE SESSION | 1 HOUR | $695+

SIMPLE SESSION | 30 MIN | $495+

I only offer a limited number of family sessions per month.

CONTACT ME FOR MORE INFO

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The "plus sign" indicates that the prices listed are base prices only. Tax will be added to all sessions, plus any additional fees such as studio or location rentals, additional people beyond six immediate family members, extra session time and/or travel fees outside of Des Moines. Any and all additional fees will be clearly communicated and discussed so there are no surprises.

  • Yes, on occasion. These will be announced to my email list first and then on Instagram.

  • I don't have my own personal studio. Instead, I shoot at multiple studios around Des Moines, each of which offer something different - from colors to seating to props! This way I'm able to help my client's find what's best for them should we need an indoor space.

  • Yes! Travel fees may apply 30+ miles from Des Moines, Iowa.

    Additionally, I make an annual trip to Los Angeles which does not require a travel fee if you book during a time I am already planning to be there.

  • Totally! I’ll send you a styling + prep guide full of tips after you book.

  • Honestly, they might not (at any age.) And that’s ok! Kids are unpredictable and can be overwhelmed by the whole experience, especially if a parent is showing signs of stress as well. So whatever happens, just keep calm and go with the flow - laugh if there is chaos, comfort if there is insecurity. I've experienced it all (on both sides of the camera) and the best thing to do is to keep smiling and embrace it.

    Also, don’t expect your child to just show up and smile for the camera. This is a new situation for a lot of them. I love kids and I love engaging with them. I will encourage them, but I will never force a child to do something they don't want to do. If your child isn't cooperating, please don't get frustrated with them. We'll just move on to something else. :)

Jill Neil rolling across studio floor on a skateboard with arm in air and her two kids chasing behind

Ready to roll?

There are a lot of photographers to choose from and you want to make sure you’re investing your time and money with the right photographer to capture this stage of your life.

Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions you may have when it comes to planning the right session for YOUR family.