Freelance Photography | Hilary Michelson Photography | Iowa

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This feels like everything I need
This feels like what it’s meant to be
🤎

This feels like everything I need
This feels like what it’s meant to be
🤎

Let’s talk about some different locations+ styling.

•I absolutely LOVE the idea of an urban/downtown shoot. Especially this time of year! When there are no leaves on the trees, the grass is brown, the snow is melting and mud is everywhere….a downtown shoot is a perfect option! I know…..everyone wants a field at sunset. But this is such a fun alternative.

•I know I share pictures of pretty dresses and gowns I am constantly adding to the client closet. A lot of the times I hear “oh that’s just not us. I don’t want to be fancy.” I hear you loud and clear, babe! Let’s work on some casual styling. Look at these fun options!

Just saying….we could do a couple of fun spots and end the session on top of a parking garage with the sunset. Don’t sleep on an urban shoot! They’re my favorite type of shoots to do! 🖤🤘🏻

Let’s talk about some different locations+ styling.

•I absolutely LOVE the idea of an urban/downtown shoot. Especially this time of year! When there are no leaves on the trees, the grass is brown, the snow is melting and mud is everywhere….a downtown shoot is a perfect option! I know…..everyone wants a field at sunset. But this is such a fun alternative.

•I know I share pictures of pretty dresses and gowns I am constantly adding to the client closet. A lot of the times I hear “oh that’s just not us. I don’t want to be fancy.” I hear you loud and clear, babe! Let’s work on some casual styling. Look at these fun options!

Just saying….we could do a couple of fun spots and end the session on top of a parking garage with the sunset. Don’t sleep on an urban shoot! They’re my favorite type of shoots to do! 🖤🤘🏻

So I’ll love ya ‘til my lungs give out
I ain’t lyin’
I’m all your’n
and you’re all mine.
🤎

So I’ll love ya ‘til my lungs give out
I ain’t lyin’
I’m all your’n
and you’re all mine.
🤎

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend a workshop hosted by @newbornnerds . I feel so incredibly lucky to have that as an option and I felt like I learned so much from these two, as well as the other photographers that were there! How lucky are we to have these two humans as a resource? 🖤

Newborn photography is not something I have ever thought about fully investing in. These ladies made it look easy...but I have recently had a creative itch to push myself, to grow a little more, and to learn something new.

So if I start to become super annoying and do a lot of model calls, just hush + bring me your cute baby 😆🫶

[baby posed + styled by The Newborn Nerds]

Yesterday I had the opportunity to attend a workshop hosted by @newbornnerds . I feel so incredibly lucky to have that as an option and I felt like I learned so much from these two, as well as the other photographers that were there! How lucky are we to have these two humans as a resource? 🖤

Newborn photography is not something I have ever thought about fully investing in. These ladies made it look easy...but I have recently had a creative itch to push myself, to grow a little more, and to learn something new.

So if I start to become super annoying and do a lot of model calls, just hush + bring me your cute baby 😆🫶

[baby posed + styled by The Newborn Nerds]

If you’ve got a session with me in March, keep an eye out on your emails! Contracts coming your way!

If you’ve got a session with me in March, keep an eye out on your emails! Contracts coming your way!

Busy weekend:

•two maternity sessions
•a milestone session
•three boudoir sessions

Full heart. 🤎

Busy weekend:

•two maternity sessions
•a milestone session
•three boudoir sessions

Full heart. 🤎

You’ll always be my home. 🤎

You’ll always be my home. 🤎

This morning. 🖤

This morning. 🖤

Sweetest little in-home session. 🥲🤍

Sweetest little in-home session. 🥲🤍

I don’t want you just to look at your photos, I want you to feel them. I want you to feel the love. I want you to be brought right back to when this photo was taken and remember raising your babies. I simply want you to feel. 🤎

I don’t want you just to look at your photos, I want you to feel them. I want you to feel the love. I want you to be brought right back to when this photo was taken and remember raising your babies. I simply want you to feel. 🤎

We finally have snow! 💙❄️

I’m looking for a mama with a growing belly to model for me this Saturday afternoon/evening! I have some new items in my client closet + would love to capture some new creative shots.

•Mom only, no kids or spouse
•15-30 minutes at sunset
•Will be styled out of my client closet
•Must be comfortable with showing belly (some of my client closet items may be two-piece; don’t worry, not for long period of time! 🥶 )

Comment below or tag a mama-to-be! Mom must have a bit of a belly to show, ideally 28+ weeks. Thanks!

We finally have snow! 💙❄️

I’m looking for a mama with a growing belly to model for me this Saturday afternoon/evening! I have some new items in my client closet + would love to capture some new creative shots.

•Mom only, no kids or spouse
•15-30 minutes at sunset
•Will be styled out of my client closet
•Must be comfortable with showing belly (some of my client closet items may be two-piece; don’t worry, not for long period of time! 🥶 )

Comment below or tag a mama-to-be! Mom must have a bit of a belly to show, ideally 28+ weeks. Thanks!

Many of you know this, some may not….but photography isn’t my full-time job. My full-time job is spent loving on people as they begin their hospice journey. I truly feel as if my work in the hospice industry helps me be there for you during the big moments, the small moments, and everything in between. I want you to look back on these moments I capture for you and feel the joy, reminisce on the love, and laugh at those sweet moments in time.

One day, these photos may be all that you have. So I want to make sure you love these pictures for years to come!

I had a bride reach out to me recently for a very unique and intimate session. Her dad was recently put on hospice care and with her wedding being later this year, they wanted to make sure they got a first look in. ❤️

Sweet moments followed by lots of love and laughter, some Burger King, and a few beers. Thank you Timbers Edge Wedding and Event Centre for allowing us to sneak in today to snap these photos!

Thank you Meghan + family for trusting me to freeze these moments in time for you. It was an honor.

Many of you know this, some may not….but photography isn’t my full-time job. My full-time job is spent loving on people as they begin their hospice journey. I truly feel as if my work in the hospice industry helps me be there for you during the big moments, the small moments, and everything in between. I want you to look back on these moments I capture for you and feel the joy, reminisce on the love, and laugh at those sweet moments in time.

One day, these photos may be all that you have. So I want to make sure you love these pictures for years to come!

I had a bride reach out to me recently for a very unique and intimate session. Her dad was recently put on hospice care and with her wedding being later this year, they wanted to make sure they got a first look in. ❤️

Sweet moments followed by lots of love and laughter, some Burger King, and a few beers. Thank you Timbers Edge Wedding and Event Centre for allowing us to sneak in today to snap these photos!

Thank you Meghan + family for trusting me to freeze these moments in time for you. It was an honor.

Headshots don’t have to be boring!

Headshots don’t have to be boring!

Sweet Kenna girl 🧡
(I couldn't edit out the drool. I think baby drool is so cute. Yes I edit most of them but I leave a few)

Sweet Kenna girl 🧡
(I couldn't edit out the drool. I think baby drool is so cute. Yes I edit most of them but I leave a few)

Hi friends! Happy Wednesday! Hopefully you made it through the cold snap we just had. 🥶❄️ But...also...where is the snow? I have so many people waiting for snow sessions. 🙃

Anyways...

I have had so many people asking when I am going to release my availability! And I kind of need some help/feedback. At this time, I am not sure if I am ready to jump into having a booking site. I have come to realize that implementing this will take a lot of work, and I don’t want to rush through something just to get it out. It is something that I want to put 100% time and effort in to, and I can’t do that right now.

For now, I think I am leaning towards creating a private VIP group that you can be added to. This will be a group for my regular clients who book with me every year. It will ONLY be used to post available dates to claim, and I will be releasing availability in chunks! (Ex: April-July, August-October, etc.). If there are any unclaimed dates, they will be released to the general public on my Facebook page!

As a reminder, I cannot take any new clients on at this time. This VIP group would be for my regular clients, the ones who book with me EVERY year. My OG’s. The people who have been with me since the beginning (I love you guys so much). If I have taken your photos but it has been a few years since I’ve seen you, don’t worry! Any unclaimed dates will be posted on my Facebook page to snag. Plus, I am going to be doing some summer minis, as well as fall minis! This will be your chance to get in with me, as I’ll post those to my Facebook page.

I’m sorry if this is annoying. I’m annoyed at myself 🤣 but this is the best way for me to have control over my chaos. If you want to be added to the VIP group, drop a comment below! It helps me ensure you’ve seen this message and want to be in the loop when I release my availability 🥰

If you snagged a Black Friday special from me, you get first dibs regardless! I will be in touch in the beginning of February to get you on my books. I am thinking of releasing April-July availability on March 1st. August-October will be be June~ish.

As always, thanks for putting up with my $hitshow.

Hi friends! Happy Wednesday! Hopefully you made it through the cold snap we just had. 🥶❄️ But...also...where is the snow? I have so many people waiting for snow sessions. 🙃

Anyways...

I have had so many people asking when I am going to release my availability! And I kind of need some help/feedback. At this time, I am not sure if I am ready to jump into having a booking site. I have come to realize that implementing this will take a lot of work, and I don’t want to rush through something just to get it out. It is something that I want to put 100% time and effort in to, and I can’t do that right now.

For now, I think I am leaning towards creating a private VIP group that you can be added to. This will be a group for my regular clients who book with me every year. It will ONLY be used to post available dates to claim, and I will be releasing availability in chunks! (Ex: April-July, August-October, etc.). If there are any unclaimed dates, they will be released to the general public on my Facebook page!

As a reminder, I cannot take any new clients on at this time. This VIP group would be for my regular clients, the ones who book with me EVERY year. My OG’s. The people who have been with me since the beginning (I love you guys so much). If I have taken your photos but it has been a few years since I’ve seen you, don’t worry! Any unclaimed dates will be posted on my Facebook page to snag. Plus, I am going to be doing some summer minis, as well as fall minis! This will be your chance to get in with me, as I’ll post those to my Facebook page.

I’m sorry if this is annoying. I’m annoyed at myself 🤣 but this is the best way for me to have control over my chaos. If you want to be added to the VIP group, drop a comment below! It helps me ensure you’ve seen this message and want to be in the loop when I release my availability 🥰

If you snagged a Black Friday special from me, you get first dibs regardless! I will be in touch in the beginning of February to get you on my books. I am thinking of releasing April-July availability on March 1st. August-October will be be June~ish.

As always, thanks for putting up with my $hitshow.

I love getting a chance to dive in to some creative content. 🧡 I was able to attend a styled shootout hosted by photog BFF @katiebphotography.ia and I’m obsessed!

I love getting a chance to dive in to some creative content. 🧡 I was able to attend a styled shootout hosted by photog BFF @katiebphotography.ia and I’m obsessed!

Raise your hand if you are a baddie who gets a little saddie after the holidays? 🙋‍♀️ I am the gal who puts her Christmas decor up early and then gets sad putting it away after the holidays. I think I get more sad when we don’t have a white Christmas. I want one good dump of snow and then winter can move right along! As much as I love winter + the holidays, I do get excited for this warmer weather to come back!

A few things I’ve got going on:

•Still editing away over here!
•If you inquired about a boudoir session, please check your messages
•I am still working through messages and emails, I haven’t forgotten about you!

Speaking of scheduling...

I have had so many messages wanting to get on my books for this year and I am so excited to get you scheduled! At this time, I am thinking I will be releasing my availability for April-August by the end of February/beginning of March! I am trying to take things a little slow...prepping for taxes, moving my client closet into my house, etc. My off-season is anything but slow! Black Friday clients get priority for booking, and I will be reaching out by February to get your session scheduled.

If you are looking to book now-March, just send me a message and we will see what we can’t get booked!

For 2025, I am still not taking any new clients at this time. I am trying to figure out how I am going to release my availability and I promise you’ll get notifications once I figure that out! I promise once I know, you’ll know 🤣 I am thinking of a booking link I can send to my regular clients. I am talking the clients who have booked with me every single year. Once those clients have scheduled, I will release to people who have expressed interest in booking a session with me but are not my “regular” clients or it’s been a few years since I’ve seen you!

Thanks for always supporting my mess and my chaos. I always say that I love when you bring the chaos to the session but I need to thank you for dealing with mine! ❤

Raise your hand if you are a baddie who gets a little saddie after the holidays? 🙋‍♀️ I am the gal who puts her Christmas decor up early and then gets sad putting it away after the holidays. I think I get more sad when we don’t have a white Christmas. I want one good dump of snow and then winter can move right along! As much as I love winter + the holidays, I do get excited for this warmer weather to come back!

A few things I’ve got going on:

•Still editing away over here!
•If you inquired about a boudoir session, please check your messages
•I am still working through messages and emails, I haven’t forgotten about you!

Speaking of scheduling...

I have had so many messages wanting to get on my books for this year and I am so excited to get you scheduled! At this time, I am thinking I will be releasing my availability for April-August by the end of February/beginning of March! I am trying to take things a little slow...prepping for taxes, moving my client closet into my house, etc. My off-season is anything but slow! Black Friday clients get priority for booking, and I will be reaching out by February to get your session scheduled.

If you are looking to book now-March, just send me a message and we will see what we can’t get booked!

For 2025, I am still not taking any new clients at this time. I am trying to figure out how I am going to release my availability and I promise you’ll get notifications once I figure that out! I promise once I know, you’ll know 🤣 I am thinking of a booking link I can send to my regular clients. I am talking the clients who have booked with me every single year. Once those clients have scheduled, I will release to people who have expressed interest in booking a session with me but are not my “regular” clients or it’s been a few years since I’ve seen you!

Thanks for always supporting my mess and my chaos. I always say that I love when you bring the chaos to the session but I need to thank you for dealing with mine! ❤

I’m back! 🤎

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season! I can’t believe how fast the month of December went.

I am working through my messages, inquires, and contracts for January. If you are waiting for some information on boudoir, I will be sending those messages this weekend.

Thank you for your patience as I continue to edit and get my feet set for this coming year. 2025, I am ready for ya. 🙌🏻

I’m back! 🤎

I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season! I can’t believe how fast the month of December went.

I am working through my messages, inquires, and contracts for January. If you are waiting for some information on boudoir, I will be sending those messages this weekend.

Thank you for your patience as I continue to edit and get my feet set for this coming year. 2025, I am ready for ya. 🙌🏻

I consider a session successful if we can laugh until we cry or re-create a scene from Titanic.

I consider a session successful if we can laugh until we cry or re-create a scene from Titanic.

Grandmas are the best. 🤎

Grandmas are the best. 🤎

My last session for 2024 was definitely the sweetest. ❤

Engagement ✔️
Wedding ✔️
Maternity ✔️

Loved being with this crew through it all, can’t wait to meet baby once he makes his arrival!

My last session for 2024 was definitely the sweetest. ❤

Engagement ✔️
Wedding ✔️
Maternity ✔️

Loved being with this crew through it all, can’t wait to meet baby once he makes his arrival!

Am I still on break? Yes.

Did the world need to see a baby butt on an old pedal tractor while wearing a cowboy hat? Also yes.

Am I still on break? Yes.

Did the world need to see a baby butt on an old pedal tractor while wearing a cowboy hat? Also yes.

Embrace the chaos during our sessions.

It’s windy?
Your kid doesn’t want to sit still?
We have to play games instead of posing perfectly?
We have to run, chase, snuggle, laugh?

Embrace it.

I secretly want a little bit of chaos during each one of my sessions. I want to tell parents with littles “have your expectations of what the session may look like, and please throw them out the window on your way to the session.” 🤣 We will try to do your posed “christmas card photo” in the beginning but then let’s make some magic and have some fun.

Embrace the chaos during our sessions.

It’s windy?
Your kid doesn’t want to sit still?
We have to play games instead of posing perfectly?
We have to run, chase, snuggle, laugh?

Embrace it.

I secretly want a little bit of chaos during each one of my sessions. I want to tell parents with littles “have your expectations of what the session may look like, and please throw them out the window on your way to the session.” 🤣 We will try to do your posed “christmas card photo” in the beginning but then let’s make some magic and have some fun.

The one where sweet McCoy turns one!

He tried to be Mr. Serious with me in the beginning but that didn’t last too long. I love it when my friends bring me their babies! 🤎

The one where sweet McCoy turns one!

He tried to be Mr. Serious with me in the beginning but that didn’t last too long. I love it when my friends bring me their babies! 🤎

I have had a few seniors reach out + schedule two sessions so they can catch some in the summer and the fall and I am here for it!

Claire, you beautiful gal. Thanks for hanging out with me ❤

I have had a few seniors reach out + schedule two sessions so they can catch some in the summer and the fall and I am here for it!

Claire, you beautiful gal. Thanks for hanging out with me ❤

Thankful for clients that turn into friends + trust me to capture the most important moments. 🫶🏻❤🥹

Can’t wait to love on another Benson babe!

Thankful for clients that turn into friends + trust me to capture the most important moments. 🫶🏻❤🥹

Can’t wait to love on another Benson babe!

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! My favorite saying that I repeat every holiday:

“Be where your feet are.”

I am off to snuggle my pups with a glass of wine, read a few chapters, and go to bed without an alarm set. 🤎

I am thankful for all of YOU! My editing list will be posted on my stories in a bit.

I hope you all have a wonderful Thanksgiving! My favorite saying that I repeat every holiday:

“Be where your feet are.”

I am off to snuggle my pups with a glass of wine, read a few chapters, and go to bed without an alarm set. 🤎

I am thankful for all of YOU! My editing list will be posted on my stories in a bit.

Fall Minis round ✌🏻 on my screen for edits!

Fall Minis round ✌🏻 on my screen for edits!

Anyone interested in some boudoir photos January or February?

These are the BEST sessions and truly some of my favorite. I’ll be your best hype girl and these are the perfect photos to do for you to 100% boost your confidence!

Send me a private message if you have questions or have a preference on Jan vs. Feb! Want to make sure I have enough interest before booking a space to rent 🖤

Anyone interested in some boudoir photos January or February?

These are the BEST sessions and truly some of my favorite. I’ll be your best hype girl and these are the perfect photos to do for you to 100% boost your confidence!

Send me a private message if you have questions or have a preference on Jan vs. Feb! Want to make sure I have enough interest before booking a space to rent 🖤

Hi friends!

I cannot believe we are coming up to the busy holiday season. Where did 2024 go?!

As we approach the holidays, I am doing the same thing that I did last year + I will be closed the entire month of December. Don’t worry, I’ll still be editing + delivering galleries! I just am turning my notifications off so I can focus on editing, but also being present with friends and family during my favorite season. 🥰 (and probably some last-minute Christmas shopping, which I still have yet to start)

More info to come, I’ll make a post when the time comes!

•If you purchased a gift certificate on Black Friday, I’ll be in contact soon to get those to you!

Hi friends!

I cannot believe we are coming up to the busy holiday season. Where did 2024 go?!

As we approach the holidays, I am doing the same thing that I did last year + I will be closed the entire month of December. Don’t worry, I’ll still be editing + delivering galleries! I just am turning my notifications off so I can focus on editing, but also being present with friends and family during my favorite season. 🥰 (and probably some last-minute Christmas shopping, which I still have yet to start)

More info to come, I’ll make a post when the time comes!

•If you purchased a gift certificate on Black Friday, I’ll be in contact soon to get those to you!

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Follow me on Instagram!

@hilarynicholephotography

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