My journey to photography began in the humble little town of Newell, Iowa. Growing up on the farm, I learned very quickly the value of a strong work ethic and the importance of family. These values established the core of who I would later become. In high school, I became actively involved in various sports including basketball, volleyball, golf, track, softball, cheerleading, and the dance team… but my passions didn’t stop there! Additionally, I secured the coveted ‘head yearbook photographer’ position and it was there I began to learn all of the basics and built my photography foundation. After high school, I attended Iowa Central to continue my education and participate in volleyball and basketball. My academic journey eventually led me to Iowa State University, where I earned my undergraduate degree in Elementary Education with a minor in Computer Science. 

Fast forward → I became a wife to the most loving, supportive and Godly man, and a mother to three of the world's most beautiful children!
I then enjoyed 15 years as an in-home daycare provider and it was during this time I purchased my first “big-girl camera”. I began capturing all of the fun memories I was making with my kids and daycare kids: pool days, field trips to the zoo, summer days in the backyard, halloween dress ups, slime activities, and all of the little moments in between. Learning my camera inside and out and having the ability to capture all of the small moments I wanted to remember, I quickly fell in love with the craft.
I began taking all of the courses I could get my hands on and slowly started realizing that I could turn this passion of mine into a fulfilling career! I had a drive to learn it all and to create beautiful portraiture. I was blessed to have had a few incredibly talented mentors over the years that poured a lifetime of knowledge into me and gave me my photographer wings. I began my professional photography journey by capturing my first wedding and 2005. Since then, I have become an expert in the field and have been dedicated to capturing unforgettable moments for my clients.

Personally, I am a wife and mother who finds true fulfillment in spending quality time with the ones I love the most, while of course.. capturing it all!
 I have learned that the memories you make with your loved ones are truly what are most important. You can never get those moments back but you can capture them, allowing you to look back at them and remember the feelings and emotions you had in that moment. It is my passion in capturing these moments I want to revisit forever that propels what I do and translates into the type of photographer I strive to be. After losing both of my parents, I became hyper-aware of the fact that moments are precious and fleeting. I am sentimental and use that as a driving force to capture the moments that sometimes go unseen for my clients. 

Everything! I photograph it all because at the end of the day, it all matters.

•   You can find me capturing political events, commercial headshots and real estate. I can also be found on the sidelines doing sports photography, and team and individual sport portraits as well.

•   Another favorite, senior photography! Together, we brainstorm and create a shoot plan that reflects the unique personality of each senior. Frequently, we integrate their hobbies and interests into the session that shows who they are at this stage of life. I LOVE that part! 

•   Wedding days hold a special place in my heart. Over the past two decades, I've had the privilege of photographing hundreds of weddings, and it continues to be one of the most fulfilling experiences in my career. Being part of such a momentous occasion is an honor I deeply cherish. My goal is to capture timeless images that will tell your love story for generations to come! I aim to tell the story of your wedding day while also capturing the candid, genuine, moments shared with those you love.

•   I have done many destination weddings and they are always fun! They usually consist of several days of events which allow for a cocktail party, the wedding day, a trash the dress session and sometimes a boudoir session! Following the wedding, I capture the fun! 

•   I frequently become the lifelong photographer for couples, reuniting for birth photography, newborn lifestyle shoots, family portraits, and various other occasions!

Ultimately, with over 20 years of experience, I classify myself as a full-service photographer and have the skills to expertly capture it all.

BRENDA SHANK

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So... what do I like to photograph?