moments from today
into memories for a lifetime
intentional storytelling imagery and custom heirlooms to help families preserve
Full Service Portrait Experience in clear lake, SD
After documenting hundreds of sessions since 2016, I’ve fallen deeply in love with more than just capturing beautiful images—I’ve fallen in love with designing heirlooms that carry your family’s story for generations. I’m not here to simply send an online gallery that expires. I want you to walk away with something tangible—an album on your coffee table that Dad proudly flips through and gets him excited to invest in the next session, custom frames that elevate your home, and artwork that makes your children light up when they see themselves displayed and feel deeply loved, valued, and part of something bigger than just today.
The very first step in curating your family’s memories is listening. Before a single photo is taken, I take the time to truly know you—your story, your style, your why—because that’s the difference between a quick photography session and a thoughtfully designed experience that preserves your legacy with intention.
I'm dANIELLE, YOUR FULL SERVICE PHOTOGRAPHER
I believe every family has stories worth Documenting.
AS SEEN IN
you want more than just digital images
I'll make sure you have tangible reminders of these years.
Trust Me
That’s exactly why I’ve created a full-service experience that removes the stress and guesswork of printing. I guide you through selecting and designing heirloom artwork, handle the professional production for you, and ensure you walk away with something tangible and lasting—rather than spending money on digitals that quietly disappear into a camera roll.
We are the most photographed generation in history—yet only about 1% of those photographs are ever printed.
"We have had multiple sessions with Danielle and each one has come out perfect. She’s so kind and patient with the chaos of 3 little ones. We are always amazed at the images she captures of our family, and love working with her."
- Tiffnee C.
1-2 weeks after your session, we meet for an ordering appointment to view your edited images and I help you choose and customize heirloom pieces that fit your home and legacy.
step four
Artwork
At your session, I intentionally guided you so you can simply be present while I capture natural moments and timeless portraits without pressure or posing stress.
step three
Your Session
Transform your business with our expert creative direction. We provide the strategy and support to help your brand shine.
the luxury process built for busy mamas
During your design call, we plan every detail—from location and styling to how your images will live in your home—so your session feels intentional from the very beginning.
step two
Design Call
It begins with an inquiry where you share a bit about your family and the season you’re in, allowing me to understand your vision and how you hope to preserve it.
step one
Inquiry Call
Once your artwork is completed and quality-checked, your heirlooms are hand-delivered or carefully shipped, ready to be enjoyed and passed down for generations.
step five
Delivery
Imagine documenting every sweet milestone of your baby’s first year through a
Baby’s First Year Collective
The Baby’s First Year Membership is designed to beautifully document your little one’s most meaningful milestones—from those tiny newborn details to sitting, crawling, and that sweet first birthday.
Session choices are: maternity, fresh 48 hospital newborn, studio newborn, in-home newborn, 6 months, and 1 year + cake smash.
This membership includes multiple 3-4 sessions throughout baby’s first year, 25 birth announcements, a savings on your session fees, an album credit, priority scheduling, and intentional planning so your images flow beautifully together as heirloom artwork.
Let's document your baby's entire first year!
Signature session
The Signature Session option is a luxury experience designed to create space to slow down and preserve your story fully—without feeling rushed or overwhelmed. Held on select weekday or weekend dates, this session includes up to 90 minutes of intentional coverage for both photography and film.
One session of your choice (newborn, senior, maternity, family, or extended families). Your session design call, design services, studio wardrobe and optional artwork installation is all a part of this experience.
One session of your choice (newborn, senior, maternity, family, or extended families). Your session design call, design services, studio wardrobe and optional artwork installation is all a part of this experience.
what to expect
Overview
Click the links below to find out more.
- Complimentary consultation call
- Virtual session design call to plan your session and develop your goals for your session and gallery artwork.
- Up to 90 minute photo + video session at studio or your chosen location
- Access to client wardrobe for the mamas and newborn to 3T
- Access to styling outfit guides with links for easy purchase
- Exclusively curated recommendations for hair + makeup
- Access to the legacy VIP events calendar
- The editing and enhancing of your images (50-100 images)
- Ordering appointment to select imagery and artwork design services to customize your heirloom products.
- Artwork delivery and optional installation for 3+ frames.
included in your session:
Investment
Reserve this session with a $299 non-refundable booking fee - all digital files + products sold a-la-carte starting at $499
- Only 4 signature sessions/month available
- Clients must schedule 30 minute virtual design call to view the studio artwork, plan out session, and see full investment
- Studio newborn sessions take place when baby is 7-14 days old
- Maternity sessions take place around 25-32 weeks
- Heirloom artwork samples are available to view in person
- No online preview galleries are given, clients must view imagery on in-person or virtual ordering appointment to streamline process.
- Digital bundle and heirloom artwork investment starts at $499
- Payment plans at ordering appointment are available upon request
that are good to know:
Helpful details
- Museum quality Frame Mouldings + fine art papers
- Custom linen, velvet or leather Heirloom Albums
- Custom linen, velvet or leather Matted Albums
- Hahnemuhle Fine Art Archival + Photographic Prints
- Archival Matted Print Collection with Linen Keepsake Box
- Vintage Glass Keepsake Boxes with Deckled Prints
- Linen Highlight Video Album
- Digital Image Download Collections
a glimpse of artwork I can create for you:
Artwork options
Contact to schedule session design call for full pricing - all digital files + products sold a la carte
Simplicity session
The Simplicity Session is a refined, short-and-sweet studio experience designed for milestones, maternity, headshots, or simple senior portraits. Held on select weekday mornings at the studio, this 20-minute session focuses on capturing this fleeting season with intention and ease—without the commitment of a full Signature experience.
This offering is not available for newborn or full family sessions. Limited to up to 3 persons. Your session design call, editing and artwork design services are included.
This offering is not available for newborn or full family sessions. Limited to up to 3 persons. Your session design call, editing and artwork design services are included.
what to expect
Overview
Click the links below to find out more.
- Complimentary consultation call
- Virtual session design call to plan your session and develop goals for your session and gallery artwork.
- Up to 30 minute photo-only session at Clear Lake indoor or outdoor studio
- Access to the legacy VIP events calendar
- The editing and enhancing of your images (25-50 images)
- Ordering appointment to select imagery and customize heirloom products.
- Artwork delivery and optional installation for 3+ frames.
included in your session:
Investment
Reserve this session with a $99 non-refundable booking fee - all digital files + products sold a-la-carte starting at $499
- Clients must schedule 30 minute virtual design call to view the studio artwork, plan out session, and see full investment
- Only 3 people allowed and must take place on select weekday morning
- Maternity sessions take place around 25-32 weeks
- Heirloom artwork samples are available to view in person
- No online preview galleries are given, clients must view imagery on in-person or virtual ordering appointment to streamline process.
- Digital bundle and heirloom artwork investment starts at $499
- Payment plans at ordering appointment are available upon request
that are good to know:
Helpful details
- Museum quality Frame Mouldings + fine art or Photographic papers
- Custom linen, velvet or leather Heirloom Albums
- Custom linen, velvet or leather Matted Albums
- Hahnemuhle Fine Art Archival + Photographic Prints
- Archival Matted Print Collection with Linen Keepsake Box
- Vintage Glass Keepsake Boxes with Deckled Prints
- Digital Image Download Collections
a glimpse of artwork I can create for you:
Artwork options
Contact to schedule session design call for full pricing - all digital files + products sold a la carte
Offered just a few times each year, my seasonal petite mini sessions are thoughtfully curated experiences designed around the most beautiful times of the year—motherhood (april), spring blossoms (may), summer flower garden (august), and fall (october).
These 15-minute sessions are short, styled, and intentionally designed to give you updated, timeless imagery in stunning seasonal settings without committing to a full experience.
Dates are limited and released in advance to my email community, and they tend to fill quickly.
For the families who want every season simply captured
Seasonal Petite Sessions
Heirloom Portraits are intentionally simple, 10-minute sessions focused on creating classic, soulful images of each child individually. With minimal distractions and a refined setup, the focus stays exactly where it should—on your child’s expression, personality, and presence.
These sessions are designed specifically for heirloom artwork with a 10-minute, child-focused session, individual portraits of each child, a timeless, studio-style approach, artwork created with printing and preservation in mind.
A quiet, timeless portrait to celebrate who your children are right now.
Children's Heirloom Portraits
Your images deserve more than just screen time. I offer thoughtfully curated, heirloom-quality albums and artwork so your photos don’t live and die in a gallery link. These keepsakes are made to last, and to be loved.
Explore the options
01 // HEIRLOOM ALBUM
02 // framed prints
03 // prints + Boxes
04 // keepsake gifts
- Linen, sueded, velvet, or leather cover material options
- Custom cover debossing available (crest, name, dates)
- Spreads customized with imagery on thin or thick pages
- Optional keepsake storage boxes
- Includes design and album design meeting to customize cover and revise pages together
custom-designed lay-flat album with various customizations
Heirloom Album
go back
- Available in a variety of sizes with over 60 frame options to perfectly match your home’s style.
- Museum-grade prints with archival quality on cotton rag or photographic paper designed to protect and preserve images for generations.
- Optional deckled-edge or linen mats that add texture and elegance to your display.
- Multi-image frames and gallery walls available.
Museum-grade prints on cotton or photographic paper in custom frames.
Custom Framed Wall Art
go back
- Matted prints or deckled-edge cotton rag or high-quality photographic prints.
- Linen or heirloom glass box to hold them.
- Ready to gift or display – perfect for sharing with loved ones or keeping as a treasured collection and slipping them inside frames already in your home.
Matted photographic or deckled-edge cotton rag prints to display
Linen Box + Matted Prints
go back
- Matted Bi-Fold & Tri-Fold Folios – Curated, elegantly matted sets ready to display at various sizes.
- Duplicate Albums – Handcrafted, archival-quality matching albums for parents and loved ones.
- Custom Prints & Cards – Personalized prints, cards, and keepsakes beautifully packaged.
allow family and friends to experience your memories in a tangible, meaningful way.
Keepsake Gifts
go back
keepsakes
- The Doll Family
I cannot say enough good things about her!"
She takes her time and is beyond wonderful with newborn and little kiddos! She is always open for ideas and she also has so many herself! We chose the newborn package and I am so glad we did. Her turn around time is exceptional and she truly loves what she does and cares for her clients.
"Danielle is by far one of the best photographers I’ve ever had...
- Fritz Family
"Danielle was SO friendly and easy to work with! She helped me ahead of our appointment with outfit choices and feedback! During the session she was warm and friendly and was great with my kids! Loved our experience and photos!"
through my lens
View Past Sessions and Dream about Yours
you need a session keepsake film
because films tell a story in a way photos can't
Photographs freeze a moment, but film brings it back to life—the way your child laughs, the way you move together, the in-between moments you don’t even realize are happening. A session film captures the motion, sound, and emotion of this season, allowing you to relive it exactly as it felt, not just how it looked.
These films are designed to be paired with your heirlooms—something you watch on anniversaries, share with your children, and revisit years from now when memories begin to soften. It’s not just an add-on; it’s a living piece of your story, preserved alongside your artwork for generations to come.
your babies are only little for such a short amount of time, this is the closest thing to reliving these days.
Newborn Studio
Keepsake Film
This newborn keepsake film captures the quiet, fleeting beauty of baby's earliest days—the tiny movements, soft stretches, and tender moments that pass far too quickly. Not only preserving baby's features but holds the feeling of this season.
Fresh 48 Hospital Newborn
Keepsake Film
This Hospital Fresh 48 session captures the very first hours of life—the quiet snuggles, tender glances, and raw, unrepeatable emotions in the hospital room. A gentle and heartwarming reminder of baby's first moments earthside.
You would love our full service portrait experience
if you are wanting these four things (hover over images)
You want images and films that look timeless—artwork your children and grandchildren will one day treasure, not something that fades with a season.
you value legacy over trends
You want more than digital files—you want keepsakes and heirlooms you can pass down, something that lasts long after the day is over and quietly reminds future generations where their story began.
you want something you can hold and pass down
You’re looking for a photographer who guides you through the entire process, takes time to understand your vision, and feels more like a trusted friend.
you want the process to feel stress-free and enjoyable
You want someone to sit down and listen to exactly what you envision to create artwork that is intentional and tells the story of your legacy.
you deeply care about meaning and intention
Located near Clear Lake, South Dakota, at my private residence, the studio features large, east and south-facing windows that fill the space with soft, flattering natural light. This space is perfect for newborn sessions and young families with less than 5 people. It offers various furniture options: a daybed and elegant bench.
It also offers stunning outdoor photo spots—a tall grassy field with colorful flower beds in the summer and vibrant maple trees in the fall—plus nearby rolling hills and a lakeside beach within three miles, giving you a variety of backdrops in one convenient location. With a curated client wardrobe and private parking, your session is relaxed, seamless, and designed for both ease and style.
complimentary indoor & outdoor studio
we also offer a complimentary, curated space for portrait clients who prefer quiet indoor space for newborn sessions and beautiful outdoor backdrops with summer flowers and beautiful fall trees at our
faq
It means I strategically guide you through every step—from planning and styling to designing and delivering finished artwork for your home, not just digital files. Because of this luxury process, I only take on 3 sessions per month.
what does "full service" mean?
Digital images are available for purchase, but the experience is intentionally designed around creating tangible artwork like albums, prints, and frames you’ll enjoy every day. All images printed within your heirloom products complimentary include the digital files.
do digital images come with my session?
I suggest booking your maternity and newborn sessions during your second trimester. Family sessions can be scheduled at any time, but preferably 2 months in advance of your requested session date. To move forward with booking, please fill out my inquiry form. New clients can ask me questions on an inquiry call to see if we are a good fit before paying the session fee. Past legacy clients can skip the inquiry call and move forward with the booking fee to reserve a spot on my calendar.
when should we book a session? how?
Session design calls are so we can plan your session date/time, location, and assist with outfits. We will go over our full heirloom product investment guide and intentionally tailor your session's imagery based off what you want us to design for your home and your requests. We’ll walk through styling, color palettes, and your home aesthetic during your design call so everything feels cohesive and effortless.
what is a session design call?
At your session, we will schedule your in-person or virtual artwork design and reveal ordering appointment where you’ll see your images for the first time and choose how you want to preserve them. No online proofing galleries are given so I can help you make confident selections, streamline the process, and ensure your artwork fits your vision exactly—without overwhelm or second-guessing.
how do i view my images?
Yes. There is a $499 minimum investment (not including the session fee), which can be applied toward digital bundles or artwork. Most clients invest around $1,500 to $3,000 for a single session, depending on the pieces they choose.
is there a minimum purchase for artwork?
Absolutely, yes!! This is one of my favorite parts! I have designed gallery walls with imagery from all seasons in life from past sessions/weddings, even if it includes images from other artists. I do not alter editing, but I can add that imagery to create artwork for your home.
can you help me design wall galleries or albums from other sessions/my wedding?
Once designs are approved and your invoice is paid in full, professional printing and production begins, and your finished pieces are delivered ready to enjoy—no extra work on your end. Your images are delivered in a carefully curated gallery within a week of your ordering appointment. Your custom heirlooms are handcrafted and delivered within 6–8 weeks, depending on the pieces chosen.
when will we recieve our images/artwork?
How far in advance should we book?
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO WE GET AND WHEN?
what is the next step after inquiring?
can we just book a mini session anytime?
how long are sessions?
what's included in the session fee?
can we have the raw photos and film?
can we add a session video?
what's your payment policy?
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
What is your style?
Do you travel for Sessions?
click on the below questions to see answers to our
Though based out of eastern South Dakota, I do travel all over. 30 miles roundtrip for sessions is included. After that, the government standard rate per mile round trip will be added to your invoice. If travel is 2+ hours or our coverage extends past 9pm, we apply a hotel fee. For destination locations all travel is custom quoted.
Do you travel for sessions?
I use several mirrorless cameras and RF lenses, for both photos and films. Each camera holds two SD cards to ensure we always have a backup of your content. Once I get home, I immediately backup your files to two external drives, so you have 4 backups. Once delivered through an online gallery, I guarantee to keep a copy, of your edited files, on hand for 1 year.
what equiptment do you use?
To officially secure your session date, you will pay the session fee on your online invoice. Taxes may vary. Then, we will schedule an in-person ordering appointment to view your edited imagery. At that time, you'll purchase your favorite session digitals and customize heirloom products. Imagery and products will not start processing or be delivered until the invoice is paid in full.
what is your payment policy?
I do occasionally capture sessions for photographers or videographers who pay me for the RAW images or film files. For non-photographer clients wanting raw files, they can be quoted to you but are very expensive ($XXX+) and client will provide USB and pay for shipping. I am open to trades!
Can we have the raw photos and film?
The session fee includes your virtual session design call to confirm date/time, plan outfits, select a location, and go over full pricing for all digital bundles and heirloom products. The fee also includes my time communicating, welcome guides, prep emails, the session itself, travel/mileage, and my time editing. All digitals and custom heirloom products are purchased separately at the ordering appointment.
what's included in the session fee?
Session lengths depend on your vision and goals. Children milestones and older families take under 30 minutes, while young families and lifestyle in-home/fresh 48 hospital newborn sessions take up to 90 minutes. Studio newborn sessions that include family photos with naked baby and wrapped baby poses can take up to 3 hours.
how long are sessions?
frequently asked Portrait questions
This form is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Clicking SEND confirms you're okay with getting texts and emails from Moments by Danielle Nicole. It doesn't mean you have to buy anything. Message and/or data rates may apply.
portrait investment ranges between $599 to $4000+ depending on the custom heirloom products you purchase.
I strive not only to capture stunning moments that will be cherished for a lifetime but also to create tangible keepsakes for families to pass down.
Portrait experience
inquiry form for the
mbdn experience
fill out the below inquiry form to start your
tips for helping kids and husbands love sessions
how to choose heirloom products for your home
family photo outfit guide with links
Expert Advice and Tips for planning your next family photo session
My best resources
Don't Miss the Tea
Be the first to know—always. When you join my email community, you’ll get first access to booking dates for sessions and minis, early invites to special events, and behind-the-scenes updates before they ever hit social media.
Be the first to know—always.
Dix family
"I truly can't say enough good things about Danielle! She is so professional and organized, and went above and beyond to coordinate the details of our session. She was so sweet to work with, and fantastic with our kiddos. I can't believe how many beautiful shots she captured! Her photos are ones I will treasure forever."
She is so professional and organized, and went above and beyond to coordinate the details
Branigan family
"Moments by Danielle Nicole is absolutely the best! She is so flexible and personable- and has incredible talent. She has captured beautiful photos of my family for years. Highly recommend!"
she is so flexible and personable--has incredible talent
Bundy family
"Danielle is absolutely amazing and the photos she took of my family I couldn't pick my favorite I had to buy all the proofs. I love them all. And Danielle herself is just as amazing and so sweet and kind."
I couldn't pick my favorite i had to buy all the proofs.
doll family
"Danielle was so fun to work with! She did maternity pictures for us and was open to getting some with the horses, cows and our dogs. She was super laid back and was clear about how to post. She also made sure we were both comfortable! Cannot wait for the other sessions with her!"
was open to getting some with the horses, cows and our dogs
family
"Danielle was so sweet and did a great job with our session. She offered a great balance of posing prompts and also incorporating a lot of action prompts that allowed for us to be ourselves and have fun. Overall, I highly recommend her!"
incorporated a lot of action prompts that allowed for us to be ourselves and have fun
berghuis family
"She was so amazing to work with before and during the photoshoot. She had tons of good ideas and was willing to try any ideas we had. She was very kind, energetic, and happy the whole time. I would definitely recommend her."
She had tons of good ideas and was willing to try any ideas we had
mack family
"Danielle is so sweet, accommodating, and down-to-earth! You’ll enjoy your sessions with her & be pleased with the results!!"
Danielle is so sweet, accommodating, and down-to-earth!
crume family
"My fiancé and I have had Danielle do our pictures two years in a row and it’s never been a disappointment! She always goes above and beyond and kills it’s every time! We look forward to having many more sessions with her in the future!"
She always goes above and beyond and kills it’s every time!
unzen family
"My family and I had the best time working with Danielle! She communicated well prior to our session and worked great with my two kids. I could not have asked for a better experience. Her turnaround time was also incredibly fast!"
I could not have asked for a better experience. Her turnaround time was also incredibly fast!
marran family
"Our spring family photos turned out great, especially with our little wild flower. Moments by Danielle Nicole, thank you so much for these lovely photos and being so great with Maya.!"
Our spring family photos turned out great
doll family
"Danielle did an awesome job capturing out baby's newborn photos. She was very calm and knew how to pose the baby and our family well."
She was very calm and knew how to pose the baby and our family well.
"
Legacy Client Love Notes