lifestyle portrait photographer in watertown sd, clear lake, and beyond
capturing sentitmental moments as a
Motherhood & Family
the Motherhood & Family Experience
Serving as a lifestyle portrait photographer in Watertown SD, Clear Lake, and beyond, and as a mama myself, I can truly relate to wanting to freeze those precious little faces and live in the moment before they grow up and start their own lives apart from our own, while also feeling drained from the daily hustle and sleepless nights. I empathize with the stress and chaos that often accompanies a family photo session. Drawing from years of experience of photographing families, I've perfected a method to ensure a thoroughly enjoyable experience that results in custom heirloom pieces that will increasingly become more valuable as time goes by.
that Embraces the significance of fleeting moments
I AM DEDICATED TO ENSURING THAT those PRECIOUS MEMORIES are captured and turned into heirloom pieces you'll cherish for generations to come
Inquire on my contact page and I will give you a phone call to hear all about your session vision and touch base on my experience and investment pricing.
let's chat!
01
After your inquiry call, we will schedule a design call to plan your outfits, location, and view all my a-la-carte digital + heirloom products pricing. You can book your session with me by paying my $99 session retainer fee and signing our contract.
The Design call
02
After booking, you'll receive your customized client portal with your session details, agreement, invoice, questionnaire, and gallery links on it to keep everything in one place!
custom portal
03
You'll receive access to our signature session planning guide links to prepare your loved ones for your session with me.
session guides
04
It's session time! If you added on professional hair & makeup services, that will occur at the studio or at the salon, then you'll head to your session location and we will make some memories!
session time!
05
Within a week following your session, we will schedule a virtual or in-person reveal ordering appointment to select your favorite digital images and customize your heirloom products. I touchup final edit requests and deliver digital images on an online gallery for downloading.
the reveal call!
06
During the reveal call, we also pick out prints, canvases, custom frames, and/or luxury, heirloom albums to showcase all over your home. Photos deserve to be shown off and make great gifts too! Don't worry--I will take care of it all for you! All sales are final.
artwork for your home
07
Welcome to the Legacy Family! As a legacy client, you will now join our newsletter list to be the first to receive all our wonderful news to share and have dibs on booking sessions & minis first before they are released to the public.
the legacy family!
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portrait process
our signature
From assisting you in preparing for our session to curating wardrobe selections for your entire family – including access to my client wardrobe for both mom and baby – I strive to make the process seamless. I'll coordinate professional hair and makeup for you if desired and conclude our session with a full storefront of options, ranging from physical prints, albums, and canvases, to framing and more. Let's embark on this joyful and helpful photography experience together, capturing a genuine documentary of your beautiful family before those fleeting, precious moments are just a memory in your brain.
my unique approach
is tailor-made for busy mamas, families, and seniors who want beautiful heirlooms to cherish.
What every family can expect with the family portrait Experience
The family portrait experience that allows you to capture life's most precious moments and create memories through fun prompts.
the memory-making
family experience
The family portfolio
Take a peek at the Dix family's summe session in Boulder, Colorado. They were truly the sweetest family and the kiddo's energetic and adventurous souls made for a delightful summer evening.
This session embodied the very nature of what I imagine and dream of creating for each family--an experience filled with wonder and soaking in the "little moments" that create a picture of who families truly are.
family adventure session at Chautauqua park in Boulder, COlorado
An experience that creates imagery reminding you fondly of precious moments past
Playful and interactive posing prompts to create genuine smiles and real memories
a helping hand to guide you through outfit selection and location options bring your dream session to life
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What every mama can expect with the motherhood Maternity & birth Experience
The maternity and birth motherhood photography experience is one thing mamas shouldn't miss out on.
the exclusive motherhood
Maternity & Birth Experience
The maternity & Birth portfolio
Feel yourself be swept away admiring the imagery I captured for Dakota & Cody celebrating their maternity session and welcoming another precious soul to this earth.
Step back in time looking at the romantic vibe in their stunning photos all over Dakota's huge, family ranch in Minnesota. From the large bending river to the tall grass, the ranch makes anyone believe in "Heaven on earth".
Dreamy Sunset Maternity Session at stunning ranch
An experience that creates Imagery you can fondly look back on
natural posing with fun and creative prompts to create dreamy memories
tailoring our methods to best capture your unique story
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the matenrity experience includes:
an outdoor or in-studio session that captures the love between you both and your adorable baby bump!
access to my exclusive client closet so you don't have to spurge on a dress!
optional professional hair and makeup add-on to feel pampered and beautiful
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Take a step back to observe the most courageous, empowering, and God-given gifts for women by viewing Haisley's fresh 48 birth session.
See the love of a new family grow as they experience the first two days of embracing their daughter after birth in the Prairie Lakes Hospital in Watertown, South Dakota.
haisley's fresh 48 session at prairie lakes hospital
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the birth experience includes:
an in-hospital (or place of delivery) session within 24-48 hours after birth to capture baby's details & family.
option to add active Active Labor & Delivery photo and/or film coverage
optional professional hair and makeup add-on to feel pampered and beautiful
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What every baby recieves during their newborn & milestone Experience
The newborn and milestones photography experience that creates heartfelt imagery to allow you to reflect back on fleeting moments in baby's first year of life.
the heartfelt and reflective
Newborn & Milestones Experience
The newborn & milestone portfolio
Explore the beauty and intimacy of a bright and heart-warming in-home newborn session, where cozy meets comfort and gorgeous style in the Branigan's home.
What a dream their in-home session was! Watch this sweet little family welcome their baby girl through portraits captured in the perfect setting while embracing the newborn stage with lifestyle poses to add a flair of realistic and meaningful imagery to their heirloom collection.
bright & warm in-home newborn session
enduring sessions that focus on baby's miraculous traits & gifts
heartfelt moments frozen in enduring keepsakes that include baby with their loved ones
a relaxed atmosphere allowing genuine interactions and moments to unfold
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the newborn experience includes:
an In-home. in-studio. or outdoor session that captures baby with their loved ones
access to my exclusive client closet for mama and baby and add-on professional hair and makeup services
a variety of newborn detail photos with lifestyle, posed, wrapped, and bucket/bed photo options of just baby.
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View this cuties first year birthday session with flashbacks from his newborn session sitting in the same posing bed.
Take a peak at this cowboy's obligatory photos with his favorite cow and non-traditional cake smash idea that is nearly mess-free and super yummy and fun for the kiddos to enjoy with the hassle of getting too crazy.
liam's one year milestone studio session + cake smash
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milesstone sessions include:
a variety of options to capture their first year of life, such as the sitting stage and cake smash
outdoor or in-studio location options to fit baby's needs and weather adjustment
inclusion of immediate family members and loved ones in each session to celebrate milestones
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What every senior can expect with the senior portrait Experience
The high-school senior portrait experience that allows seniors to reflect on their memorable senior year with creative and purposeful imagery
the personalized & Celebratory
senior experience
The senior portfolio
Step into the serene Clear Lake, South Dakota countryside where MacKenzie's rural roots shines through in her high school senior session. With her cross country medals proudly displayed, she exudes determination and grace, embodying the essence of hard work and perseverance.
Amidst the rolling South Dakota hills, she seamlessly transitions from athlete to artist, with her love for music and reading. Embracing her country roots, she reveals a beautiful heart that tells the story of strength and passion.
outdoor, country girl themed senior session
An experience that is personalized to Celebrate your uniqueness and god-given gifts.
confidence building, fun, and stylish posing prompts to create genuine smiles
guidance for outfit selection and location options that reflect who you are + your hobbies
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- 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!"
featured family
through my lens
sentimental moments captured
Branigan Family
outdoor studio - Cleak lake, south dakota
Anderson Maternity
joy ranch - florence, south dakota
Odegard Newborn
indoor studio - Cleak lake, south dakota
Hagen Family
outdoor studio - Cleak lake, south dakota
Olson Extended Family
terry redlin arts center - watertown, south dakota
Mack Newborn
outdoor studio - Cleak lake, south dakota
Allow me to create a stress-free experience that ensures your digital images make it onto your walls and into albums to cherish!
heirloom products to get your images off your phone
Your session is not just a photoshoot; it's an adventure designed to create lasting and joyful memories through playful action prompts.
playful sessions that turn into Adventures
Elevating your experience, I provide a unique touch by offering access to a curated client closet, family outfit planning guides, and add-on professional hair and makeup options.
client closet, styling assistance, & professional hair and makeup
I offer personalized assistance from booking your session to selecting the perfect prints. With helpful tips and comprehensive guides, I ensure a seamless and stress-free process.
Guided Journey from Booking to Print Selection
Mounted Prints
Heirloom albums
Custom Framed Wall Art
prints & products to preserve your memories
Option to purchase professional prints, canvases, custom framed wall art and luxury albums
Exclusive access to our signature style and prep guides to assist with your outfits, session location, and other planning details!
Access to our signature client closet that provides dresses for mamas and outfits for the kiddos
1 week turnaround time for your full gallery after reveal ordering appointment that is delivered via online gallery.
A client portal that houses your galleries, invoices, agreements, notes, session details and dates, questionnaires, and more!
High resolution jpeg images that are color corrected and chosen by hand.
what is included in every session experience
Professional hair and makeup add-on option if requested.
Personal print release to download and print your selected jpeg images anywhere you'd like.
A luxury, stress-free portrait experience where we handle bringing your digital images to life in cherished heirloom pieces.
All options will be shared once after booking!
My goal is to provide you with a truly stress free experience, and one of the most stressful parts of photoshoot planning seems to be figuring out what to wear.
Does it match? Will it look good on me? Will it make me look good in photos? What about the little ones?
Over the years, I've grown my client closet with intentional pieces that look flattering on anyone, photograph well, and are easy to match so that all you have to do is show up and enjoy the experience.
While you can certainly select any of the outfits below for your session, the seasonal indicators help you as you start planning your session and coordinating outfits. Feel free to select any of these, and feel free to let me know if you have any questions!
The Client Closet
for a stress-free experience
our exclusive client closet options for women
All dresses are available for full collection sessions (not available for mini sessions). There is a WIDE variety of newborn and children outfits as well not included in this gallery.
All dresses are steamed, washed, and ready to chosen from in your size before the start of your session!
Can't wait for you to wear them!
Introducing the wedding day detail box – a carefully curated essential that ensures no detail is overlooked. In this guide, discover a comprehensive checklist of items to include in your detail box, from essential documents to sentimental keepsakes. By packing thoughtfully and in advance, you can focus on the joy of your big day without the worry of missing important elements.
session prep guide
Whether envisioning an intimate ceremony or a grand celebration, every bride is invited to explore these examples, gaining insights and ideas that will contribute to the realization of their dream wedding. It's my joy to provide a guide that not only simplifies the planning process but also inspires brides to envision and create a day that reflects their unique love story.
senior session all you
free session PLANNING guides
How far in advance should we book your services?
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO WE GET AND WHEN DO WE GET THEM BACK?
what is the next step after inquiring?
Can we book a mini session at any time?
How long are sessions?
can we have the raw photos and film?
Can we add on a video/film to our session?
what is your payment policy?
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
What is your style?
Do you travel for Sessions?
what is a reveal ordering appointment?
How far in advance should we book your services?
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO WE GET AND WHEN DO WE GET THEM BACK?
what is the next step after inquiring?
can we book a mini session at any time?
how long are sessions?
what is a reveal ordering appointment?
Can we add on a video/film to our session?
what is your payment policy?
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
What is your style?
Do you travel for Sessions?
Though based out of eastern South Dakota, I do travel all over the Midwest and to destination locations. There is no mileage fee for any sessions held within 30 roundtrip miles of my studio in Clear Lake, SD. If it is longer, the government standard rate per mile round trip will be added to your invoice. If travel is 2 hours or longer or our coverage extends past 9pm, we ask you put us up for the night in a hotel so we don’t drive home sleepy! For destination sessions all travel is custom quoted.
can we have the raw photos and film?
How far in advance should we book your services?
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO WE GET AND WHEN DO WE GET THEM BACK?
what is the next step after inquiring?
can we book a mini session at any time?
how long are sessions?
what is a reveal ordering appointment?
how many hours of coverage do i get?
Can we add on a video/film to our session?
what is your payment policy?
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
What is your style?
Do you travel for Session?
I consider myself a fine-art light and airy type of photographer. My editing is on the lighter end to make sure you have images that last for generations to come. Films are more true-to-color, but still have a lighter editing feel.
How far in advance should we book your services?
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO WE GET AND WHEN DO WE GET THEM BACK?
what is the next step after inquiring?
when do we get our higlhight film back?
how long are sessions?
what is a reveal ordering appointment?
can we have the raw photos and film?
do you bring a second shooter?
what is your payment policy?
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
What is your style?
Do you travel for sessions?
I use several Canon R6's and R6 Mark II's, with various RF lenses, for both photos and films. My cameras all have two SD card slots 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 to be on the safe side! Once delivered through an online gallery, I guarantee to keep a copy, of your edited files, available to you for 6 months.
How far in advance should we book your services?
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO WE GET AND WHEN DO WE GET THEM BACK?
what is the next step after inquiring?
can we book a mini session at any time?
how many hours of coverage do i get?
what is a reveal ordering appointment?
how many hours of coverage do i get?
can we add on a film/video to our session?
what is your payment policy?
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
What is your style?
Do you travel for sessions?
On our booking call, I will send over a proposal to sign your contract and pay the non-refundable session retainer fee. Taxes may vary. At the ordering appointment, you will select your digital image bundle + heirloom products. All sales are final. No content (images or film) will start processing or be delivered until reveal ordering appointment invoice paid in full.
How far in advance should we book your services?
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO WE GET AND WHEN DO WE GET THEM BACK?
what is the next step after inquiring?
when do we get our higlhight film back?
how long are sessions?
are engagement sessions included?
can we have the raw photos and film?
Can we add on a video/film to our session?
what is your payment policy?
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
What is your style?
Do you travel for sessions?
ABSOLUTELY! This is offered to ALL portrait clients. They always say a photo can speak 1,000 words, but video/film shots literally say everything that a photo can't. Imagine rewatching some of those scenes forty years from now with your grandkids.
How far in advance should we book your services?
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO WE GET AND WHEN DO WE GET THEM BACK?
what is the next step after inquiring?
can we book a mini session at any time?
how many hours of coverage do i get?
can we have the raw photos and film?
Can we add on a video/film to our session?
what is a reveal ordering appointment?
what is your payment policy?
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
What is your style?
Do you travel for sessions?
I do occasionally capture sessions for professional photographers or videographers who pay me for the RAW images or film files. Let me know if you are interested in this option and I can customize a quote for you! 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.
How far in advance should we book your services?
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO WE GET AND WHEN DO WE GET THEM BACK?
what is the next step after inquiring?
when do we get our higlhight film back?
how long are sessions?
what is a reveal ordering appointment?
can we have the raw photos and film?
Can we add on a video/film to our session?
what is your payment policy?
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
What is your style?
Do you travel for Sessions?
I will edit your images, then we will schedule a virtual or in-person reveal ordering appointment to view all your images on a slideshow, then select your favorite digitals, and customize any heirloom products you want! All digital images + heirlooms are paid for at this ordering appointment and all sales are final.
How far in advance should we book your services?
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO WE GET AND WHEN DO WE GET THEM BACK?
what is the next step after inquiring?
can we book a mini session at any time?
how long are sessions?
what is a reveal ordering appointment?
can we have the raw photos and film?
Can we add on a video/film to our session?
what is your payment policy?
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
What is your style?
Do you travel for Sessions?
It all depends on the collection you pick! For photo only sessions, they take between 30-60 minutes. If you want a film added, it can take an additional 30 minutes. If you have family members with short attention spans, a mini session is the perfect fit for immediate families! I always adjust the length of session to my clients and the mood.
How far in advance should we book your services?
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO WE GET AND WHEN DO WE GET THEM BACK?
what is the next step after inquiring?
can we book a mini session at any time?
how long are sessions?
what is a reveal ordering appointment?
can we have the raw photos and film?
Can we add on a video/film to our session?
what is your payment policy?
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
What is your style?
Do you travel for Sessions?
Due to the nature of mini sessions, I only offer them specific days each year. If you'd like to join my first dibs list to reach out to when I release those dates, let me know!
How far in advance should we book your services?
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO WE GET AND WHEN DO WE GET THEM BACK?
what is the next step after inquiring?
can we book a mini session at any time?
how long are sessions?
what is a reveal ordering appointment?
can we add on a video./film to our session?
what is your payment policy?
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
What is your style?
Do you travel for sessions?
After inquiring, we will jump on a phone call to go over your session vision, then you can pay the session retainer fee and we will schedule a booking call to finalize details.
can we have the raw photos and film?
How far in advance should we book your services?
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO WE GET AND WHEN DO WE GET THEM BACK?
what is the next step after inquiring?
can we book a mini session at any time?
how long are sessions?
what is a reveal ordering appointment?
can we add on a video/film to our session?
what is your payment policy?
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
What is your style?
Do you travel for sessions?
The session retainer fee does not include any digital images or heirloom products. Those are purchased separately at the reveal ordering appointment. You can pick as many digital images you'd like, then add on heirloom products too!
can we have the raw photos and film?
How far in advance should we book your services?
HOW MANY PHOTOS DO WE GET AND WHEN DO WE GET THEM BACK?
what is the next step after inquiring?
can we book a mini session at any time?
how long are sessions?
what is a reveal ordering appointment?
can we add on a video/film to our session?
what is your payment policy?
WHAT EQUIPMENT DO YOU USE?
What is your style?
Do you travel for sessions?
Usually clients book within 3-6 months for portrait sessions. Senior and newborn session spots typically book quicker, so I would suggest booking 6 months in advance for those.
can we have the raw photos and film?
portrait Frequently Asked Questions
-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
"
-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!
"
-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
"
- rachell s.
"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
"
- dainika d.
"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
"
- Stephanie
"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.
"
- rachel
"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
"
- Alexis V.
"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
"
- jocelyn m.
"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
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- roni m.
"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!
"
- karli r.
"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!
"
Legacy Client Love Notes