Professional photographer, Amy Allen Co., Des Moines

Job description: I specialize in weddings, portraiture, events, plus lifestyle and art photography.

Background: I have 13 years in business, with studios in Minnesota and the historic East Village here in Des Moines, and on location in Arizona. I have a degree in psychology and love being around people. I always thought I would be involved in something having to do with human services.

Notable accomplishments: Published works in various national publications, online and in print and being a member of Professional Photographers of America, as well as wedding and Portrait Photographers International. My business is accredited with the Better Business Bureau, white hawaiian wedding dresses white hawaiian wedding dresses and I am a vendor with wedding Chicks.

Why I do what I do: I enjoy working with different personality types and ages. It's so refreshing to spend an afternoon acting goofy with a child I am shooting, then conduct an initial consultation with a jubilant engaged couple, or share pregnancy stories with an expectant mother while photographing her. Each day is different. Each day is new.

What I do to get away from work: When I'm not at work, there is nothing I enjoy more than spending time with my kids. Whether at the park, the pool, the mall, or Des Moines' art or science centers, we are always out and about, enjoying the community and its diverse amenities.

How I give back to my community: I am so proud to be able to offer my services to Capturing Hopes, a nonprofit organization that benefits children with cancer, and one that is very near and dear to my heart.

Why I like the East Village: I am thrilled to have my studio located in this vibrant hub of creativity and style. I get to shoot things that are very different from weddings, which are my favorite subject matter and make up the bulk of my portfolio. Even more gratifying is the chance to really get to know the business owners and their amazing backgrounds and stories when I feature them in my blog.

Words to live by: Any sort of credo would have to come from my amazing and humble father. He would probably say something like, sexy cocktail dresses sexy cocktail dresses strapless short dresses "Do something nice for somebody, every single day!" And that's what I strive to do.

One thing I would change about the Des Moines area beach wedding dresses beach wedding dresses we supply over 1000 fashionable styles of high quality cheap prom dresses wholesale price: Oh, gosh, I am far too new to the area to want to change anything.

My mentor: I have two, actually. My sister-in-law, dresses for summer wedding casual wedding dresses Carrie Bruder, is a wedding photographer and literally my best friend. Lynn Laumann is a fellow photographer without whom I would not be part of this article today. Both of these women have taught me and pushed and encouraged me, guided me and helped launch me as a professional businesswoman. They are my biggest cheerleaders and most valued supporters.

My leadership philosophy: Lead by example.

What I would do if I could do something else: lime green dress lime green dress That's a tough call because I am doing exactly what I love. But if I could no longer practice photography, I would have to say I would want to do something that involved children and families in need, dresses for summer weddings most likely with a nonprofit organization or crisis center.

The best place in central Iowa to entertain clients or colleagues: My studio. I fell in love with it instantly because, as a part of the East Village, it is like a playground for my clients, friends, family, guests and so on. In fact, it is becoming a popular place for people to book when hosting events and parties. With hardwood floors and large windows overlooking downtown, it is relaxing and cozy. I just love it, and am glad my clients feel the same way.