The last time I went to have my portraits done, I was roughly 8 months old. Sure, I have have photography sessions done, but never in a studio. Dahlbergs studio is very upscale and gives art gallery vibes. Very comfy, great parking in front of and behind. Free parking behind but you do have to point coins into the parking meter, 25 cents for every 30 minutes, in the front of the building on the main strip. These ladies are amazing inside. Very bubbly and really cheerful which helps with the relaxing while waiting as well as during the session. We arrived 15 minutes before we were supposed to, as directed, and was sitting in front while the previous people were getting their portraits done. When we got in to the actual studio to have our pictures done, these girls, let me tell you, made this experience so magical. My kids, 9, 5, and 2, are relatively well behaved kids. The girls used toys to get the kids giggling for some great pictures and fun core memories. After our 30 minutes behind the camera, we were sent to the waiting room while they went through all the photos and did some very very minor editing which took roughly 30-45 minutes. Doing some light dabbling in photography, this was very quick as they are on a tight schedule between appointments. After the back waiting room time, I was greeted by Andrea and brought to the reveal room and my littles were sent to the childcare room so I could get some one on one time with Andrea and chat a little about expectations and stuff like that. Now, I will say this much, never have I ever felt so comfortable sitting and chatting with a person as I did with Andrea this day. Before we even looked at the photos, she asked me several questions about the kids, their personalities, and how we came to be where we are. She took many notes because we was one of the winners for a photo session for the Mommy and Me photography session. The conversation was more like catching up with an old friend versus a client meeting sort of thing. Needless to say, she told me a little about her personal story and I told her a little about mine and some tears were shed and hopeful words were shared. When we finally got to the viewing of the pictures, as expected, the kids were all uncooperative as far as facial expressions went, but they did capture several good shots. Now, this is the first time, and most likely only time, I will ever be able to get pictures done like this with my babies. She informed me that they will be doing more detailed editing once I pick the photos I wanted (because fully editing all of the pictures they took would be a waste of their resources and time for pictures that would essentially go in the bin) which I understood completely. She informed me that for every "scroll" of her mouse is a new size, (which is projected onto a wall in the viewing room so you can get an idea how big it will be on your wall in your home,) with a price difference and depending on the size will depend on the price so know exactly what you want and she will be able to tell you how much you will be expected to pay. They also have financing to help pay for something if needed (if approved) if you want something different or bigger which is absolutely awesome for single parents like myself on a super tight budget. I would definitely recommend going here and having your portraits done as a first time thing. Andrea is great and her girls are amazing too. Always keep in mind that your mindset will set your experience in stone. No one owes you anything. If you set your expectations too high, then your experience will never turn out the way you think it will. If you go in with an open mind and open heart, you will be received as such and your experience will blow you away. Thank all you ladies at Dahlberg for the kind words, smiles, and great experience. Much love to you all! read more

Andrea and her staff at Dahlberg Portraits will create a professional, and very personal experience, you will appreciate for years to come. The moment you walk into the studio, you will notice the breathtaking portraits on display. The atmosphere is clean, inviting, and just beautiful. Once you arrive, you are greeted with warmth and a feeling that your family is the most important session of the day. Whether you are a group with small children, or pets, or just a couples session, Andrea and her staff prioritize every detail to ensure that your portraits are truly a piece of art that you will treasure for the rest of your life. The backdrops are traditional as to showcase the families in front of the lens. After your portrait session, you are escorted into a spacious, cozy sitting area to view the pictures. Andrea is very thorough in her pricing, sizing, and showcases what your finished product will look like. She takes the time to answer questions and listen to what you are looking for in your finished product. Because she is so very detail oriented, she takes her time to make sure all details have been accounted for. Details take some time, but trust me when I say your portraits will be even more incredible than you imagined. If you are looking for a timeless treasure that you will lovingly display for years to come, Dahlberg Portaits is your only place to consider. It is hard to put a price on a perfect moment with loved one captured in time. I am so pleased with my portrait artwork and am looking forward to the opportunity to have updated portraits done in the years to come. read more

We recently had the privilege of a free portrait session at Dahlberg Portrait Studio in Ames, and WOW!!! What an incredible experience! Other than our wedding, my husband and I had never had professional photos taken, so we honestly walked in with zero expectations. From the moment we arrived, we were treated with such care and hospitality. The entire team made the process effortless and fun. Our photographer was amazing!! She guided us with confidence, positioned us perfectly, and made everything feel playful instead of stressful. She truly brought out the best in us. After the shoot, we were welcomed into a comfortable waiting area and offered refreshments while our photos were being prepared. Then came the big reveal... seeing our portraits displayed on a giant screen in a darkened room was unforgettable. The staff walked us through the selection process with so much patience, even narrowing things down for us so it never felt overwhelming. They explained all the editing and purchasing options clearly, and we never once felt pressured... just supported to make the best choices for us. We haven't received our final portraits yet, but based on what we saw, we already know they'll be stunning. We also gained a new appreciation for just how valuable portrait art really is. The craftsmanship, the experience, and the legacy these pieces create are unmatched. Dahlberg Portrait Studio absolutely blew us away. We left with our hearts full, so grateful for the experience and for the gift of a portrait we'll cherish forever. Highly, highly recommend! read more

*Updated after session - Wrote 5 star review the same day because I could get digital version of my portrait if I did so... only after emailing them to remind them that I left a review and they needed to send me my photo like they had promised* *This is essentially a scam. $200 deposit to even book the session (which they do end up giving back to you if you don't fall for any of their selling points). Everyone "wins" a giveaway to get a portrait taken of you name it: dogs, babies, couples, etc. You go into a very nice studio and they take pictures and are very knowledgable and good at what they do. BUT then you wait 30 min after your session for them to put together a really sappy slideshow with sad music that of course you're going to cry at because you love your kids/dog/etc. They put you in a HUGE room and show you different sized portraits you can get. Of course the normal sized ones look tiny and want you to buy the biggest size because it looks better. An 8x10 portrait is $200... for one picture... Absolutely ridiculous. Their largest sized portrait is something like $10,000 or something insane like that. BUT DON'T WORRY, because they have payment plan options... Sounds crazy right?? If you don't have the will to stick to your guns, it is EASY for them to draw you in and then you're making payment plans on a singular printed picture. Just do yourself a favor and don't even go through the trouble and hassle.* read more

Our experience with Dahlberg was amazing. From the moment we contacted them to the arrival of our photos, we were treated with great consideration and made to feel special. We were given helpful tips on how to plan and prepare for our photo shoot and had check-in phone calls leading up to our session which made us feel valued and really helped us make the best decisions about our outfits and morning plans. Trust them and follow there advice! I highly recommend going very formal; we were going to go business casual and changed our minds. I'm SO glad we listened to Dahlberg and dressed up! It made the whole event feel more special, and our kids LOVED being "fancy."​ The day of the photo shoot, we were met at the door and had comfortable space for our short wait before our shoot. During the shoot, the photographer and her assistant did a fantastic job getting us all comfortable with being in front of the camera and got my boys to give genuine smiles - a rare feat! Picking our pictures was a breeze. I am terrible at making decisons, and they helped us get there through a process of elimination. We came into the experience on a tight budget, and Dahlberg was very respefult of that. We never felt pressured, but they made sure we were well educated on our options. When our pictures arrived, I was absolutely blown away! They are amazing momentos of our family at this age and time. I'm so glad we booked with Dahlberg! read more

We had the most incredible experience at this fine art portrait studio! From the moment we walked through the door, we were treated with such warmth and professionalism. The team was patient, kind, and upfront about the entire process, which put us at ease right away. They made the whole experience feel completely tailored to our family -- nothing felt rushed or cookie-cutter. What truly stood out was how amazing they were with our children, especially our 3-year-old, who was a bit out of sorts since it was usually her nap time. The team knew exactly how to engage with her and keep her comfortable, which made the session feel relaxed and fun for everyone. Their ability to create a calm and supportive atmosphere was truly impressive. And the portraits -- absolutely jaw-dropping! They captured the heart and soul of our family in a way that feels timeless. These are not just pictures; they are heirlooms that will be passed down for generations. We cannot stress enough how meaningful this experience was and how much these pieces will remain at the heart of our home, even long after we're gone. If you're looking for a portrait studio that truly cares about creating something special and lasting, this is the place. We will cherish these portraits forever and are so grateful for the incredible care and artistry that went into every detail. Highly, highly recommend! read more

We were met with nothing short of professionalism as soon as we walked in the studio. The staff at Dahlberg were some of the most welcoming and patient people I have come across in a photo taking setting. We won our "free package" and enjoyed the photo taking process thoroughly- it was a lot of fun! We are nothing short of grateful for the nanny suite and having our children taken care of so we could really focus on the experience. Although it was a free session, we understood what was included in the package and how we could attach it to something different if we wanted to. The prices are quite jarring and Erin really walks you through each step in great detail. Although we were trying to get upsold in packages, we were firm in what we chose and were not guilted into making another choice, we even were offered an opportunity to come back now that we have an expectation of what we're looking at price wise. I can appreciate the business, and while it may feel like a "scam" no one made us choose anything we weren't willing to, and they never made us feel guilty about not going to a more expensive package- which we would've loved to do if we could've. The pictures are gorgeous and you truly get an experience walking into this place and I think if you have expectations and are firm in them, then you will enjoy the full experience like we did. read more

An Incredible Experience at Dahlberg Portraits! I had the pleasure of having a photo session at Dahlberg Portraits, and it was simply fantastic! From the moment I arrived, I was greeted with a warm and highly professional service. The venue is impeccable - well-lit, with modern and comfortable décor that makes you feel at ease. Additionally, the team is dedicated to creating a relaxed environment, which is a huge help for those who aren't used to posing for photos. The photo session was amazing! The photographer demonstrated a lot of creativity and patience, helping to capture the best angles and expressions. They also directed each pose naturally, making the process light and enjoyable. Regarding the service, I must highlight their attention to detail. From the initial explanation of the process to the final review of the photos, everything was done with great care and respect for my preferences. The final results exceeded my expectations! The photos turned out stunning, reflecting the team's dedication and talent. I highly recommend Dahlberg Portraits for anyone looking for a personalized experience and top-quality results. read more

On our way home from having family portraits done. Having a 2 year old with a spunky personality who's known for going a hundred miles an hour made me very nervous for today's session. I wasn't sure if we'd capture her in her true state. Shae was amazing at coaching my daughter and bonding with her throughout the session. It didn't take long for her to open up to her and let her true colors shine, and shae was there to capture it beautifully. The waiting room was comfortable and gave my daughter room to run around while waiting for our photo session as well as our viewing session. While in the viewing area they took my daughter to a nursery suite full of toys allowing me and my husband to really focus on the images and decide which option was best for our family. Erin did an absolutely fabulous job explaining everything and teaching us the 'rules' of portrait photography. The business was beautiful, clean, peaceful and everything ran smoothly from start to finish. If you are looking for timeless memories of your family to pass down for generations, Dahlberg Portraits is the place to go!!! read more

If you are looking to invest in a family portrait you'll cherish, Dahlberg Portrait is the place to beat! They have created a beautiful environment for your studio experience and everyone you converse with is kind and professional from start to finish. Before the studio appointment, they responded promptly to my messages and sent a text the day before with helpful reminders. I felt overwhelmed before arriving, but everyone was so welcoming and helpful with my crazy dogs, I quickly felt at ease. They have perfected the whole process to be efficient, yet still a meaningful experience. It's evident they enjoy what they do, and the client's experience is their top priority. From the complimentary coffee to the theater-like presentation of the final images, I'd recommend it all. Even the studio waiting room has a lovely smell I couldn't stop noticing. But most of all, they captured one-of-a-kind photos of my dogs I'll forever treasure. read more

My husband I were selected by a staff member at Dahlberg Portraits to have our pictures taken with our two dogs as part of an on-line contest whereas the recipient would receive a credit towards having photos taken. What an outstanding experience! During our appointment, the staff at Dahlberg Portraits were professional, friendly and interactive. They indicated it would take upwards of 10 weeks for our portraits to arrive after being processed and touched up. When we finally received our portraits, we couldn't have been more pleased with the results. I even received an email from a staff member at Dahlberg Portraits confirming we'd received our items and later provided me with the electronic files of our portraits for use on social media. The wonderful owner, Andrea, even took the time to follow up with us recently on a question we had regarding social media. From start to finish, this was a high touch, A+ experience! read more

Our photo session at Dahlberg Portraits was INCREDIBLE! Arrival with Kylee was calming & welcoming. The shoot with Shae & Kylee was such a fun & entertaining time. My daughter and I felt involved & appreciated. Our photographer was amazing with her direction and ideas!!!!!!! Viewing & ordering time with Erin was magical! Viewing our family on the huge screen in real life portrait size with Erin's expertise in decision making was truly special !!!!!!!!!!!!! My daughter was not the most excited once photo day came and she has not quit talking about how much unexpected fun she had!!! She also appreciated the nanny time during photo selection & What could be better than child & parent being comfortable and not feeling rushed?! Dahlbergs really provided an experience to cherish forever & as our family changes & grows we look forward to coming back for another magical experience!!!! read more

My dachshund and I won a pet portrait session with Dahlberg Portraits! It was something I had never done, and a little out of my comfort zone. I was excited for this experience me and my boy got to the chance to do! They were very welcoming, cozy spaces in the Dahlberg location. They loved on my doxie, gave us breaks, treat/water time, helped with poses, everything you could ask for and more! The photo shoot itself was incredible, but then viewing all the photos of us was the cherry on top! I received my photos in the mail today, and yes I got teary eyed. Having that day as a memory for us, but also the photos to remember it forever will always make me smile! I highly recommend Dahlberg Portraits and am thankful I took the leap in signing up for the session. read more

I cannot give enough praise and thanks to Dahlberg Portraits. Andrea, you were fabulous from the beginning to the very end! She was fantastic with the kids, energetic, and encouraged the experience to be FUN. She's brilliant, talented, and her strategy captured all six of our personalities in our photos beautifully and elegantly. I cannot forget to mention the studio is amazing starting from the entrance to the Disney+ kids' room (which is an extra fun touch). Andrea, thank you again from the bottom of our hearts. We now have our very first family portrait to hang because of YOU, and your generous heart for giving my family this opportunity! It was an experience we will never forget and can't wait to come back. -The Woodbury's read more

We had an amazing experience at Dahlberg Portraits! The entire session from beginning to end was a delight. My wife and I have a toddler who can be a bit shy at times, so I was a bit nervous with how the process may go and how the pictures would turn out. Our photographer, Shae, and her assistant, Scarlett, were wonderful! They aimed to make a personal connection with my daughter and had many different methods to help keep her engaged and entertained throughout the process. Our portraits turned out so well that it was hard to limit our options. Erin, an Art Director with Dahlberg, was friendly and easy to work with. We're so excited to have these portraits in our home to have as a keepsake for this moment in our lives. read more

Andrea did an amazing job capturing our family! She was able to pick up on the personality of each person and incorporate that into the images. Even our son was no trouble for her, and he can be difficult! I appreciated that I was able to run things by them beforehand, could email and get a quick response at any time during the experience. I know hats can make pictures difficult, but they had no issue with our family all wearing hats (it's kind of our thing), and they turned out wonderful. She even was able to expedite shipping so we could present one of the pictures as a gift way sooner than I had right to hope for. I simply could not be more pleased with our pictures! read more

This was my first professional portrait experience ever and I could not recommend Dahlberg Portraits more. I traveled just my dog and I and was welcomed by the most friendly and accommodating staff. From the photo session to selecting my finalized portraits, everyone I worked with was incredibly helpful, kind, and judgement-free. My interests and both my dog and I's level of comfort were kept a priority and never once did I feel uncomfortable or pressured to do something I did not want to. It is clear they are here to help you create a lasting memory and artifact! What an amazing experience and photos that I will keep with me forever. Thank you! read more

I'm leaving another 5 star review not only because of the beautiful work they do and the wonderful experience we had, but also because I wish I could comment on some of the other negative reviews I'm reading. It's funny to me how many of you are complaining about your FREE sessions... shame on you. This business is kind enough to even offer such opportunities (they don't have to do that you know?), and y'all are getting on here to shame them for not giving you enough free things? Shame. On. You. I would recommend Dahlberg Portraits again and again and I also absolutely plan on being back. Thank you so much guys and KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!! read more

I won a free session with a credit for a portrait of my two toddlers. From the first point of contact, they made our session feel special. I read some reviews before I went that made me pretty nervous about the size of free portrait or staff being pushy. My experience was great! The staff worked so well with kids, gave me beautiful options to choose from and respected me when I chose to forego additional purchases. I received our order in the mail this week and image looks phenomena. I would absolutely consider coming back again for a family portrait in the future. read more