katherine@katherineaustinphotography.com 515-525-8008
About Me
Hi, I’m Katherine—photographer, dog mom, and natural light enthusiast based in Des Moines, Iowa.
Photography started as a hobby, but it quickly became something more: a way to reinvent myself during a new chapter of life. After moving across states and eventually landing in Iowa, I built a business that brings together my creative background in interior design and my deep love for animals.
Today, I photograph everything from thoughtfully designed interiors to joy-filled pet portraits. My style is clean, honest, and full of life—and I approach every session with an easygoing attitude, a sharp eye, and genuine care for the people (and pets) in front of my lens.
When I’m not working, I’m usually out hiking or exploring with my two dogs: Maddie, our loyal Catahoula-Husky mix, and Penny, our social, ball-obsessed Labradoodle. They’re constant reminders of why I love what I do—capturing personalities, connections, and everyday beauty.
A career highlight? Helping a designer from Homemakers Furniture win Best Primary Suite in the DSM Magazine Home Design Awards with photography that brought their vision to life.
If you’re looking for someone who’s fun, flexible, and totally dog-friendly—I’d love to work with you.
Best way to reach me? Text or email works great. I don’t answer calls while driving or giving clients my full attention during a session, but I’ll always get back to you as soon as I can.
Meet our dog pack!!
Our sweet girl who crossed the rainbow bridge this year, but will always have a place in our hearts. Thira was the first dog my husband and I adopted together, just after buying our first home. She walked into the room at the Oregon Humane Society, placed her head in my husband’s lap, and that was it—we were hers. A quiet, gentle soul, she was more of a couch potato than a model, but she’d always pose for a treat or two.
My shadow, protector, and top model. Maddie joined us at nine months old from a shelter in Montana and was instantly approved by Thira. She's a loyal, vocal guardian with a hunter’s spirit (though the squirrels still have the upper hand). When she’s not keeping watch, she’s curled up on the couch or posing like a pro for the camera—always close by
The baby of the family—and she knows it! Penny is all energy, joy, and go-with-the-flow attitude. She’s been a playful spark for both Maddie and Thira, and while her attention span is short, her spirit is big. Photographing her is a team effort (and usually involves a ball), but the outtakes are always worth it