Ally McElfish Photography

Ally McElfish Photography Ally McElfish Photography creates bold, colorful and editorial senior photography experiences for clients throughout Southern Iowa, Des Moines and Kansas City.

AMP also photographs families, couples, engagements and select events!

Last week I got to spend the afternoon with three amazing girls for our first AMP PhotoWalk and I can already tell you, ...
09/04/2026

Last week I got to spend the afternoon with three amazing girls for our first AMP PhotoWalk and I can already tell you, I want to do this again.

We talked about lighting, composition, posing and editing, but I think my favorite part was watching everything start to click in real time. Seeing them try something, adjust, problem solve and then get excited when they saw the difference was SO much fun.

I always wanted to be a teacher when I was younger and this experience reinforced just how much I love helping other people learn, grow and feel more confident creatively.

A huge thank you to our model, Kylie, for being incredibly patient with us while we basically used her as our live demonstration model all afternoon 😂 We moved her, posed her, changed angles, studied the light and made her stand there while I explained approximately 47 different things..... AND she was such a good sport through all of it!

I’m so proud of the girls for showing up, asking questions, trying new things and being willing to learn. I seriously cannot wait for round 2! If you missed the sign up for Round 2, drop your name below!

Sidenote: If I’ve seemed a little MIA this week, our household got hit with covid and we have been DOWN. I’m finally starting to come back to life and will be spending this weekend catching up on emails, messages and everything I’ve fallen behind on. Thank you so much for your patience with me.

And now… a few favorites from our AMP PhotoWalk.

Senior Rep, Kennedy, broke in the back to school set!! And then we made Chase join in on the fun too!
08/28/2026

Senior Rep, Kennedy, broke in the back to school set!! And then we made Chase join in on the fun too!

08/27/2026

ISO: MODEL

I’m looking for a high school-aged model, roughly 15–18, for 1–2 hours this Saturday from 3–5 p.m. in Leon!

This is for our AMP Photo Walk, where I’ll be mentoring and teaching a group of young photographers. I’d love to give them someone fun and comfortable in front of the camera to practice posing, composition, lighting and all the good stuff with!

I can provide an outfit, and in exchange for your time, you’ll receive 7–10 professionally edited images from me!

Basically: come hang out, model for some pretty awesome young creatives and leave with some new photos!

Interested? Comment below or shoot me a message!

Every blondie needs a brunette bestie. Especially one who shows up matching you, fixes your hair, hypes you up and has y...
08/17/2026

Every blondie needs a brunette bestie.

Especially one who shows up matching you, fixes your hair, hypes you up and has you laughing through your entire senior session.

Aubrey + Chloe were giving elite bestie behavior, so obviously we had to get a few of them together.

A little bold, a little soft, a little cinematicChloe's Des Moines senior session moved from graphic murals and city lin...
08/17/2026

A little bold, a little soft, a little cinematic

Chloe's Des Moines senior session moved from graphic murals and city lines to ivy-covered walls and lace because choosing one aesthetic is never the assignment. Your senior photos shouldn't be about fitting into somebody else's aesthetic. They should look like you at your absolute most fire.




This is your sign to take pictures for no reason other than you're FABULOUS! Spent the evening with Denise at Sedum & Sa...
08/12/2026

This is your sign to take pictures for no reason other than you're FABULOUS! Spent the evening with Denise at Sedum & Sage Grow Co. Such a beautiful flower farm with the sweetest owner!

When life gives you humidity and a fogged lens… make art, I guess.Sharing the tiniest sneak from Denise's session at Sed...
08/12/2026

When life gives you humidity and a fogged lens… make art, I guess.

Sharing the tiniest sneak from Denise's session at Sedum & Sage Grow Co. ! More coming soon!

Engagement photos, but make them feel like the aftermath of a very glamorous bad decision. Hotel room. Ch*****ne. Rotary...
08/11/2026

Engagement photos, but make them feel like the aftermath of a very glamorous bad decision.

Hotel room. Ch*****ne. Rotary phone. Hallway rendezvous. Direct flash. A little grain. Zero interest in behaving.

Safe to say these two understood the assignment

A little commotion for the dress(es)!! Both dresses were the perfect selections for our flower farm location and Waterwo...
08/10/2026

A little commotion for the dress(es)!! Both dresses were the perfect selections for our flower farm location and Waterworks Park in downtown Des Moines! Make sure you check back for Part II of Chloe's urban session when we take on the hot, midday August sun!





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Leon, IA
50144

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