StudioU Photography

We love U mom! Every type of momma deserves to be celebrated this day and always!

Now thru June 31st we are offering
~Limited Edition Motherhood~ sessions.

Reach out today to snag the gift she wants: an experience together that creates a lasting memory & creates a legacy heirloom for your whole family 🖤

MOTHER’S DAY GIVEAWAY

What do U gift the mom who gives everything? The gift of memories—and a chance to be celebrated 💓

We’ve teamed up with some of my favorite businesses to create the ultimate Mother’s Day giveaway—filled with pampering, beauty, caffeine (of course!) and a $500 gift card for a photo session at StudioU.

One lucky winner will receive:

• $500 Gift Card – perfect for a motherhood or family photo session

• $50 toward services at .ia = self-care bliss

• $50 to shop at .of.marion – THE best curated home goods & gifts

• “Mama” candle from – the scent is intoxicating

• $10 gift card to .co + a bag of – caffeine for the win!

• Pressed flower frame from .marion – preserve fresh florals or blooms from the yard

TO ENTER:

1. Like this post
2. Follow all participating businesses
3. Tag 3 moms
4. Share to your story for 3 bonus entries

Giveaway closes May 9 at 8 PM CST
Winner announced on Mother’s Day, May 11!

Today I photographed ‘s senior portraits and let me tell U, this one feels extra special! We’ve been photographing his siblings & family since before he was even born (swipe to see his sweet newborn session 🩵).

It was THE best feeling walking through their home and seeing our work from over the years proudly displayed — what an honor!!

One of our greatest blessings is having several family clients who have hired us year after year— for decades. That loyalty does not go unnoticed, especially in this mom & pop shop.
Thank U VIPs 😘.

Gavin is the youngest, so this marks the final senior session for this family—but fingers crossed we get the call when weddings roll around!

❤️

We’re excited to support as she campaigns for Woman of the Year with Go Red for Women, benefiting the American Heart Association!

We recently photographed Abby on our bold new red backdrop—perfect for this incredible cause that raises awareness for women’s heart health.

Abby is passionate about making a difference, and you can help her reach her fundraising goal by donating here:
https://www2.heart.org/site/TR/GoRedforWomen/MWA-MidWestAffiliate?px=27320980&pg=personal&fr_id=11921

Upcoming Events to Support Abby & Go Red for Women:
❤️ March 26, 12-3pm – Back in Line Wellness – Emsella & Emsculpt Demo Event
10% of package sales donated

❤️ April 3, All Day – LA Trends Shopping Event – Snacks from 4-7pm
20% of sales donated

Let’s rally behind Abby and support a cause that impacts so many women and families. Stay tuned to see more from her session soon!

Some stories remind us just how precious every heartbeat is. The Niedermann family’s journey is one of those. During a routine well-check, their pediatrician discovered a heart condition in their son, Waverly. Thanks to early detection and skilled medical care, Waverly underwent life-saving heart surgery—giving him the chance to run, play & embrace life like every child deserves.

As we come together for the Heart Ball, we celebrate stories like Waverly’s and the incredible work being done to advance heart health and research. StudioU is honored to contribute by donating a portrait session and a 30x40 framed gallery wrap canvas to this meaningful cause.

Every family’s journey is unique, and we believe in preserving the moments that matter most. We are grateful to support this event and the Niedermann family, whose story is a testament to resilience, love, and the power of early detection.

Join us in celebrating Waverly’s strength and in raising awareness for heart health. Let’s make a difference—one heartbeat at a time. ❤️

Our dear friends, The Niedermann’s, are this year’s featured family at The American Heart Association Heart Ball. We had the privilege of capturing their family photos and we will be auctioning off a family session + a 30x40 framed gallery wrap print! I believe there are still tickets to the event, so if U want to support an amazing cause, get dolled up and celebrate all the work these guys have done please grab a ticket by clicking the link in comments ❤️

American Heart Association ❤️ Allison Jensen Niedermann
Doug Niedermann

6 Minute slowdown

In a world where photography is instant, it’s easy to forget that it wasn’t always this way. For our studio’s 21st anniversary, we stepped back in time with the incredible to create a tintype portrait—an experience that made us truly appreciate the art of slowing down.

After carefully posing and focusing us, Ramin had to coat the plates, and for six long minutes, we stood completely still. No adjusting, no shifting weight, no sneaking a glance at a screen to check the shot. Just stillness. It was a challenge—especially for Audra and myself— but also a reminder of photography’s roots and the patience it once required.

It’s no wonder early subjects believed the camera could steal their souls. Standing frozen in time like that, it feels like something deeper is happening. Maybe it is. Maybe that’s the magic.

Here’s to 21 years of capturing moments—both the fleeting and the timeless.

Tonight’s the night! ✨🥂 comment below if we’ll see U there!

We’re officially 21, and we can’t wait to celebrate with U! Join us for an evening of fun, nostalgia & photography magic as we toast to 21 incredible years of capturing your most precious memories.

📅 Friday, Jan 31
⏰ 7:00 PM – 11:00 PM
📍 The Olympic | 1202 3rd St SE #200, Cedar Rapids (right across the street from our studio above Brewhemia, enter on the side of building)

Expect:
📸 Tintype portraits by Ramin (RSVP required)
📷 A hilariously awkward/tacky photobooth
🎶 Great music to keep the vibes alive
🍸 Delicious snacks & drinks
👕 screen printing by Eduskate Board Shop
🎉 Games & activities to keep you smiling

Casual dress, good vibes and amazing company—don’t miss it!

Let’s hear it for the NEW senior portrait metal wall displays that we just ordered. If you’ve been to the studio, U know the metal prints that have been in our hallway for the last 8 years… these are the new replacements, it was time for these kool cats to shine 🤘🏼✨

This week feels extra special because so many of my senior girls are celebrating their birthdays! A huge shoutout to my fellow Aquarians—creative, free-spirited & one of a kind 🩷.

HBD (almost) to U, ! This girl loves her some country music, so it felt perfect to photograph her surrounded by the beauty of sunshine, flowers and a beach. A big thank U to for the stunning flower farm site 🌸.

Looking back at these Summer sessions is bittersweet as the snow falls here in Iowa today. Can I just teleport back to the beach and soak up the ☀️???

To my 2025 seniors (and summer lovers): let’s plan your session soon! Whether it’s flowers, beaches, or snow (but let’s be honest, summer wins), I can’t wait to tell your story.