About me (Lydia)
Eastern Iowa Family, Senior, & Newborn Photographer
Hello, I’m Lydia, and I’ll be your photographer today.
I could wax poetic about how “these days are so fleeting”, but you already know that.
That’s why you’re here. Photos will be all that’s left someday, and the person who’s usually behind the camera—YOU—needs to be in the picture.
I’m just like you: a busy parent trying to stay above water, do the things that matter, and be a good human.
On weekdays, I build databases and automate processes for my full-time job. Details and organization are my happy place.
So choosing me means you won’t have to wonder what comes next, or when you’ll get a response to an email (hours, not days).
I’ll find the perfect locations. I’ll guide you on what to do, what to wear (or help you outsource the whole outfit enchilada).
On session day, we’ll have a laid-back photo session that lets kids be kids.
All you gotta do is show up. Photos don’t have to be stressful.
Let’s MAKE IT HAPPEN, MY FRIEND.
Lydia
Me and my goofy children
Family vacay to Milwaukee
(Not quite ready to do this thang? That’s cool! Look at some pictures instead.)
A GOOD OL’ ORIGIN STORY
How this party started
“Hey LYDIA, CAN YOU take our holiday card picture with your nice camera?”
I took the photos, and they were total crap, but I could see in my head the kind of photos I wanted to take: “unposed” photos that ooze with love and light.
A few months later, Apollo & Ivy Photography was born.
WhERE DID THE NAME COME FROM?
My last name, “Fine,” is an adjective, which makes “Lydia Fine Photography” a little… weird.
So I combined the Roman sun god with ivy, a plant that symbolizes loyalty, affection, and love.
Sessions with Me
Give me all your grumpy dads and hesitant teens; I’m here for it. I’m married to a Picture-Day Hater and I was that hesitant teen, so I’m not fazed a bit.
Making you comfortable in front of the camera is part of what I do for you. No need to be a supermodel or Insta-famous; I’ll help you feel amazing.
Random facts
2
Awesome Offspring
One girl, one boy, both created in a laboratory. Yay for science and IVF!
32
School Classmates
I grew up on a farm in a wee town named Moulton in southern Iowa.
0
Cups of Coffee
I’ve never tried coffee. I’m not sure why, I just haven’t. 🤷♀️
14
Years of Marriage
He’s a comedian (really), and he tests his jokes on me. Sometimes I laugh.
What matters to me
my three sisters and our annual Iowa State Fair trip
volunteering in my community: Girl Scouts and PTO
The ALS Association of Iowa and families affected by ALS
Trans youth should be protected (especially at school)
doing the Wordle and the Jumble with my mom
reproductive and LGBTQ+ rights, marriage equality
Session Information
The details matter, so let me share everything you need to know, from pricing and the kind of photos I create to what it’s like to work with me.
Families
Every family looks different, and that's fine by me. All you need to do is show up ready to love on your family and laugh.
Newborns
No baskets or buckets here; relaxed, at-home sessions featuring your baby and your family doing what they do best: being together.
Seniors
I'll guide you through a laid-back and easygoing senior photo experience, from planning outfits to posing to ordering.
Schools
These aren't your mama's school photos. I capture natural-light and timeless works of art you'll treasure for years.