Andrea Mae Photography: Capturing Life's Most Precious Moments in Harlan

From Disposable Cameras to Professional Studio: A Local Photographer's Journey to Preserve Family Memories

In a world where everyone has a camera in their pocket, Andrea Mae Petersen has built something special—a photography business that goes far beyond just taking pictures. At Andrea Mae Photography, located in a beautiful brick studio on Harlan's town square, she's created a space where families can relax, be themselves, and create lasting memories without the stress that often comes with professional photo sessions.

"Everybody deserves photos," Andrea says with the warmth and energy that her clients have come to love. "For me, it's capturing memories more than it is just images."

From Wedding Assistant to Newborn Specialist

Andrea's photography journey began over a decade ago in an unexpected way. While working at CDS Global, a casual conversation with a coworker changed everything. "Her and I were just sitting there talking about our lives, and she had said, 'Oh, yeah, I do wedding photography,'" Andrea recalls. "I was like, 'Oh, my gosh, I love photography.'"

That friend needed a second photographer for an upcoming weekend and invited Andrea to learn the basics. "I went over there and got the basic rundown of the camera and how it works and what I need to do. And it just took off from there."

For several years, Andrea worked as a second photographer at weddings, gaining valuable experience behind the camera. But it wasn't until she became pregnant with her second child that her true calling emerged. "After I had him, that's when I was like, 'Oh, my gosh, I want my son's photos taken. Why not just do it myself?'"

That moment in 2018 marked the beginning of her specialization in newborn photography—a niche that would become her passion and expertise.

A Studio Built for Families

Andrea's commitment to her craft is evident in every detail of her Court Street studio, which she shares with fellow photographer Amber Olson of Perception Signature. The space, located at 601 Court Street, Suite 101, represents years of growth and investment in creating the perfect environment for family photography.

"Having a bigger studio is like everything for us," Andrea explains. "We can use natural lighting now. We have many different setups." The studio features multiple zones—from lifestyle bedroom setups for newborn sessions to various backdrops and settings that provide endless options for creating unique images.

But perhaps the most innovative feature is Andrea's client closet. "Some people are like, 'Oh my gosh, we don't like doing photos because we have to buy outfits that we're only going to wear one time,'" she notes. "Well, step into my closet and you can pick out your own outfits." The closet contains clothing from newborn sizes up to 3X for women and men's sizes for male family members. If something isn't available in a client's size, Andrea will purchase it specifically for their session.

"My goal is to make it as less stressful as possible," she emphasizes, reflecting her community-focused approach to business.

Beyond the Studio Walls

While Andrea's studio provides a controlled environment with professional lighting and countless props, her services extend far beyond those brick walls. She regularly travels for on-location shoots, whether it's an in-home newborn session, a family portrait at Prairie Rose State Park, or a maternity session at a client's family farm.

"I photograph everywhere," Andrea says. "I've done at home, I do in studio, and for family sessions, most of the time people want to go outside on location, which is totally fine."

Her recent maternity session outside Woodbine at a client's family farm exemplifies her willingness to go wherever the perfect shot requires. "Probably one of my top favorite sessions right now," she says of that particular shoot.

A Community-First Approach

What sets Andrea apart in a market with several talented photographers isn't just her technical skill—it's her philosophy of community over competition. "I've never, 'Oh my gosh, you booked with another photographer, I will never work with you again,'" she laughs. "Absolutely not. You booked with another photographer? Your photos are beautiful. I love that for you."

This collaborative spirit extends to her business practices as well. Andrea regularly partners with other local businesses, incorporating their work into her sessions. Whether it's hair and makeup artists or local clothing boutiques, she looks for ways to showcase the broader Harlan business community through her photography.

Her flexible approach to pricing reflects her commitment to making professional photography accessible to everyone in the community. "I do payment plans, or if you can't afford a full session, let's figure out a mini session," she explains. "Sometimes that works out better for them."

Specializing in Life's Biggest Moments

Andrea describes her business model as "bump to family," capturing the complete journey from pregnancy through childhood milestones. Her specialties include:

• Maternity sessions (recommended booking at 3-4 months pregnant)
• Fresh 48 sessions (hospital newborn photography)
• Newborn portraits (5-14 days old, with advance booking essential)
• Milestone sessions (sitting up, first birthdays, etc.)
• Family portraits (both studio and on-location)

"My thing is newborns," Andrea states definitively. "Those are like my jam. I love those." Her investment in high-end props, specialized equipment, and ongoing education through annual newborn photography retreats demonstrates her commitment to excellence in this specialty.

Breaking Down Barriers

One of Andrea's biggest missions is dispelling misconceptions about professional photography. "A lot of people think photography sessions are super hard for the client," she says. "It doesn't have to be as hard as they think it is."

Her approach prioritizes authenticity over perfection. When parents worry about children not sitting still, Andrea's response is refreshing: "Good. I don't want them to sit still. I want them to run around. I want them to have fun. I want them to play. I want to capture those moments that are not just, 'Okay, one, two, three, smile at the camera.' I want the realness of that photo."

This philosophy extends to her energetic, joke-filled sessions where families can relax and be themselves. "I'm such a people person," Andrea says. "This is where you get to have fun. This is where you get to relax."

The Heart Behind the Business

For Andrea, photography is about much more than creating beautiful images—it's about preserving irreplaceable moments. "Being able to be a part of these very sentimental moments in your life, and you trust me to handle your child or to handle these memories and moments for you—it makes me a little teary-eyed sometimes," she reflects.

This emotional connection to her work drives everything she does, from the extensive prop collection she's invested in to the flexible payment options she offers. "If heaven forbid something were to happen to somebody in their family, they have those images to look back on."

Born and raised in Harlan, graduating from the local high school, Andrea understands the value of community connections and the importance of preserving family history for future generations. Her business isn't just about photography—it's about serving her neighbors and creating lasting legacies for Harlan families.

Building Memories, One Session at a Time

As Harlan continues to grow and change, Andrea Mae Photography remains a constant—a place where families can pause, connect, and create tangible memories that will last for generations. Whether it's a first-time parent nervously bringing their newborn for photos or a growing family returning year after year to document their children's milestones, Andrea has become an integral part of countless family stories.

"I just love it," Andrea says simply. "It's something that I love providing to people."

In a business built on trust, creativity, and genuine care for her community, Andrea Mae Petersen has created more than just a photography studio—she's built a place where Harlan families can feel at home while creating memories they'll treasure forever.

Ready to capture your family's precious moments? Contact Andrea at (712) 579-5507 or email andreamaephotography@gmail.com to discuss your session. Visit her website to view her portfolio and pricing. Follow Andrea Mae Photography on Facebook for the latest session previews and booking updates. For newborn sessions, contact Andrea as soon as you're ready to announce your pregnancy to ensure your spot during that crucial two-week window after birth.