A Dreamy Fall Photoshoot in Davenport’s East Village
Some sessions feel like stepping straight into a fairytale, and this one was truly that kind of magic. Tucked up on a hill in Davenport’s East Village — with the river quietly flowing behind us and the trees bursting with the most unreal fall colors — we found the perfect little world for this photoshoot.
We lucked out with one of the last warm days of the year, the kind where the breeze feels soft and the air smells like leaves and sunshine. The whole hillside was glowing. And then… this dress walked into the picture. The puff sleeves, the full skirt, the soft pink color, and the big bow — literally everywhere you looked, there was another bow. I am fully obsessed.
One of my favorite parts of photographing children is watching them naturally fall into their own little worlds. She did exactly that. She set up the sweetest little tea party under a ridiculously vibrant tree, pouring pretend tea for her stuffed friend and adjusting her skirt like the most elegant little hostess. The soft fall light wrapped around her, and the whole moment felt so gentle and pure.
Then came the sunset scramble. I misjudged the sun a bit (cloudy fall days will do that to you!), and suddenly it was getting darker way earlier than expected. We hustled across the park, laughing the whole way, and right then — as if the universe was on our side — the clouds opened up. Warm sun rays peeked through the branches and turned the entire park into a glowing, golden wonderland.
And that’s when the magic really happened.
She twirled. And twirled. And twirled. Her dress fanned out in big, cotton-candy pink swirls, catching the light in the prettiest way. Her bow bounced with every spin, her little shoes kicked up leaves, and her joy was absolutely contagious. There is something so special about capturing movement — the blur of a spinning dress, hair flying back, the kind of smile you don’t have to ask for. Those are the moments people cherish years later.
As the sun dipped lower, the trees lit up behind her like they were glowing from the inside. She danced, paused to laugh, sat in a swirl of pink tulle, and looked every bit like she belonged in a storybook. These are the kinds of photos that feel like childhood bottled up — soft, whimsical, fleeting, perfect.
And honestly, it’s sessions like this that make me so grateful for the East Village. If you haven’t explored this charming little corner of Davenport, you’re missing out. Not only does it have one of the prettiest parks in the Quad Cities, but it’s surrounded by some of my favorite local spots.
If you love dessert (and who doesn’t?), Here’s the Scoop is a must. I swear their unique flavors put them right at the top of my Davenport ice cream list.
Another absolute favorite is Brew — that jalapeño flatbread truly has a grip on me. And then there’s Coffee House, which has some of my favorite coffee in all of Davenport. I always order the white mocha — it’s so good. I’ve even done photoshoots inside, and the whole place is such a vibe: cozy, cute, and warm… basically everything you want in a local coffee spot.
Have you been to the East Village lately? Do you have a favorite shop or go-to spot? I love hearing what other people enjoy in this area!
If these dreamy fall photos inspire you to book your own session — whether it’s for your children, your family, or just a fun, whimsical moment — I’d love to create something beautiful with you. Fall fills fast, so reach out soon to reserve your spot.
Let’s make something magical together. ✨