Top Rated Photographers in West Des Moines, IA (2026)
Choosing the right photographer in West Des Moines, IA can be overwhelming. With 6 photographers operating across the West Des Moines metro area, how do you separate the truly exceptional from the merely adequate? At Photographer Ranked, we analyze publicly available data to rank every photographer on a transparent, editorial basis -- no paid placements, no sponsored rankings.
This 2026 ranking evaluates photographers in West Des Moines, Iowa using aggregate customer ratings across Google and verified review platforms. We reviewed 6 active businesses in the West Des Moines market and selected the top 6 for this list.
By the numbers: Guide Scores on this list range from 11 to 16 out of 100. Updated April 2026.
Each entry below includes the business's Guide Score, star rating, review count, and a data-driven explanation of why they earned their spot. Click through to any profile for the full breakdown including contact information, specialties, credentials, and related businesses in West Des Moines.
The Top 6 Photographers in West Des Moines, IA
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#1 Cherry Chiles Photography 16/100
Ranked 1st among photographers in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Cherry Chiles Photography serves West Des Moines and surrounding IA communities with professional photography services tailored to each client's needs. Their motto: "cherrychiles.com" Located at 206…
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#2 Photography by E 15/100
Ranked 2nd among photographers in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Serving homeowners and businesses in West Des Moines, Photography by E is a dependable photographer in IA. Reach them at (515) 528-9921. Visit their website to learn more about their work. Located at…
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#3 Extreme Photo 15/100
Ranked 3rd among photographers in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Extreme Photo is a photographer firm serving West Des Moines and surrounding areas in IA. Reach them at +15152502969 or email extremephoto@iname.com. Visit their website to learn more about their wor…
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#4 Sanders Photographics 14/100
Ranked 4th among photographers in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Sanders Photographics is a trusted photographer proudly serving West Des Moines, IA and the surrounding region. Their motto: "Sanders Photographics Inc." Located at 728 11th St. Reach them at (515) 2…
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#5 The Proper Collective 14/100
Selected for team of 3 professionals.
Need a photographer in West Des Moines? The Proper Collective is ready to help with your next project. Contact them at hello@thepropercollective.co. Visit their website to learn more about their work…
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#6 Candice Smith Photography 11/100
Ranked 6th among photographers in this market based on overall Guide Score.
Candice Smith Photography brings professional photography expertise to the West Des Moines, IA community. Reach them at +16416400070 or email candicesmithphotography@gmail.com. Visit their website to…
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How We Ranked These Photographers
This list ranks photographers by their aggregate customer rating (Google and verified review platforms). Ties are broken by Guide Score. Only businesses with at least one verified review are eligible.
Data sources include Google Business Profile, professional registries, portfolio sites, press databases, and direct business submissions. Every piece of data is publicly verifiable.
Frequently Asked Questions
How did we rank the best photographers in West Des Moines?
Photographer Ranked ranks photographers using our Guide Score (0-100), a composite metric computed from publicly available data. The score weighs Google reviews and ratings (30%), professional credentials and certifications (10%), press and media recognition (5%), web and portfolio presence (15%), years of experience (15%), profile completeness (10%), and awards (up to 5 bonus points). There is no paid placement -- every ranking is purely editorial.
Who is the #1 photographer in West Des Moines, IA?
As of 2026, Cherry Chiles Photography holds the #1 ranking in West Des Moines with a Guide Score of 16/100. Rankings are recalculated with every data update and reflect the latest available information.
How often is this list updated?
Core data (ratings, reviews, contact information) is re-verified on a rolling monthly cadence. Credentials and awards are audited quarterly. Guide Scores recalculate automatically with every data update, so rankings may shift as new reviews are posted or credentials are verified.
How many photographers are there in West Des Moines?
Our database currently tracks 6 active photographers in the West Des Moines, IA metro area. This list highlights the top 6 based on Guide Score. Browse our full West Des Moines directory to see every listed business.
Can a photographer pay to be ranked higher?
No. Photographer Ranked does not accept payment for rankings. Guide Scores are computed algorithmically from verified public data. Businesses can claim and update their profile with accurate information, but the ranking algorithm treats all profiles equally. Our editorial independence is core to our methodology.
What should I look for when hiring a photographer in West Des Moines?
We recommend evaluating: (1) professional certifications and credentials, (2) verified customer reviews and ratings, (3) years of experience in the West Des Moines market, (4) portfolio quality and range of work, (5) budget alignment with your project scope, and (6) responsiveness and communication style. Our Guide Score weighs these factors so you can compare at a glance.