Natalie’s session was such a joy from start to finish. She is genuinely one of the kindest people, and that warmth came through in every part of her senior session. We designed her shoot to include a variety of locations and styles so her photos would reflect all the different sides of her personality — classic, relaxed, and full of life.
For seniors in the Des Moines area, this is exactly why planning a customized session matters. With the right amount of time and thoughtful location changes, we can create a gallery that feels dynamic and completely personal.
Studio Portraits to Start: Clean, Classic, and Timeless
We began Natalie’s senior session in the studio, focusing on clean and classic portraits. This setting allowed us to capture polished images that will never go out of style — the kind parents love and that look incredible framed or included in graduation announcements.
We also incorporated a slightly business-professional vibe here, which added a confident, forward-looking feel. These portraits are a great way to celebrate not just finishing high school, but stepping into what comes next.
A Softer Side Outdoors (With Her Dog, Of Course!)
After the studio, we headed to private property for a completely different look and feel. Surrounded by wildflowers and natural textures, we leaned into softer light and a more relaxed style.
Natalie also brought her dog along, which made this portion even more personal. Including pets is always a favorite for senior sessions — they’re such an important part of life, and they instantly bring out natural smiles and candid moments.
Downtown Variety in Des Moines
One of the best parts of Natalie’s All Inclusive session was having the time to explore downtown and add an urban feel to her gallery. Shooting in multiple locations gave us the opportunity to create a completely different energy from the earlier parts of the day.
Iowa Women of Achievement Bridge
This location added strong architectural lines and a modern backdrop, creating bold, confident images that contrast beautifully with the softness of the earlier outdoor portraits.
Robert D. Ray Asian Garden
We wrapped up with portraits around the garden, where the textures and scenery brought in another unique look. It’s a peaceful space that photographs beautifully and gave us yet another layer of variety within the same session.
Why Location Changes Make Senior Sessions So Special
Natalie booked the All Inclusive Senior Session, which gave us enough time for multiple outfits and locations. That flexibility is what allowed us to accomplish so much and create a gallery filled with different moods and styles.
Switching locations during a senior session helps:
- Capture different aspects of your personality
- Add variety without feeling rushed
- Create a full, storytelling-style gallery
- Give you both timeless portraits and fun, expressive images
- Make the experience feel like an adventure rather than a quick photo stop
The Result: A Session That Felt Completely “Natalie”
From studio portraits to wildflowers to downtown cityscapes, Natalie’s session was the perfect example of how a customized senior experience can reflect who you truly are. Every stop gave us something new, and together they told the story of this exciting season of life.
That’s the goal for every senior I photograph — not just beautiful images, but a collection that feels personal, meaningful, and uniquely yours.
Looking for a Des Moines senior photographer who can create a session tailored to your style?
Let’s start planning a senior experience that captures every side of who you are.
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