One of the questions I get asked most often by high school seniors in Des Moines, Kansas City, and throughout the Midwest is: “Can we go to multiple locations?”
My answer is always the same: absolutely. In fact, that’s exactly why I created my Icon Senior Session experience.
Your senior year is about so much more than one outfit, one location, or one version of who you are. It’s a celebration of everything you’ve worked for, everything you’ve become, and everything you’re dreaming about next.
Riley’s senior session is the perfect example of what happens when we build a session around you.
Starting Where Her Story Began
We kicked off Riley’s senior session at her high school’s tennis courts.
As a dedicated tennis player, this location wasn’t just a backdrop, it was a huge part of her story. We captured a mix of action shots and posed portraits, highlighting the sport that played such an important role in her high school experience.
One of my favorite things about senior photography is incorporating the activities, passions, and accomplishments that make each senior unique. Years from now, these images won’t just remind Riley what she looked like during her senior year—they’ll remind her of everything she accomplished.
Soft Summer Light at Brenton Arboretum
Next, we headed to the beautiful Brenton Arboretum near Des Moines.
The shift in scenery completely changed the feel of the session. Surrounded by nature, soft light, and open spaces, we created images that felt timeless, romantic, and effortlessly beautiful.
The movement in the trees, the golden light filtering through the landscape, and Riley’s natural confidence in front of the camera all came together perfectly.
This portion of the session offered a softer side of her personality and added another layer of variety to her final gallery.
Downtown Des Moines Senior Photos
From there, we traded nature for city streets and headed into downtown Des Moines.
The Western Gateway area and the Pappajohn Sculpture Park are some of my favorite locations for seniors who want a modern, editorial feel to their images. Every corner offers a different texture, backdrop, and opportunity for creativity.
We wandered through the area looking for interesting light, architecture, and unique compositions. As the sun disappeared, we pulled out flash and created some dramatic nighttime portraits that felt straight out of a magazine.
Honestly? We were having so much fun that we ran out of time before we ran out of ideas.
That’s one of the reasons I love these extended senior experiences. We never have to rush creativity.
Day Two: Studio Senior Portraits
Since we had even more ideas to bring to life, we wrapped up Riley’s session the following day. We did a few more outside where we ended the evening and then headed into the studio!
Studio portraits offer something completely different from outdoor photography. With simple backgrounds and controlled lighting, the focus stays entirely on the senior.
We started with classic, timeless portraits that will never go out of style.
Then Riley changed into scrubs to celebrate her plans to pursue a career in the medical field.
This is exactly why I love including personal interests and future goals in senior sessions. Senior year isn’t just about looking back—it’s also about looking forward.
These images tell the story of where Riley has been and where she’s headed next.
What Makes an Icon Senior Session Different?
Riley’s session perfectly showcases why the Icon Senior Session is my most comprehensive senior photography experience.
In just one senior gallery, we captured:
- Athletic photos on the tennis court
- Soft nature portraits at Brenton Arboretum
- Urban downtown Des Moines senior photos
- Flash and nighttime images
- Studio portraits
- Career-inspired photos celebrating her future goals
That’s a level of variety that simply isn’t possible in a shorter session.
No two seniors have the same story, which is why no two Icon Sessions look the same.
Whether you’re a student athlete, musician, artist, dancer, future doctor, entrepreneur, or a little bit of everything, we’ll create a session that reflects who you are right now.
Senior Photography in Des Moines, Kansas City, and Beyond
I photograph seniors throughout Des Moines, Kansas City, and across the Midwest, creating customized senior experiences designed around each student’s personality, interests, and goals.
My philosophy is simple: your senior photos should never look like anyone else’s.
Your locations, outfits, activities, and overall experience should be tailored specifically to you.
Because senior year only happens once.
And your photos should tell the complete story.
If you’re looking for a Des Moines senior photographer, Kansas City senior photographer, or a senior photography experience that goes beyond the ordinary, I’d love to help bring your vision to life.
Let’s create something unforgettable.
Ready to start planning your senior session? Visit www.maggiegphoto.com to learn more about the Icon senior session experience and begin designing a session that’s completely your own.
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