One of my favorite things about planning senior sessions is creating an experience that feels completely personal.
For Charolette, that meant blending two locations she absolutely loved to create a gallery that felt romantic, timeless, and just a little whimsical.
We started at the historic Clark Tower near Winterset before ending the evening surrounded by blooms at Pepperharrow Farms. Together, the two locations created a gallery filled with variety while still feeling beautifully cohesive.
If you’re looking for senior photos in Des Moines or Kansas City senior photography and dreaming of something beyond the ordinary, here’s a look at what we created together.
A Storybook Beginning at Clark Tower
Our evening began at one of the most unique senior photo locations in central Iowa: Clark Tower near Winterset.
From the moment Charolette stepped out in her floor-length navy silk dress, the vision came to life.
The rich color paired perfectly with the historic stone architecture, creating images that felt elegant, moody, and almost cinematic.
Clark Tower has so many incredible backdrops packed into one location, allowing us to create multiple looks without ever leaving the grounds.
Stone Architecture with a Romantic Feel
We started by photographing around the tower itself, making use of the beautiful limestone walls, stone bridge, and winding pathways.
These images have a timeless quality that almost feel pulled from the pages of a classic novel.
One of my favorite details from this portion of the session was Charolette’s fan, which added beautiful movement and a subtle vintage feel to the photographs—especially as we wandered through the hedge maze.
Small personal touches like this can completely elevate a senior gallery while making it feel even more unique.
Soft Greenery & Hidden Garden Vibes
While Clark Tower is known for its architecture, I also love the lush green spaces surrounding the property.
We explored open lawns, tucked-away corners, and the hedge maze before Charolette changed into a relaxed jeans outfit.
Even with a completely different wardrobe, the greenery tied everything together while creating a softer, more natural feel before heading to our second location.
One location. Two completely different moods.
Ending the Evening at Pepperharrow Farms
Our next stop was one of Charolette’s favorite places: Pepperharrow Farms.
Whenever possible, I love incorporating locations that already mean something to my seniors.
Not only does it make the session feel more personal, but it also creates memories they’ll want to revisit long after graduation.
With rows of colorful flowers, charming pathways, and beautiful evening light, it was the perfect place to slow down and simply enjoy the moment.
Casual, Joyful & Full of Summer
For our first set at Pepperharrow, Charolette kept things simple with jeans and a classic white tank.
The outfit fit the setting perfectly.
We wandered through the flower fields, photographed with the charming bicycle tucked among the blooms, and soaked up the last golden rays of sunlight.
These images feel effortless, joyful, and full of everything we love about an Iowa summer.
Golden Hour in the Flowers
As the sun dipped lower, Charolette changed into a white dress, and the entire session took on an even dreamier feel.
Golden light poured through the flower fields as she wandered among the blooms, picking flowers and enjoying the quiet beauty of the evening.
These are the moments I love most.
They’re relaxed.
They’re genuine.
And they don’t feel overly posed.
Just a senior enjoying one unforgettable summer evening before stepping into the next chapter of life.
Every Senior Session Should Feel Personal
What I love most about Charolette’s gallery isn’t just the beautiful locations.
It’s how every part of the evening reflected her personality.
The timeless elegance of Clark Tower.
The peaceful beauty of Pepperharrow Farms.
The little details she chose to bring.
Together, they created a gallery that feels uniquely hers.
That’s exactly how I approach every senior session.
Whether your vision includes downtown streets, flower fields, your favorite hobby, a studio session, or somewhere that’s meaningful to you, we’ll build a session around your story—not someone else’s.
Planning Your Own Senior Session?
If you’re a Class of 2027 or Class of 2028 senior looking for a Des Moines senior photographer or Kansas City senior photographer, I’d love to help create a session that reflects who you are.
We’ll start by talking through your ideas, your style, and the places that feel most like you. From there, I’ll create a personalized plan—from locations and outfits to a timeline that makes the most of the light—so all you have to do is show up and enjoy the experience.
Senior year only happens once. Let’s create something unforgettable.
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