What to Expect from a Senior Photo Session with a Local Photographer Near You

If you've been Googling “senior photographer near me” and feeling a little overwhelmed by all the options — take a deep breath. Booking your senior photographer is more than just checking off a box on your senior year to-do list. It’s about finding someone who understands how to capture you — your style, your personality, your once-in-a-lifetime milestone.

As a Des Moines senior photographer who works closely with each client, I hope this blog post encourages you to look past the first local name that pops up and really consider who’s the best fit for your session. Whether you're a parent planning ahead or a soon-to-be senior who's excited (and maybe a little nervous), here’s what you can expect from working with a local senior photographer who’s all about personal, standout images — and a fun, stress-free experience to match.

Step 1: The Introduction Chat

Before we even start talking about dates, locations or outfits, we’ll hop on a quick call to get to know each other. I’ll ask questions about your activities and any ideas you already have about what you want to include in your session.  We will discuss dates and seasons that are available and match your style so we can narrow down when you want to book your session.

I will also walk you through what to expect in my process - the steps that are included and additional ways you can customize your session to make it truly YOU.  This is your chance to ask questions, and if you are still shopping around for a photographer I am happy to answer questions about how my sessions compare to other photographers you are considering.  I cover your session options (I have 3 main senior sessions) - length, number of outfits, and number of locations.  We discuss your print options that are available to order from your session images - albums that are custom designed, wall art that elevates your images, and photos printed on beautiful fine art paper that turn your session into your own personal artwork.

Step 2: The Planning Meeting

Once you have selected a date, we schedule a planning meeting for your session.  This is where we will start talking locations, outfits, and get more specific on what you want for your pictures. I’ll ask questions about your personality, what you love (or hate) about being in front of the camera, and the vibe you’re going for. Are you more bold and editorial? Soft and classic? Somewhere in between?  

This is where I learn how to plan a session that feels genuinely like you — not cookie-cutter or overly posed. Because let's be honest: you're not just “a senior.” You’re you, and that deserves to be captured with intention.  No worries if you don’t have answers to all the questions.  After a decade of photographing high school seniors, I know how to help you define what you want for your senior pictures to make them reflect your true personality.

Step 3: Outfits, Locations, and All the Good Stuff

Once we’ve had our planning call, I take everything you’ve shared — your vibe, your must-haves, your personal style — and build a session plan that ties it all together. This is where things get fun and detailed.

I’ll double-check location availability to avoid surprises like festivals or road closures (because nothing kills the mood like a food truck rally in your backdrop). From there, we’ll finalize your outfit choices — pieces that flatter, photograph beautifully, and feel like you. I’ll guide you through how to mix textures, choose colors that pop, and make sure your outfits complement your shoot locations.

Speaking of locations, as a local Des Moines senior photographer, I’ve got a roster of hidden gems — bold backdrops, natural light pockets, and everything in between. Whether you want downtown energy or something more serene, I’ll make sure your locations match the mood of your session. But I’m always open to your ideas too — this is a collaboration, after all.

When you work with an experienced senior photographer near you, you don’t have to worry about what looks good or what time the light is best. I’ve got that covered. No more Pinterest overwhelm — just a clear, personalized plan that lets you show up feeling confident and ready.

Step 4: The Session Day — Laid-Back, Fun, and Fully You

Senior sessions are meant to be fun, not forced. I’ll guide you through poses that feel natural and relaxed (no stiff smiles or hand-on-hip overload here), while playing music, moving around, and keeping things light.  I keep the focus on fun and you throughout the session.  Many of my clients have commented on how enjoyable the session experience was - even the seniors that didn’t want to have pictures taken in the first place.

“Working with Jenny Adams Photography was a fantastic experience. She made the process of preparing and getting photos done so easy. She listened to my daughter and made her photo shoot dreams come true. All the photos were so beautiful it made picking our favorites the most difficult step in the process.”

The energy is easygoing and supportive — even if you’ve never had professional photos before, you’ll walk away feeling like the rockstar that you are.

Step 5: The Big Reveal

A couple of weeks after your shoot, we’ll meet to go through all your best images. This is where we select your favorites and design custom artwork — from beautiful, custom designed albums to gallery wall pieces — that turn your photos into something you’ll actually enjoy every day, not just scroll past once and forget.

Your images are meant to be experienced, not just stored in a drawer or buried on your hard drive.  Plus, I do all the work for you so all you have to do is enjoy the final product!

Why Working with a Local Senior Photographer Matters

When you hire a local senior photographer, you’re not just supporting someone in your community — you’re also working with someone who knows the area, the light, the seasons, and the little behind-the-scenes tricks that make a huge difference in your final gallery.

As a professional high school senior photographer based in Des Moines, I’ve spent years refining the experience so that every client walks away feeling seen, celebrated, and stylish (without lifting a finger to figure it all out on their own).

Ready to Chat?

Whether you're searching for a “senior photographer near me” or you’ve refined your search criteria, I’d love to chat. You can schedule a no-pressure intro call (i.e. - step 1) to get all your questions answered — and start dreaming up a senior session that’s as unique as the person in front of the camera.  And if I’m not the right photographer for you and your family - I’d be happy to recommend local options that fit your needs.  I want you to have beautiful senior photos that you will cherish for a lifetime.

Because this year is big. Your senior photos should be, too.