Summertime: the season when love seems never too far out of reach, nature’s twinkle lights roam the midwestern skies (love ya, little fireflies!) and when a good cold drink (lemonade, sweet tea, or Sonic limeade!) is always on your mind. Summer happens to be my favorite season, and the BEST time of year to take those senior photos you’ve dreamed about for the past 3 years at the local high school!

Just imagine planning the perfect session, snagging mom’s credit card (with permission!) to buy that perfect summer dress to wear, having a blast with your favorite photography (hopefully me!) and then getting to pick out your favorites to post on Instagram (duh!) and submit to the yearbook. But first… you have to decide all those details! Like location, outfits, themes, and just what exactly you want to do for this illustrious evening.

Look no further, friends. I’ve got a little blog post here just for you. Some ideas, a few photos to inspire you, and more on my Pinterest account! I’m so excited about the 2020 seniors shooting photos in the upcoming weeks with me. We’ve already talked about incorporating smoke bombs, the Iowa State Fair here in Des Moines, and an early morning shoot a field of flowers. What is NOT to love!? But first… some unique senior photography ideas!

1. Incorporate part of your life. That may mean taking photos out in the fields in your favorite ballet costume like Sara, stopping by your workplace for a few photos (like Lydia did a few summers ago, when she worked at the Ames Municipal Pool!) or snapping sunset photos with the horse you’ve ridden since you were 12. Bonus: You can also incorporate your future. If you’re heading to nursing school in a year, bring scrubs and a stethoscope!

2. Think like a Teen Vogue art director! Maybe you want to spend most of your senior session playing dress up one last time. ;) Want a downtown, fashion inspired shoot? We can make it happen. Are you obsessed with Stranger Things? Dress up like Nancy or Eleven, and grab your retro bike for an 80’s themed photo shoot! (I seriously hope somebody takes me up on this, cuz I’M obsessed!)

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3. Take it on the Road. Who says you have to stay local? Let’s travel to your favorite location! Plus, roadtrips are more fun with friends… so let’s pack the car up and do a few of your bestie’s seniors in a sweet location! Need ideas? Just ask! (A nautical themed session on a boat or cabin at Clear Lake, or overlooking the scenic river and hills in Galena are just two attainable ideas.)

What’s your favorite of the three ideas listed above!? Leave me a comment! I’d love to know. And be sure to email me here if you’re interested in setting up your own senior photo session. I have a few spots left and would love to dream up something classy, crazy, and 100% YOU.

<3 Amelia