The Des Moines Senior Photography Experience
Senior year only happens once, and honestly? It deserves more than a digital download link.
From your very first phone call to the moment your portraits arrive at your door, every single step is planned, personal, and completely taken care of.
Not sure where to start? That’s exactly what the free Pre-Booking Consult is for.
We’ll chat about your senior, walk through the whole process, and answer every question you have before you commit to anything.
Senior Photo Gallery
Take a look at some recent Des Moines senior sessions to get a feel for the experience and style.
THE SENIOR EXPERIENCE
Here’s how it all works.
I know that senior pictures can feel like one more thing on an already full plate.
The goal with every single session I do is to make sure they don’t feel that way at all.
From helping coordinate outfits to scouting the perfect locations, guiding every pose so no one ever has to wonder what to do with their hands, and even bringing a pop-up changing tent so your senior isn’t changing in their car or hunting for a not-so-clean gas station bathroom, I’ve thought of everything so you don’t have to.
What you get at the end isn’t just a folder of digital files. It’s portraits that actually look like your senior on their best day, beautifully produced and ready to display in your home.
What to Expect From Your Senior Photo Experience
1. Get in Touch.
Reach out on my contact page and we’ll schedule a quick call so we can get to know each other and start planning your session.
2. Plan Your session.
We’ll meet either in person or via Zoom to go over everything together so your session feels easy and stress-free. From choosing the perfect locations to coordinating outfits and planning the overall look and feel, we’ll cover it all!
3. Enjoy your session!
On the day of your session, you can relax and have fun! I’ll guide you every step of the way (you won’t have to wonder what to do with your hands) so you feel confident, comfortable, and completely yourself.
4. Choose your favorites.
About 2 weeks after your session, we’ll meet for your Ordering Appointment where you’ll view the proofs in a custom slideshow and I’ll help you select your favorite photos. Together, we’ll design artwork that fits your home and your style, whether that’s an album, a wall portrait, or a custom collage.
Most families choose a collection that includes both digital images and printed artwork, and I’ll guide you through everything so it feels simple and stress-free.
5. Receive Your Order.
Once everything is finalized, your order will be professionally produced and personally delivered, ready to be enjoyed in your home for years to come!
If you’re ready for a personalized, stress-free senior photo experience, let’s start planning.
WHAT SENIORS AND FAMILIES ARE SAYING
-
![Young woman in a yellow dress standing in a field of yellow flowers during sunset, with a tree and a river in the background.]()
"Wendy did an outstanding job as the photographer for my daughter’s senior pictures, making her feel at ease and capturing her personality beautifully. The session was fun and relaxed. She understood and delivered exactly what my daughter envisioned; the final photos exceeded our expectations. We were so impressed with her previous work on our family portraits that we hired her again. Thank you, Wendy!"
Stacey P., Des Moines, IA
-
![Senior girl with long blonde hair, wearing a white dress, sitting on her horse.]()
Wendy is such an amazing person and a phenomenal photographer!! She did my senior pictures this past summer and they turned out absolutely stunning. She was so so easy to work with and was very helpful executing my ideas with different poses and angles! Thank you again so much Wendy, I couldn't have asked for a better photographer to take my senior photos ❤️❤️
Anna, Class of 2026, Urbandale, IA
-
![A young man with brown hair wearing a dark blue zip-up jacket and khaki pants stands in a field of tall, dry grass under a cloudy sky. He looks to the side with a contemplative expression.]()
"Wendy did a fantastic job! We had her take our son's senior pictures and a few family pictures as well. She had some great ideas for poses and location. We had a very hard time picking as there were so many great shots. I would highly recommend Wendy if you are looking for a photographer."
Lorrie R., Adel, IA
-
![High school senior girl wearing a green boho styled dress in a grassy field in Des Moines, Iowa.]()
"Wendy did an excellent job with my senior photography session! She was so prepared with different lenses, poses, lighting styles, and locations and I absolutely LOVE the photos!! She helped me feel comfortable in front of them camera, which made the session so much more fun. I would highly recommend her to anyone needing senior pictures!
Alexis, Class of 2025
-
![Senior guy sitting on stairs next to a brick wall in central Iowa.]()
“Wendy is amazing and makes the whole process easy. I always find it overwhelming to select pictures for print or to put in an album. She has done both of our sons’ senior pictures. She meets with you to help you narrow down your selections and I know I can trust her from there to arrange the album perfectly to tell our story. I highly recommend Wendy - you will not be disappointed!”
Kristyn A., Council Bluffs, IA
-
![Senior girl wearing white sweater with arms crossed by colorful tree with red berries.]()
"Wendy took care of us in every way and treated my daughter as though she were taking pictures of her own daughter. I couldn’t help but notice how much she cares. As caring, gentle, and thoughtful as Wendy is, her photography may be even more extraordinary. We ended up with so many beautiful pictures that it was nearly impossible to choose ‘the one’, but there was one that was so stunning I know we will be happy to have it on our walls for years."
Chris M., Urbandale, Iowa
-
![Senior guy wearing gray suit with blue and pink striped tie with hands in pockets.]()
"My son is an introvert and was not keen on having senior pictures. Wendy was PERFECT for him as she met with him and gave him a chance to share his vision. This made him comfortable and the execution of this vision with Wendy’s care and professionalism led to beautiful keepsakes that will last a lifetime. I love the products that will last and are easy to display and enjoy."
Rilee N., Urbandale, Iowa
-
![Senior girl in purple shirt sitting on wooden bridge in central Iowa.]()
“I started this process not knowing where to start or how to proceed for a senior photo session. Wendy kept us on track and informed for the whole process. My daughter doesn't like having her picture taken and was not an easy, typical senior session. Wendy went above and beyond to make sure my daughter was comfortable and having fun. I was blown away with Wendy and her commitment to my daughter and her photos! She should be your first stop for any photos!”
Robin J., Ankeny, Iowa
-
![A young man with blonde hair smiling, standing with arms crossed in front of a dark gray wooden wall, wearing a blue checkered shirt, navy bow tie, and beige pants.]()
"Wendy did an amazing job with our grandson's Sr. pictures. She helped him feel comfortable and at ease so his poses were relaxed and natural. The only hard part of the whole process was picking our favorites. Thank you Wendy!"
Nikki W., Grimes, IA
Schedule a no-pressure consult - learn how your full-service senior session works and plan your perfect experience.
Heirloom Artwork For Your Home
Someday soon your baby will be graduating and moving on.
Off to college. The workforce. The military. Getting their first apartment.
A beautiful portrait on the wall will help it seem like they’re just a little bit closer.
From stunning framed wall portraits to heirloom albums that you can flip through on those days when you miss them the most, let’s decorate your home with artwork that celebrates your senior and all they’ve achieved.
Take a look at how your images can live in your home.
Senior Photography Pricing
Collections begin at $1300
A $325 Creative Fee is due at the time of booking to reserve your session. This includes your session, a pre-session style and planning consultation, professional image preparation, and your personalized ordering appointment.
Digital images and artwork are NOT included in the Creative Fee and are purchased separately after your session. Most families choose a collection that includes both digital images and printed products, and I’ll guide you through all of the options so it feels simple and never overwhelming.
I offer a curated selection of custom artwork including heirloom albums, framed prints, and gallery-wrapped canvases that are designed to be enjoyed in your home for years to come.
Senior Photography FAQs
How much does a senior photographer in Des Moines cost?
Prices for senior photography in Des Moines can vary depending on the experience and what’s included. I offer a full-service senior photography experience that includes planning, your session, and a guided ordering appointment. Most clients choose to invest in both printed products and digital images, with collections starting at $1300.
What is included in your senior photography experience?
Your senior photography experience includes personalized planning with a Pre-Session Consultation, your custom photo session, and a guided in-person ordering appointment where you’ll select your images and artwork. Every step is designed to feel simple, supportive, and tailored to you.
What is a full-service senior photography experience?
A full-service senior photography experience means you’re guided from start to finish, so you never have to figure things out on your own. From planning your session to choosing your final images and artwork, everything is designed to be easy, personalized, and stress-free. You have enough things to worry about, that’s why I’m here!
-
I focus on a full-service experience that includes both printed products and digital images. While digital images are available, the goal is to help you walk away with something tangible so your photos can be enjoyed every day, not just stored on your phone or computer.
-
I recommend bringing a variety of outfits (typically 3-5) that reflect your personal style, including both casual and dressy options. During your consultation, I’ll help you choose outfits that photograph well and coordinate with your locations.
-
Sessions can take place at a variety of beautiful locations throughout the Des Moines area, from natural outdoor settings to more urban environments. We’ll choose locations together based on the look and feel you want for your photos.
-
Yes! I photograph sessions throughout the Des Moines metro area, with most locations included. For destinations a bit farther out, a travel fee may apply.
-
Most seniors book their session several months in advance, especially for prime summer and fall dates. Booking early ensures you get the best timing for your schedule and preferred season.
-
This is the fun part! At your ordering appointment, you’ll see your images for the first time and I’ll guide you through selecting your favorites. I’ll help you choose the best images and design products like albums or wall art, so you don’t feel overwhelmed trying to decide on your own.
-
You’re definitely not alone - most seniors feel this way at first! I’ll guide you through natural posing and expressions so you feel comfortable and confident. My goal is to make your session relaxed and fun, so your personality comes through in your photos.
-
Weather-related challenges like rain or wind are a valid concern! I watch the forecast like a hawk and will stay in touch with you if any changes are needed. If the weather isn’t ideal, we’ll simply choose a new date that works for both of us so you can have the best possible experience.
-
I do. In addition to high school senior portraits, I’m happy to photograph college grads too! Sessions are often held on campus, and for locations outside the Des Moines area, a travel fee will likely apply.
PRESS & FEATURES
I’ve been recognized as a Des Moines Parent Family Favorite and a 2025 Community Votes West Des Moines winner, and my seniors have been featured in several national senior photography publications including Senior Style Guide, Senior Muse, Senior Year Magazine, Senior Luxe, and SeniorSZN. With 11+ years of experience photographing seniors throughout the Des Moines metro, including Waukee, West Des Moines, Ankeny, Johnston, Urbandale, and Grimes, I bring the experience and genuine care that families in this community have come to trust.
Inquire About Your Senior Session
I can’t wait to hear from you!
Senior year is such a special season, and your photos should reflect that. I’d love to work with you to create a personalized, stress-free experience from start to finish.
As a general guideline, most families invest between $1800 and $4000+ on custom artwork and digital images.
I’ll walk you through every step so you feel confident choosing what’s right for your family.
I’d love to hear more about what you’re envisioning!
~ Wendy