Hot Takes + Highlights

Jaimy Ellis in a black shirt and cap is taking photos with a camera equipped with a large lens downtown Iowa City.

How I Help You Feel Comfortable in Front of the Camera (Even If You Hate Photos)

Feb 04, 2026

Let’s get this out of the way first.If you’re thinking:“I’m awkward in front of the camera”“I’m not photogenic”“I never like photos of myself”Cool. You’re normal.Most seniors feel exactly like that, especially if past photos felt stiff, forced, or just… not you. My job isn’t to turn you into someone else. My job is to help you feel like yourself and actually enjoy the process along the way. You Don’t Have ...

Why Most Headshots Fail (and How to Fix Yours in One Session)

Jan 28, 2026

If your headshot isn’t getting responses, opportunities, or traction — it’s not you. It’s the photo.And in 2026, that matters more than ever.Between LinkedIn profiles, casting platforms, company websites, conference bios, and AI-powered search previews, your headshot is often the first (and sometimes only) impression people see. Algorithms scan it. Humans judge it. Decisions happen fast.Most headshots fail because they’re created without strategy. The good news? ...

My Senior Session Framework: From Booking to Final Artwork

Jan 06, 2026

If you’re Googling “senior photographer near me” and feeling overwhelmed by options, I get it. I’m Jaimy Ellis, a senior photographer based in Iowa City, and I work with families across Eastern and Central Iowa, including Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and the Quad Cities who want senior photos that feel confident, modern, and genuinely personal.This post walks you through my Senior Session Framework—not as a checklist, but as a guided experience. It’s the same ...

Person sitting on a chair, wearing a black shirt and white pants, with a relaxed pose in a well-lit space.

How Much Do Senior Photos Cost in Iowa City? (And What Impacts Pricing)

Dec 10, 2025

Senior photos in Iowa City typically range from $600–$3,000+, depending on the photographer’s experience, session length, editing style, and whether you want digitals, prints, or artwork. I specialize in bold, high-impact senior portraits with a personalized, stress-free experience. Senior photo pricing in Iowa City is all over the place, you’ll see everything from a couple hundred dollars to a few thousand, depending on the photographer and what they include. That range ...

Moody, Mysterious and a Little Badass

Oct 30, 2025

Spooky Season Senior Photo Inspo Forget the pumpkin patches and basic fall sweaters, spooky season is your time to bring the drama. If cozy autumn photos aren’t really your thing, this is your sign to lean into your dark-main-character era.Whether it’s eerie fog, shadowy lighting, or an outfit that screams confidence with a touch of mystery, moody portraits hit different. And guess what? You don’t need fake smoke bombs or vampire fangs (unless you want them 😉). You just ...

The Holy Trinity of Senior Photos (Grandma Approved, Insta Certified)

Sep 15, 2025

When you book senior photos, you’re not just getting a bunch of pretty pictures you’re building a collection of images that will live on walls, graduation announcements, and yes… even your grandma’s refrigerator. So, let’s break down the three types of photos every senior needs in their gallery:1. The “Grandma Shot”You know the one. It’s a close-up, smile-at-the-camera portrait that’s a little more traditional. Perfect for the yearbook, ...

From Summer to Senior Year: The Style Shift That Happens in Fall

Aug 18, 2025

From Summer to Senior Year: The Style Shift That Happens in FallSummer sessions are all about breezy dresses, denim cut-offs, and carefree energy. But when the calendar flips to September, something changes, both in style and in vibe. Senior year officially feels real, and your wardrobe gets a little more bold, a little more layered, and a lot more expressive.That’s exactly why I love September sessions: the style shift.More Variety = More PersonalityIn summer, it’s hot. Most ...

High School senior picture of a female with a blond bob and bangs wearing a white sun dress in a field of yellow and purple flowers with flowers behind her ear.

Unpopular Opinion: Golden Hour is Overhyped

Jul 30, 2025

Let’s just get this out of the way:I hate golden hour.There, I said it. The time of day that’s hyped endlessly on Pinterest boards and photography blogs? Not my thing. While golden hour might be a favorite for many photographers, I’m not here to follow the crowd, I’m here to create senior pictures that are bold, vibrant, and you. And golden hour just doesn’t cut it for that. Here are the main reasons why:1. Golden Hour Doesn’t Match My StyleYou’ve ...

Senior girl wearing layered outfit and accessories for her senior pictures.

What to Wear for Senior Pictures: Your Ultimate Style Guide

Jul 16, 2025

Senior pictures are all about showing off who you are, right now, in this once-in-a-lifetime season. So when it comes to what to wear, it’s not about impressing anyone else. It’s about celebrating YOU. Whether you're edgy, classic, colorful, sporty, or somewhere in between, your outfits should reflect your vibe while keeping things comfy and confidence-boosting.Let’s break it down with some no-BS style advice to help you slay your senior session:1. Variety Is Your Secret ...

5 Senior Photo Myths Busted

Jun 19, 2025

Let’s be real: Not every high school senior lives for the camera. And with social media full of filters and selfies, it’s easy to think that senior portraits are unnecessary, outdated, or just not your vibe.But here’s the truth: These photos are for you to celebrate who you are right now, before everything changes.If you’re a high school senior in Iowa City, or anywhere, really, you’ve probably seen a million photos online and thought: “Do I even ...