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 process I use with every client, designed to remove stress, build confidence, and end with finished artwork you actually enjoy living with.
Who This Senior Photography Experience Is For
This experience is a good fit if:
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Your senior wants photos that feel like them, not a trend
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You want clear guidance instead of guessing your way through decisions
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You care about quality, longevity, and how images are displayed
I regularly work with seniors from:
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Iowa City and Coralville
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Cedar Rapids and Marion
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Des Moines and surrounding Central Iowa communities
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The Quad Cities (Davenport, Bettendorf, Rock Island)
- Mount Pleasant, Fairfield and Oskaloosa
Many families drive an hour—or more—to work with me. They’re not looking for the closest photographer. They’re looking for the right one.
Step 1: Booking Your Senior Session (Clarity from Day One)
Booking happens online, and once you’re on my calendar, the pressure drops.
From the start, my goal is to make this feel organized and intentional—not rushed or confusing.
After booking, you’ll receive:
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A welcome email with clear next steps
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A detailed questionnaire so I understand your senior as a person, not a pose
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Prep guidance so nothing sneaks up on you last‑minute
This step sets the tone. You’re not just reserving a date, you’re stepping into a fully guided process.
Step 2: Styling & Vision Consultation (Where Confidence Starts)
About two weeks before the session, we meet for a styling and planning consultation—either at my Iowa City studio or virtually for families coming from farther away.
This is where the experience really shifts.
We’ll talk through:
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Outfit choices that photograph well and feel comfortable
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Locations that fit personality, not Pinterest pressure
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How to balance multiple looks without overdoing it
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Product options and pricing, explained clearly and upfront
Parents often tell me this is the moment they finally exhale. Seniors usually leave excited instead of nervous. That’s not accidental, it’s built into the process.
Step 3: Senior Photo Session Day (Fully Directed, Never Awkward)
Session day is relaxed, upbeat, and fully guided.
Your senior doesn’t need to know how to pose. That’s my job.
During the session, I:
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Direct every pose and expression
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Mix editorial, classic, and natural moments
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Adjust the pace so nothing feels forced
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Capture behind‑the‑scenes content and sneak peeks
This is where I see the shift happen from tentative smiles to real confidence. It’s one of my favorite parts of the job.
Step 4: Image Selection & Ordering (No Overwhelm Required)
About two weeks later, we meet again to view the images together.
This is not a link tossed into an inbox. It’s a guided image selection and ordering appointment.
You’ll:
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See fully edited images
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Get help narrowing favorites (yes, it’s hard)
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Design wall art, albums, and graduation products intentionally
This step is how images go from "I love these" to "I’m so glad we did this." Nothing gets lost on a hard drive.
Step 5: Final Artwork & Digital Delivery
Once selections are finalized:
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Digital images are delivered through an online gallery
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Artwork is produced using professional, archival labs
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Finished pieces are ready to enjoy and display
Families walk away with:
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Images their senior genuinely loves
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Artwork that feels meaningful, not generic
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A process that felt calm, supportive, and well‑run
Why Families Travel to Work With Me
I don’t offer quick mini sessions or one‑size‑fits‑all packages.
I specialize in full‑service senior photography—from planning to finished artwork.
Families from Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and the Quad Cities often tell me they chose me because:
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Their senior felt comfortable being themselves
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They wanted guidance instead of pressure
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They valued finished artwork, not just digital files
Location matters. Experience matters more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How far in advance should we book senior photos?
Most families book 6–9 months ahead, especially for summer and fall sessions. Availability is limited to keep the experience personal.
Do you work with seniors outside Iowa City?
Yes. I regularly photograph seniors from Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and the Quad Cities.
Do you help with outfits and posing?
Yes. Styling guidance and full posing direction are built into every senior session.
Ready to Plan Your Senior Session?
If you’re looking for bold, confidence‑building senior photos and a photographer who guides you every step of the way, I’d love to work with you.
👉 View session options and availability by clicking the button below.
I’m based in Iowa City and serve seniors across Eastern and Central Iowa, including Cedar Rapids, Des Moines, and the Quad Cities.
No guesswork. No awkward poses. Just a senior experience done right.