BLOG - Iowa City Senior & Headshot Photographer

Hot Takes + Highlights

In these blog posts you won't just find pretty pictures... you'll find helpful information and a glimpse at what it's like to work with me, why I love what do, and how I make a photo shoot feel fun and effortless.

Woman with red hair lying on grass, wearing sunglasses, floral top, and denim skirt, surrounded by pink flowers.

How I Choose Senior Photo Locations That Actually Fit Your Personality

March 5, 2026

One of the most common questions seniors and parents ask when planning senior pictures is:“Where should we take them?”If you start scrolling Pinterest, you will see thousands of location ideas.Fields. Brick walls. Wildflowers. Parking ramps. Downtown streets.It can quickly feel overwhelming.Here is the good news. You do not have to figure that out on your own.One of the biggest parts of my job as a senior photographer is helping choose locations that match your senior’s ...

DIY Headshots vs Professional: What AI and Recruiters Can Tell

February 26, 2026

Let’s just say it.If you’re still using a cropped wedding photo, a car selfie, or an AI-generated headshot… it’s not fooling anyone.And in 2026, it’s definitely not fooling recruiters...or AI.Your headshot isn’t just seen by people anymore. It’s scanned, filtered, and processed before a human ever decides if you look credible. That tiny circle on LinkedIn? It carries more weight than most people realize.So let’s break this down honestly.TL;DRIf ...

Senior girls sitting in a bunch of orange fall leaves on a brick sidewalk downtown Iowa City.

Best Time for Senior Photos in Iowa

February 18, 2026

Iowa City, Cedar Rapids, Quad Cities, Dubuque and Des Moines. TL;DRWant flexibility, wildflowers, and zero chaos? → Book June–August.Want peak fall color and that soft sunset glow? → Book late September–October.Waiting until spring of senior year? → That’s the “we ran out of time” era.Now let’s actually talk about it.Why This Is a Bigger Deal Than You ThinkOne of the most common questions I get asked is "When is the best time for senior ...

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)

February 4, 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)

January 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

January 6, 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)

December 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

October 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)

September 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

August 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 ...