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 Style
You’ve probably noticed my work is bright, punchy, and full of life. I specialize in vibrant colors, natural skin tones, and clean contrast that shows off your style and personality—not a yellowy glow that softens everything into sameness.
Golden hour bathes everything in warm light. That might sound dreamy… but it also means orange-tinted skin, less color accuracy, and a golden cast that just isn’t me. I want your skin to look like your skin, and your outfit to pop like it was meant to, not get washed in amber.
2. I Can Still Get That Glow Without the Weird Yellow Tint
Want sun-drenched images? Great! I can absolutely deliver that without waiting for the last 45 minutes of daylight. Late afternoon or early evening light still gives us gorgeous, directional light with plenty of glow minus the unnatural tones.
Plus, I know how to use light, both natural and artificial, to make magic happen at any time of day. That means more flexibility for you and better consistency for your final gallery.
3. Your Time Matters (And So Does Mine)
This is my full-time gig...my "day job"...not a side hustle (no shade). And while I love what I do, I also fiercely protect my evenings for my family. I only work late a couple of times a week and I reserve those slots for View & Order appointments, so you don’t have to miss school for them.
That’s why I always start senior sessions around 2pm, even if it means missing a little school (trust me, it’s worth it). You get my full attention, the best light for my style, and a session that feels relaxed and fun—without rushing to beat the sunset.
4. Golden Hour is Overhyped, Let’s Do What Actually Works
If golden hour fits someone else’s vibe? Cool. But your senior pictures should be about you, not about following trends. You deserve portraits that feel personal, powerful, and unique, not like you were just another face in someone’s "sunset presets" folder.
Want to see what a full session of vibrant, true-to-you senior pictures looks like without the golden glow? Check out these featured sessions:
Raya - Bold, Fashion-Inspired Iowa City Session
Ava - Iowa City Summer Session: Urban, Nature, Sports
Cam - Urban + Parking Garage + Football
Want a peek at what a real senior session looks like behind the scenes?
Check out this behind-the-scenes blog post to see exactly how I make magic happen with vibrant light, expert posing, and your unique vibe leading the way.
Ready to book a session that skips the trends and focuses on YOU?
Let’s make it official →
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