FAQs

Earlier is always better.

I photograph seniors one per day, only on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and prime dates tend to book several weeks (sometimes months) in advance—especially for summer and fall sessions.

If you have a specific season, timeframe, or split-session plan in mind, I recommend booking as soon as you’re ready so you have the most flexibility with dates.

Once a date is booked, it’s gone.

The studio is located at 132 1/2 E Washington St. in the middle of Downtown Iowa City, but most senior sessions happen on location, not inside the studio.

Being downtown is actually a huge plus. It gives us easy access to a wide variety of looks—urban textures, alleys, architecture, nearby green spaces, and great light—without spending the entire session driving from place to place. It also makes planning flexible and efficient, especially for sessions that include multiple outfits or locations.

What if we don’t live near Iowa City?

No problem at all. Many of my seniors come from surrounding areas, and I’m happy to travel for the right location. If your senior has a spot that feels meaningful—whether that’s closer to home, a favorite park, or somewhere that fits their personality—we can absolutely plan around that.

Travel outside the Iowa City area may include a mileage or travel fee, depending on distance, and that’s always discussed during the planning process so there are no surprises.

Wherever we shoot, the goal is the same: choosing locations that feel like you and make the session relaxed, fun, and worth the investment.

Life happens—and sometimes, so does the weather.

If something unexpected comes up, just reach out as soon as possible. As long as I have enough notice, I’m happy to move your session to the next available date. Because I photograph a limited number of seniors each week, new dates are always subject to availability, but I’ll do my best to accommodate.

When it comes to weather, I keep a close eye on the forecast leading up to your session. If conditions aren’t ideal—heavy rain, extreme heat, or anything that would negatively impact the experience or the final images—we’ll make a call together and reschedule if needed.

Your retainer is non-refundable, but it does transfer to a rescheduled date within the same senior year.

First...stop it, there is no such thing as un-photogenic.

Second...You have nothing to worry about, I got you. 

My job is not to expect you to know how to pose, where to stand, or what to do with your hands. I guide every part of the session—from movement and posture to expressions—so you never feel awkward or unsure.

Most seniors start out a little nervous (totally normal), and within minutes they’re relaxed, confident, and having fun. I work at your pace, create an inclusive, judgment-free environment, and adjust everything to what feels natural for you.

You don’t need to be a model. You just need to show up. I’ve got the rest.

Yes—this is a big part of what I do.

After booking, you’ll receive guidance to help you start planning outfits, and we’ll schedule a styling consultation where we go through clothing options, accessories, and overall vibe together. I’ll help narrow things down so outfits photograph well, feel comfortable, and actually look like you.

You don’t need to have a fashion plan going in. I’ll guide you through it step by step so nothing feels overwhelming.

Check out this blog post for more tips on senior picture outfits What to Wear for Senior Pictures

Is hair and makeup included?

I don't include professional hair and makeup in senior sessions because it’s 100% up to you how you want to show up in your photos. I want you to look and feel like YOU in your pics and if that means simple hair styling and minimal makeup…I’m down. If you are the kind that wants to go full glam…go for it! DIY your look or go pro or meet in the middle.

Your artwork credit is real money already built into your session—not a coupon or a gimmick.

After your session, you’ll come back for an in-person image viewing and ordering appointment where you’ll choose your favorite images and decide how you’d like to enjoy them. Your included artwork credit is applied directly toward albums, wall art, prints, or ePortraits (high resolution digital images).

This means you’re not paying a session fee and then starting from zero. A portion of your investment is already working for you toward finished artwork you’ll actually use and love.

After your session, we’ll meet back at the studio for an in-person viewing and ordering appointment. This is where everything comes together and it’s honestly one of the most fun parts of the experience.

We’ll start by watching a slideshow set to music, where you’ll see your senior’s finished images for the very first time. It’s a relaxed, emotional moment that lets you take everything in before making any decisions.

From there, I’ll walk you through the product options and answer any questions. Then we’ll go through the images together, narrowing things down and selecting favorites in a guided, low-pressure way. I’ll help you compare images, choose what works best for your home, and decide how you want to enjoy them; whether that’s wall art, albums, prints, digital images, or a combination.

There’s no rushing and no guessing. I guide the entire process so ordering feels easy, enjoyable, and intentional.

For a closer look at specific products, sizes, and examples, you can explore the full product guide below.

View the Product Guide