How to Choose the Best Senior Photo Location in Des Moines

As a Des Moines and Iowa senior photographer specializing in senior portraits, I love creating images that reflect each senior’s unique style and personality. Your senior year is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone, and your photos should capture more than just a smile; they should tell your story. Whether you’re looking for modern city vibes in downtown Des Moines or natural backdrops, I help make every session fun, stress-free, and completely personalized to you.

1. Downtown Des Moines

Downtown Des Moines offers a variety of backdrops for your senior photos. It could include water by the river, amazing architecture in the buildings, graffiti on the walls, and even parking garages from the stairwells to the rooftop. Des Moines has so much to offer and many different spots to choose from, depending on what you want and what suits your style.

Check out the senior guy guide!

2. Water Works Park

Just a short drive from downtown, you’ll find Water Works park. This park offers bridges, water, lights, and lots of trees for your perfect outdoor nature background. The best time is during April when the cherry blossoms are blooming and you get gorgeous pink and white flowers.

Wondering what to wear? Check out my what to wear for your senior session!

3. Saylorville Lake

Saylorville is only a 15 minute drive from downtown Des Moines, and offers water, trees, prairie, creeks, and ponds all around the lake.

4. Jester Park

Located just 30 minutes from downtown, Jester park offers fields of flower, a wooden path by the pond, and wood trees with a quaint path. Great for outdoor photos, who’s senior wants multiple backgrounds.

How to Choose the Best Location for Your Senior Photos

The best location is one that matches your personality and style. Whether you love an urban downtown vibe, open prairie fields, colorful flowers, or peaceful lakes, choosing the right backdrop helps create authentic images. During your consultation, we’ll discuss your interests, outfit choices, and the overall look you want, so we can select the perfect location for your senior photos in the Des Moines area.

Want to know more? Take a peek at my high school senior page!

Ready for senior pictures that reflect your style? Schedule your session today.