If music is part of your story, don’t leave it out of your photos. Des Moines senior portraits with instruments are a powerful way to celebrate your talent and personality.
Your instrument isn’t just a prop—it’s part of your story.
Whether you play violin, trumpet, guitar, or drums, your session can highlight the role music has played in your high school experience—through locations, outfits, and personal touches that reflect who you are. From the Performing Arts Center at your school, to fun urban and nature areas downtown, there no wrong place to showcase your instrument. Jump to the bottom of this blog to see full sessions of seniors featuring all kinds of music “gear.”
At Design Matters Photography, we love helping seniors get creative. If music is part of your story, let’s design a session that feels personal and uniquely you.
Senior pictures aren’t just about yearbook deadlines—they’re about marking a moment in time and capturing everything that makes this season special. The right photographer will not only help you look your best but will also bring out your personality through location choices, outfits, and a relaxed approach that lets you be yourself. From Water Works Park to your school stadium, Design Matters Photography creates senior portraits that stand out.
Highlight Your Musical Side
If music has been part of your high school experience, your senior pictures are the perfect place to celebrate it.
We’ve worked with violinists, trumpet players, cellists, and more—and no two sessions are ever the same. At Design Matters Photography, we love helping seniors come up with unique ideas that reflect who they are.
Your ideas matter—During your pre-session consult, we’ll brainstorm creative ways to personalize your shoot—whether that’s incorporating your instrument, choosing a meaningful location, or bringing along props like sheet music, concert outfits, or even your marching band gear. Every detail is a chance to show your personality, and we’re here to make sure your session feels completely custom.
Creative Inspiration from Real Seniors
Looking for ideas? Here’s how some Des Moines-area seniors have brought their instruments into their sessions:
Vivi – Cello Portraits Downtown Des Moines
Vivi’s cello portraits were taken under the red awning across from the Hessen Haus in downtown Des Moines. The bold color and urban setting created a striking contrast to her classical style.
Michael – Trombones
Michael’s session included his trombone, his trombone shirt, and a great lineup of locations—from the Staplin Performing Arts Center and Historic East Village, and a Gray’s Lake. The mix of music and location variety helped tell his story.
Nathanael – Trumpets and Flugelhorn
Nathanael featured two trumpets and a flugelhorn during a creatively planned session that included Valley High School’s stadium, the Performing Arts Center (PAC), Waterworks Park, and the Court Avenue district. The variety of instruments and locations brought his musical story to life.
Shanel – Guitars & Vocals
Shanel’s session captured her passion for music with acoustic guitar and vocal portraits at the Performing Arts Center, paired with bold studio shots featuring her electric guitar. The combination of stage and studio settings brought out both her performance energy and personal style.
Shreeya – Drum Major with French Horn & Trumpet
Shreeya featured her French horn and trumpet in portraits taken in downtown Des Moines, Waterworks Park, and the Bridge District, reflecting her role as a Waukee High School drum major and passion for music.
Simon – Trumpet, French Horn & Mellophone
Simon’s senior session showcased portraits with trumpet, French horn, and mellophone at Valley High School’s stadium, the Performing Arts Center (PAC), Jamie Hurd Amphitheater in West Des Moines, and near the Temple for Performing Arts in downtown Des Moines.
Great Des Moines Locations for Musical Senior Photos
Several Des Moines locations will pair beautifully with music-themed portraits:
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Waterworks Park – A soft, open backdrop perfect for classical instruments, and a great bridge
- Hoyt Sherman Place – On stage with classic architecture and ornate details works well for theatrical, orchestral, or vocal portraits
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High School Stadium or Auditorium – A way to showcase where your music has happened
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Downtown Des Moines (such as Court Avenue) – Edgy textures and color for jazz or marching band-inspired sessions
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Iowa State Capitol or Law Library – Elegant, formal settings for polished portraits
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Studio Sessions – Clean, dramatic lighting will keep the focus on you and your instrument
Let your talent take the spotlight.
Design Matters Photography will help showcase what makes you unique. If music plays a big part in your life, it should be part of your portraits too. Whether you’re planning just a few meaningful shots or an entire session built around your instrument, your experience will be personalized, creative, and fun from start to finish.
Interested in creating your own Des Moines senior portraits with instruments? Request the Senior Guide using the link below.