Find the Right Locations for Your Senior Pictures
Choosing Senior Picture Locations in Des Moines
There isn’t one ‘best’ location for senior pictures in Des Moines—this guide helps you explore different styles and find what fits you.
Use this guide as inspiration—your locations can range from urban streets and architecture to parks, water, and more unique spots. During your pre-consult, we review your locations, outfits, ideas, and activities so everything is planned before your session.
If you want a quick starting point, explore the Top 6 senior picture locations in Des Moines. You can also browse complete senior sessions to see how different locations come together.
Outdoor Senior Picture Locations
Outdoor locations with trees, water, paths, bridges, and seasonal flowers. Many of these areas offer multiple backgrounds within a short distance, making it easy to get variety in one location. These spots also work well for golden hour senior pictures.
Locations:
- Water Works Park (nature, bridge, flowers, fountain)
- World Food Prize (garden and architecture)
- Gray’s Lake Park (nature, lake, bridges)
- Southwoods Park
- Red Pagoda
- Seniors Pictures on Bridges
- Bridges by Name
- Raccoon River Park
- Greater Des Moines Botanical Garden
- Des Moines Art Center (outside of building architecture, and rose garden/nature area behind the building)
- Pappajohn Sculpture Park
Urban Senior Picture Locations
Downtown Des Moines offers storefronts, brick, murals, alleys, and textured backdrops, especially in areas like East Village, Court Avenue, and Valley Junction. These backdrops are concentrated within a few blocks, so you can move quickly between spots and get a range of looks.
Locations:
- East Village
- Court Avenue District
- Valley Junction
- West End Architectural Salvage
Styles:
- Brick walls / alleyways / industrial textures
- Murals in Des Moines (list of locations)
- Senior pictures with murals
- Railroad tracks
- Senior Pictures with Murals
- Downtown skywalks and parking garages
Classic Outdoor Architectural Senior Picture Locations
Outdoor locations with historic, classical design and formal structure. These spaces include columns, stonework, arches, and symmetrical layouts, often paired with landscaped grounds.
Locations:
Style:
Indoor Architectural Senior Picture Locations
Indoor locations with historic, classical architecture and formal structure. These spaces include columns, balconies, arches, and layered backgrounds that create depth and consistency.
Locations:
- Iowa State Capitol
- Capitol Law Library
- Hoyt Sherman Place
- Temple for Performing Arts
- Salisbury House & Gardens
Less Expected / Unique Locations
While some of these locations are very specific, the goal is to use them as inspiration—think about what’s meaningful to you and how your interests can shape your senior pictures.
Featured Locations:
- Heritage Carousel at Union Park
- Smokey Row Coffee House
- American Dream Machine
- Frisbee Golf Course at Southwoods Park
- Woodland Cemetery
Make It Your Own:
- Laundromat
- Arcade / game room
- Record store
- Local bookstore or library
- Your hobbies, interests, or everyday spaces
Senior Pictures for Sports, Activities & Music
Sessions focused on what you’re involved in during high school—whether that’s sports, music, or performing arts. These are photographed in the spaces where you practice or perform, highlighting the activities that are part of your day-to-day life.
Activities & Settings:
- Sports (fields, courts, stadiums)
- Show choir / performing arts
- Band (instruments, rehearsal or performance spaces)
- Orchestra (violin, cello, etc.)
- Theater / stage / dressing room
Featured Locations:
Related Ideas:
Tools for Senior Picture Planning
Simple resources to help you plan your senior pictures—from what to wear to what to bring. These guides walk you through the details so you know what to expect going into your session.
- What season is best for senior pictures?
- What to wear for senior pictures
- Props to include in your senior session
More location resources
Now let’s plan your senior pictures
This guide gives you ideas, but your session is built around you. During your pre-session consult, we review your locations, outfits, and interests—giving us a chance to brainstorm and create a plan that fits your session.
Everything is decided before your shoot so you can show up confident and ready.