Des Moines Senior picture location idea

Waterworks Park Offers Endless Variety for Stunning Senior Sessions.

Water Works Park is one of my favorite locations for senior pictures because it offers everything from bridges and wooded trails to open fields and beautiful golden hour light.

Senior portrait on the historic bridge at Waterworks Park in Des Moines
Waterworks Park senior pictures on the historic iron bridge
Close-up senior portrait on the Waterworks Park bridge
Waterworks Park senior pictures during golden hour
Senior portrait in the grassy meadow at Waterworks Park

If you’re just starting to plan your session, learn more about senior pictures in Des Moines, how the process works, and how we’ll choose locations that fit your style before exploring everything Water Works Park has to offer.

Senior portrait by the river at Waterworks Park during Golden Hour
Senior picture on the Waterworks Park bridge
Senior portrait with french horn in Waterworks park grassy field
Colorful cultural dress for Waterworks Park senior pictures

Just a few minutes away from the bustle of Court Avenue in downtown Des Moines, Waterworks Park is a secluded spot with a variety of options for your senior session. From twirling in a flowy dress to posing with a french horn (see Shreeya’s Senior Session), there’s no shortage of great photo opportunities, including the historic iron bridge along the walking/bike path.

Senior portrait under Waterworks park bridge
Senior riding a bike at Waterworks Park at Golden Hour
Senior portrait near water at Waterworks Park
Senior musician portrait at Waterworks Park with flugelhorn

You can sit by the river, bike down a path, or pose with your flugelhorn. (see Nathanael’s Senior Session) Whatever your interests, Waterworks Park offers plenty of variety to create senior pictures that feel like you.

Senior portrait sitting on the Waterworks Park bridge
Senior portrait Spider-man pose in the grass at Waterworks Park
Vivi's senior pictures during golden hour in Waterworks park
Senior portrait on the historic bridge at Waterworks Park

Vivi’s Session included the bridge, nature areas, and golden hour photos. (see Vivi’s Senior Pictures)

Athlete senior portrait on the Waterworks Park bridge
Waterworks Park senior pictures during early fall
Senior portrait in the wooded trails at Waterworks Park

Yandel’s Session was in early fall when the leaves were starting to change, giving us a great mix of green with the start of fall yellows. (see Yandel’s Senior Pictures)

Senior portrait by the Waterworks Park flower gardens
Close-up senior portrait at Waterworks Park
Girl Senior Pictures in golden hour light at Waterworks Park
Senior portrait of a girl standing in the grassy fields at Waterworks Park

The fountain at the park’s entrance is surrounded by vibrant seasonal flowers—from spring to late summer, it’s a picture-perfect spot to add a pop of color to your senior photos! [See What’s the best season for senior pictures?

Friends during a golden hour senior session at Waterworks Park
Senior portraits by the Waterworks Park fall flower beds
Friends walking across the Waterworks Park bridge

Golden hour lighting through the trees makes the perfect backdrop to any session. The seasonal flowers by fountain near the entrance get darker in the fall, matching the rich earthtones of the season.

Ready to Start Planning Your Senior Pictures?

Waterworks Park is just one of many great senior picture locations in Des Moines. Request my Senior Guide for more location ideas, planning tips, and everything you need to get started.

More Senior Picture Locations in Des Moines

Explore the East Village, Water Works Park, World Food Prize, and the Iowa State Capitol to find a style that fits your session. Planning your session? Learn more about senior pictures in Des Moines to get started.