Senior Photography | Clear Lake, Iowa
I typically lean toward soft and neutral when it comes to just about everything, but looking back through Carly’s senior session may have changed my mind a little. Between the blue walls downtown, bright summer flowers, colorful outfits, and the lake, this entire gallery had such a fun pop of color.
Carly is a Clear Lake senior, so we were able to use so many different locations around town throughout the evening. We started downtown, moved through the gardens, made our way to the beach, and finished in an open field at sunset.
And somehow, every stop looked completely different.
We started Carly’s senior session around downtown Clear Lake, Iowa, where we were able to create plenty of variety within just a few blocks. Her light blue outfit worked perfectly with some of my favorite colorful spots around town, from soft blue walls and ivy-covered backdrops to little tucked-away corners that can completely change depending on the angle.
That’s one of my favorite things about photographing seniors downtown. You really don’t need a huge or elaborate location to create variety. Sometimes the best background is a wall, an alley, or a tiny patch of grass you’d probably walk right past.
Which brings me to one of my favorite photos from Carly’s session.
The photo with the purple flowers looks like we were standing in some huge dreamy field somewhere. Nope. Carly was literally sitting on a curb in a tiny patch of grass in the middle of a parking lot. (Also, a squirrel ran directly under her legs while we were taking it, so there’s that.)
Proof that it really is all about perspective.
From downtown, we headed to Central Gardens of North Iowa, where summer was in full bloom. Between the bright flowers, greenery, and all of the little garden areas, we had plenty to work with, and Carly’s pink outfit fit right in with all of the color.
One of my favorite parts of planning senior sessions is pairing outfits with locations so the full gallery has variety without feeling disconnected. Carly’s session was such a good example of that. Each outfit gave us a slightly different look, but everything still worked together from one location to the next.
Next, we made our way to Clear Lake State Park Beach for a completely different feel. The lake always adds something light and relaxed to a senior gallery, and her floral dress was perfect for photos along the shoreline and in the water.
To finish the evening, we headed to an open field for the last bit of sunset light. After all of the color downtown, flowers in the gardens, and time at the lake, ending somewhere simple and open felt like the perfect way to wrap everything up.
Senior sessions in Clear Lake can include so much variety within one evening. Downtown streets, colorful gardens, the lake, and open fields can all create completely different looks without having to travel far.
Carly’s session was such a fun reminder that a great location doesn’t always have to look impressive from where you’re standing. Sometimes it’s a tiny patch of flowers beside a parking lot, the right angle, and apparently one very bold squirrel.
Brittany Mueller Photography is a senior photographer serving Clear Lake, Mason City, and communities throughout Northern Iowa.
If you enjoyed Carly’s senior session, you might also enjoy these recent senior sessions in Clear Lake.
Alivia’s Senior Session on Her Family Property | Hudson’s Clear Lake Senior Session | Shaelyn’s Clear Lake Senior Session
Clear Lake, Iowa Senior Photos:
If you’re planning your senior photos, I’d love to help create a session that feels like you, with locations throughout Clear Lake, Mason City, and North Iowa.
