Grace's Linn-Mar Senior Session | Track, Cross Country & Wanatee Park


Some senior sessions are built around beautiful locations. Others are built around a student's story.


Grace's session was definitely the second.


We started at the Linn-Mar stadium, where she laced up her tennis shoes and stepped onto a track that has been part of her life for years. Between practices, meets, and all the work that happens long before race day, track has been a big part of her high school experience, so it only made sense to start there. We even got to spotlight some of her medals she has earned along the way.


One of the things I enjoy most about senior sessions is finding ways to include the activities that have shaped a student's high school years. As a high school teacher, I've seen firsthand how much time, dedication, and heart students pour into the things they care about. Those interests become part of their story.


After spending some time at the stadium, we headed to Wanatee Park to highlight another important piece of Grace's life: cross country. Instead of simply finding a trail for photos, we photographed near trails she actually enjoys running. Those small details matter. Years from now, she'll remember these places, not because they were chosen for a photo session, but because they were already part of her life.


From there, the session took on a different feel. Grace traded her uniform for a flowing burnt orange dress, and we wandered through a patch of wildflowers that seemed to appear at exactly the right time. The colors were beautiful, but what I noticed most was how comfortable she had become. The beginning of a senior session often feels a little different than the end. By this point, she wasn't thinking about the camera anymore. Later, she changed into a short white dress before finishing the evening in jeans and a white sleeveless top near the tall grass and concrete bridge.


By the end of our session, the light was starting to soften, and everything seemed to slow down a little. Those final portraits ended up being some of my favorites from the evening. Not because of the location or the outfit, but because they felt so natural.


Looking through Grace's gallery, I'm reminded why I encourage seniors to make their session personal. The photographs tell a much richer story when they include the places, activities, and experiences that matter most.


Grace's session wasn't just about senior pictures. It was about documenting a season of life that has been shaped by miles on the trails, time on the track, and all the moments in between.


Grace, thank you for spending the evening with me and trusting me with such an important milestone. I can't wait to see where your next chapter takes you.


If you're looking for a Linn-Mar senior photographer or planning senior photos in Cedar Rapids, Marion, or the surrounding Eastern Iowa area, I'd love to help create a session that reflects who you are and what matters most to you.


Redhead woman in rust maxi dress twirling through green wildflower field.
Young female track athlete smiling with bronze medals and pink ribbons wearing a New Balance uniform at a stadium.
Young female athlete in red jersey and black shorts stands confidently with arms crossed on a path surrounded by lush green trees.
Woman in flowing red dress walks through lush green wildflower meadow at dusk with trees in background.
Young female track athlete sits cross-legged on red running track in white New Balance uniform, smiling.
Smiling young woman in red dress sitting in a sunny wildflower meadow, resting her head on her hand.
Female athlete in red Lions track uniform smiling over shoulder on red running track.
Young woman in a red dress smiling in a sunny green field with wildflowers in the background.
Young woman with auburn hair smiling while tucking hair behind ear outdoors.
Young woman in red outfit crouching on a tree-lined road surrounded by lush green foliage.
Young woman in red athletic tank and black shorts walks on a tree-lined road on a sunny day.
Smiling young woman in white sundress standing in lush green garden.
Smiling female athlete in white INN-MAR tank top proudly displaying bronze medals on pink ribbon at track.
Young woman in white sundress stands in tall green grass field with hands clasped behind her back.
Young woman in white top and jeans leaning on a stone bridge railing at golden hour with lush green fields behind.
Woman in red dress standing in a lush green meadow surrounded by tall trees on a cloudy day.
Smiling young woman in red Ann-Mar athletic tank top standing on a tree-lined road with arms crossed.
Young woman with red hair in white sundress smiling outdoors in lush green garden setting.
Smiling athlete in track uniform sitting on a red running track with pink shoes nearby.
Smiling teenage girl with long brown hair sits on white stone ledge in jeans and white top outdoors.
Young woman in red dress smiling in wildflower meadow at golden hour.
Young woman with long brown hair lying in lush green meadow grass wearing white dress and sandals.
Smiling teenage girl with red wavy hair in a white top and jeans posing outdoors near green trees.
Young woman in rust red dress smiling in a green field at golden hour, hands resting on her chest.
Young woman in white dress touching necklace, smiling softly outdoors with green bokeh background.
Young woman with red hair sitting outdoors in jeans and white top, smiling warmly at camera in natural green setting.
Female athlete poses at Linn-Mar Stadium track, holding an award in athletic wear.

Ready to plan your senior session?


The seniors I photograph get so much more than a yearbook photo. Their sessions often include the places, activities, and experiences that have shaped who they are, and that's what makes them meaningful.


If you're looking for a Cedar Rapids senior photographer and want a session that reflects who you are right now, I'd love to help you start planning.

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Need ideas on how to select your senior session locations? Check out this recent blog:


How to Choose a Senior Portrait Location That Actually Means Something