Makenzie grabbed lunch from Sweet Kayle, spread a gingham blanket on the lawn at Dunnegan Memorial Park, and ate a grilled sandwich with a green smoothie looking out at the pond. Shoes off. Socks still on. No other plans.
Spring around Bolivar brings new leaves, flowering trees, and more evenings to spend outside. Makenzie used part of hers for a picnic. You can build photo plans around something you want to do, too.
What Spring in the 417 Looks Like
Redbuds, flowering pears, and dogwoods add color around town as the season changes. What is blooming depends on the week and the weather. If there is a flower or tree you hope to include, we can check on it while planning your session.
Session timing changes through spring as the days get longer. An open field and a wooded path will also have different light, so we’ll choose the time with your location in mind.
Bolivar has open ground, tree cover, and downtown buildings within a short drive of one another. If you want more than one setting, we can work out what fits your session before you pack.
Rural spots around Polk County can offer budding trees and open fields. We’ll choose somewhere we have permission to use, with room to take photos away from traffic. Wildflowers can stay growing in the background.
Spring Photo Spots Around Bolivar and the 417
Dunnegan Memorial Park
Dunnegan has open lawn, trees, paths, and a pond. You can bring lunch, walk a bit, or pick a spot to sit. If your photo shoes are better for standing still, bring a pair for walking between stops.
The Bolivar Square
Brick buildings, storefronts, doors, and steps give us places to stop downtown. Ellaina’s senior session on the Bolivar Square shows some of those settings.
Stockton Lake
If you want water and shoreline in the photos, we can look at a spot at Stockton Lake and plan the drive. Conditions and access will help us choose where to go.
Sophie and her friends made a senior road trip to Stockton Lake. They laughed through the session and stepped in the mud more than once. An extra pair of shoes has its uses.
SBU Campus
The Southwest Baptist University campus has lawns, pathways, and flowering trees. If you have a connection to SBU or like that setting, we can check photo access.
What to Wear for a Spring Photo Session
Cream, white, florals, or earth tones are options to try with spring greenery. You can also bring the colors you wear all year. Lay out your clothes with the shoes and accessories so you can see the whole outfit.
A denim jacket or cardigan gives you a layer to take on and off between pictures. It can also come in handy when the air cools down.
The senior picture outfit ideas guide has more outfit combinations across seasons.
Spring Senior Photo Ideas for the 417
You might bring sports gear, an instrument, a book, or a picnic lunch. A hobby gives us something to plan around while choosing the location.
Ellaina and Tessa wore cream and red floral dresses for their BFF session at Dunnegan Park. They kicked off their shoes and went barefoot in the grass. If you want to try that, we’ll check the ground first, and your shoes can stay close by.
For more ideas built around your interests, see senior session ideas for the 417.
What to Expect at a Spring Photo Session
We’ll confirm the session length, location, and meeting time for your booking. If you want more than one stop, we’ll include travel time in the plan.
Jordan Brittley Studio is at 112 South Springfield Ave in Bolivar. Dunnegan and the Square are local options, while a lake visit needs more travel time.
Bring water, a light jacket, any accessories you want to swap, and shoes for walking. Lip balm can earn a spot in the bag, too.
We’ll give you direction during the session and take time to move between the pictures you want. Tell us if you need a break or want to try something.
Choosing a Spring Date
Look at school, practice, work, and graduation plans while choosing a date. If you hope to catch blooming trees, tell us early so we can talk about the weather and a backup plan.
An indoor session is another option to discuss. Flowers, linens, and a spring color palette can be part of a studio setup if that is the look you want.
Check the weather and rescheduling terms for your booking as we plan. We’ll confirm any change together before you head out.
You can see senior portrait session information and available booking options when you’re choosing your date.
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