Skylar Doak Photography

06/14/2026

One of my favorite parts about photography is getting to reconnect with people who have been part of different seasons of my life. 🤍

Getting to spend the evening with an old friend & her sweet little family on top of capturing these moments together was such a reminder of why I love what I do. The little laughs, the cuddles & chaos, the love doesn’t have to be perfectly posed to be beautiful. Family photos are about preserving this season exactly as it is, because these are the moments you will want to remember years from now. I am absolutely obsessed with this session and very grateful that I got to document these memories for them!!

06/06/2026

Consider this your official Skylar Doak Photography guide to looking and feeling amazing at your senior session.

If you have ever thought:

“What do I wear?”
“How many outfits should I bring?”
“Will this photograph well?”
“Can I wear color?”
“Do I have to wear a dress?”

Then this post is for YOU.

After photographing so many seniors throughout the Quad Cities (and beyond because yes, I will travel!!), I have learned one thing: The outfits that photograph the best are almost never the trendiest, most expensive, or most Pinterest-perfect outfits. They’re the outfits that make YOU feel like YOU. I know that sounds cheesy but hear me out...

If you are uncomfortable, it shows. If you are constantly pulling your dress down, adjusting straps, fixing shoes, or worrying about whether an outfit looks right, it is hard to relax. And when you are not relaxed, your photos can feel stiff.

Buttttt when you are comfortable? That’s where the magic happens! That is where the genuine smiles happen. That is where the laughs, movement, twirls, running through fields, dancing in parking garages, and all those fun candid moments come from.

Also, can we talk about COLOR for a second? 🌈

Because if you have followed me for more than five minutes, you know I absolutely LOVE pops of color.

A bright dress.
A bold pair of shoes.
A colorful bouquet.
A fun jacket.
A vibrant top.

Color brings life into your images and helps your personality stand out. Do not be afraid of it.

And before anyone asks... no, you do not have to wear a dress to have amazing senior photos. One of my favorite outfit combinations will probably always be a cute top and jeans because there are so many ways to make it your own.

My biggest piece of advice?
Wear the outfit that makes you excited.
The one you put on and immediately think:

“Yep. This feels like me.”

Because years from now, I do not want you looking back at your senior photos thinking, “Why was I trying to dress like someone else?”

I want you looking back and remembering exactly who you were during this season of life.

Swipe through for all my favorite outfit tips, styling advice, and little tricks I’ve learned over the years. 🤍

06/03/2026

This is from a couple session from the last two weeks of school in Cedar Falls that I have finally just been able to get around to!! I love couple sessions 😁

05/29/2026

Last Senior Session with Eden! 🎓
Next Stop —> New Beginnings 🦅💛

05/12/2026

My freshie roomie is graduating college 🥹🥹 I had the honor to do her grad photos!!

05/02/2026

It’s grad season!!! Book now 🤭 (inquires through my LinkTree in bio)

P.S. I am very slow to answer currently, due to wrapping up my busy semester in school.

Fun Fact: I took this photo last week and started learning how to edit through Lightroom Classic with it, for a class project! (I am no where near being close to done with this project but I am determined to stay focused and an academic weapon, per usual….. with many many breaks….also per usual!

02/03/2026

Hi hiii!! I have spent this year at UNI in Dance Marathon helping raise money for the Iowa Stead Family Children’s Hospital, connecting with miracle families, and being inspired by the hope that the hospital provides. I just had the opportunity to hear the Schroeder family story, their son Austin (nicknamed “Flash”) received treatment and care at the Stead Family Children’s Hospital. Flash was number 22 in all sports he played throughout his life, and sadly passed when he was just 15 years old. In honor of Flash and his positive attitude through his hard fought battle, would you be interested in donating $22?

A fundraising page for Skylar Doak

01/13/2026

Kenadi and Brayden 🧡🍁
Two posts in one week?!! I have been slacking on keeping you guys updated with my work recently. Here are some fall throw backs - absolutely obsessed with these!!

01/11/2026

Happy Senior Sunday! Woo woo to the new year…GRAD YEAR!! 🎓 While I do miss this warm weather, this time of year is filled with so much excitement as my seniors only have a few more months until a lifetime of new beginnings 💙

12/23/2025

I am so thrilled to share these beautiful moments from Olivia’s engagement session! As a family friend, it was truly special to capture the love and joy between Eric and Olivia in such a heartfelt way. Every smile, every glance, every little detail tells a story, and I am honored to have preserved these memories for them to cherish forever.

To celebrate the start of a new upcoming year, I am excited to offer a special sale—50% off all outdoor sessions booked between January 8th and 17th! It is the perfect chance to create your own unforgettable moments with beautiful natural backdrops at half the price.

If you are interested or want to learn more about this limited-time offer, just send me a message. 🙃 Let’s capture these fun moments in 2026 with photos that speak from the heart 💙