the malia mears photography

Senior
Experience

for the timeless graduate

Reviews from past seniors, the step-by-step process, and what exactly makes a Malia Mears senior.

lifestyle & editorial

senior portraits

Congratulations, it’s your senior year! This special season marks a time of personal growth, meaningful change, and exciting anticipation of all that is to come! Your senior year is an incredible chapter of your life filled with unforgettable moments and memories that will last a lifetime: cheering on your football team under Friday night lights, celebrating at prom and homecoming, exploring college campuses, and making big decisions that will shape your future.

As your photographer, my primary goal is to capture the best version of you during this exciting season of your life. I would cherish the opportunity to document this major milestone with timeless, editorial, and film-inspired images that reflect your story and style and give you beautiful memories to look back on for years to come!

From our first conversation to your final gallery, I’m here to create an experience that feels both effortless and personal. You’ll be guided every step of the way, so you feel comfortable, confident, and fully present in front of the camera. The end result? A collection of thoughtfully composed, heirloom-quality images that will hold their value and beauty for years to come.
This is more than photography — it’s an investment in your legacy.

I am so looking forward to getting to know you and am over the moon that you thought of me for your senior portraits! I only offer a limited number of sessions from July through April for the Class of 2026 – get in touch to see if we’re a good fit and to start planning your session!

Senior portrait collections begin at $250, with most families investing $450 or more in their full experience.

Inquire to book
What my clients are saying

From start to finish, JP’s experience was exceptional

Malia was patient, and had a great eye for capturing his personality. She made him feel comfortable and relaxed, which resulted in genuine and natural-looking photos. We were very pleased with the final photos. Malia expertly edited them and digital files were of high quality. The turnaround time was also impressive. I highly recommend Malia for senior portraits. She captured this special milestone beautifully!

julie M.

the PROCESS

what to expect

1. Send an inquiry

Kindly fill out the inquiry form on my contact page to see if we’re a good fit. I’d love to learn more about you and what your vision is for your session.

2. Book your date

If we make a good connection and seem like a great fit, I will work to get you on the calendar for a portrait photography session! A non-refundable $75 retainer is due upon booking to hold your date. I book full senior sessions July-April and reserve May for cap and gown minis.

3. Session planning

Once you’re booked, I’m here to help you design the session of your dreams! Prior to your session date, I will touch base about styling, locations, props, themes, etc. to help you get the most out of your scheduled senior photography session.

4. Session day

I generally arrive early to our session location to scout for good lighting and assess crowds. I want you to have fun during your shoot, so please don’t worry about anything other than bringing your outfits, props, etc. and being on time. I will guide you through the rest!

5. Gallery delivery

If you opt to have me select your final photos, you will receive edited sneak peeks within 48 hours of your session. If you choose to select your own photos, you will receive a link to a proof gallery within 48 hours of your session, and sneak peeks within 48 hours of finalizing your selection. The turnaround time for portrait galleries is 3 weeks, but of course, I’m always working to get them to you sooner than that!

6. Print ordering

From fine art prints to gallery boards to heirloom albums, there are several professional-quality print options available to you directly through your online gallery! I am happy to help you choose prints for your home and assist with album design, if desired. This is where you turn your digitals into family heirlooms that can be passed down and cherished for generations to come!

FAQs

Your Questions

answered

All senior packages include a custom, personalized senior experience with an online gallery where you can easily download, share and print all of your fully edited, high-resolution digital images. The Sterling and Estate collections include two outfits, with the option to add on an additional outfit. Each gallery comes with a fully-integrated, professional-quality print shop where you can purchase additional products (fine art prints, magazines, albums, etc.), if desired.

Hair and makeup is not currently included in my senior collections, but is highly recommended to keep your experience stress-free and to help you look and feel like your best self!

I am available for sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings (July-April). Most seniors select their session location from my preferred locations list, but I am happy to shoot at any location within 15 driving miles of Downtown Zionsville. Locations beyond this distance may incur a travel fee.

Your session will start during golden hour, which is when we have the dreamiest, even light! The time will vary depending on the time of year, but expect to start 1-2 hours before sunset.

I will deliver sneak peeks from your session within 48 hours, which you are welcome to share and post on social media. Your final gallery will be delivered within 3-4 weeks from your session date.

What my clients are saying

Malia knew what she was doing and KILLED IT!

Very sweet photographer and had good ideas and inspiration! I was a bit nervous because I did not know much about posing or what to do in front of a camera, but Malia was very sweet and knew what she was doing and KILLED IT!

Georgi M.
The Malia Mears Senior

WANTS MORE THAN JUST PORTRAITS; THEY WANT AN
experience

inquire to book