9 Location Ideas for your Senior Photos
Your choice of location sets the stage for the mood, aesthetic, and overall feel of your portraits.
Whether you choose downtown Portland, a forest setting, or a historic landmark, each location offers its own unique charm and character that should align with your personal style and interests.
Here are my top location ideas in and around Portland. Of course within each category, I can give you many options so that you can choose the perfect one for you!
1. Around the City- bridges, murals, street art, etc
Portland is a beautiful city and perhaps even where you grew up! Having your photos taken in different parts of the city can be meaningful and unique. An urban environment offers so many diverse backdrops, from vibrant graffiti walls to historic architecture which can add depth and character to your photos. Even just the bridges in downtown Portland offer their own special design, city views colors, and aesthetic.
2. Flower Fields
Flower fields are an iconic favorite for senior girls. From peonies, to tulips, sunflowers to lavender fields. Flowers are often associated with growth, renewal, and the passage of time. What better way to symbolize your journey from high school to the next chapter of your life? Make sure you plan for these special locations so that the flowers you love are in bloom at the same time you want your senior session.
3. Near Water
There's something inherently serene about being near water that adds an extra layer of charm to your senior portraits. Plus, the reflective quality of water can add depth and dimension to your images, creating stunning visual compositions. You can even choose to go barefoot for that carefree, boho look. Often there is water near other locations such as fields or forest so you could get two locations in one. I know where these are so make sure to ask me!
4. Indoor Studio
When it comes to senior photo sessions, the allure of an indoor studio cannot be understated. While outdoor settings offer natural beauty and charm, there's something distinctly elegant and versatile about the controlled environment of a studio. Picture yourself surrounded by a various backdrops, from minimalist chic to vintage-inspired settings, each carefully curated to complement your style and personality. Plus, you know it won’t rain on your session day! Studios are great places for unique props and fun outfit changes
5.Store- Record store, bookstore, or coffee shop
There's a certain charm and nostalgia that comes with the concept of a senior photo session in a bookstore. record store or vintage shop. These unique locations can give you ways to express your interests and hobbies whether you’re a bookworm, audiophile or coffee addict. The eclectic decor and cozy ambiance add an extra layer of character to your photos, definitely making them stand out from the crowd. Another weather-proof choice!
6. At a Park
Parks offer a variety of natural backdrops within them—think water, gates, barns, statues, forest, brick features and city views. When you have a session in a park and change your outfits a few times, your photos will looks very different from one another. You get a lot without having to change locations.
7. In a Forest
Choosing a forest for your senior photo session offers the perfect blend of adventure and tranquility. Forests can give off really cool, moody vibes. The shadows and darkness add enchantment and whimsy that can make your photos really special. Plus you may get a little hiking in. I’m down for that!
8. Architectural buildings
A senior photo session in front of old architectural buildings effortlessly blends history with modernity, creating a timeless backdrop for your portraits. It gives romantic, moody, classic and elegant.
9. High School or College Campus
There’s something to be said about the academic vibe of a school campus. It represents the special memories, friendships, and growth that have defined your academic journey. Plus, the familiarity of the surroundings adds an extra layer of comfort and authenticity to your portraits, allowing you to relax and truly be yourself in front of the camera.
By carefully selecting a location that resonates with you, you ensure that your senior photos not only look beautiful but also feel authentic and meaningful. After all, these images are a celebration of your journey and achievements, and choosing a location that matches your style is an important piece in creating portraits that truly reflect the essence of who you are. So take your time, explore different options, and trust your instincts—because when you find the perfect location, your senior photos will become timeless treasures that you'll cherish for years to come.
As a high school senior photographer based in Portland, OR I have photographed in all the places above and I am constantly scouting new, special locations so that your senior photos will look special and different from your friends’.
