Senior Portrait Location: Beaches, Parks, Downtown, and More

How to Choose the Best Senior Portrait Location for Your Senior Portrait Session

Choosing the right senior portrait location is one of the most exciting (and sometimes overwhelming!) parts of planning your senior portrait session. The setting you choose plays a huge role in how your photos feel and look—it helps tell your story, highlight your personality, and give variety to your gallery. To make things easier, here’s a quick guide to four popular types of senior portrait locations, along with tips on how to decide which one fits you best.

And don’t worry—you don’t have to figure this out alone. All of my clients receive a 43-page Senior Style Guide, packed with helpful information to walk you through every step of preparing for your session. It even includes a list of possible locations, so you’ll have plenty of inspiration to choose from when deciding what feels most like you.

1. Beaches

If you love golden sunsets, wide-open skies, and a relaxed vibe, the beach is a classic choice. Think soft sand, crashing waves, and glowing light that makes portraits feel dreamy and timeless. Beach sessions work especially well if you enjoy a more natural style or want a touch of coastal elegance. Just keep in mind that wind and humidity can play with your hair, so plan your outfits and hairstyles accordingly.

2. Parks

Parks offer endless variety—lush greenery, flowers, trails, and sometimes even bridges or fountains. They’re perfect if you want a mix of polished and casual looks. Parks are also a great option for seniors who want a versatile background without traveling too far. Depending on the season, you can capture spring blooms, summer greens, or fall leaves, each giving your photos a unique feel.

3. Downtown

Want an urban, modern edge to your photos? Downtown locations provide character and style with brick walls, murals, colorful doorways, and unique architecture. This setting is ideal for seniors who want their portraits to feel bold, vibrant, and fashion-forward. You can also mix in casual shots walking down the street or leaning against a storefront for a natural city vibe.

4. More Options

Don’t forget to think about locations that are personal to you—like your school campus, a sports field, a coffee shop, or even your own backyard. These places add meaning and make your portraits feel authentic to your story. Beyond the everyday, consider spots that carry special memories or represent your future. For example, an airport can be a powerful backdrop if you’re passionate about travel, aviation, or if flying is part of your career plans. Likewise, family land—whether it’s a farm, a favorite fishing spot, or simply the place where you’ve spent countless holidays and gatherings—can add a layer of history and sentiment that makes your photos truly one of a kind. By weaving these personal locations into your session, your senior portraits will capture not just how you look, but who you are and what matters most to you.

Final Thoughts

There’s no “right” location—it’s about finding what feels most like you. Many seniors choose more than one setting so they can capture different sides of their personality. Whether it’s barefoot in the sand, surrounded by flowers, or striking a pose downtown, your senior portrait location should reflect your unique style and the memories you want to treasure.

And remember, my Senior Style Guide is designed to take the guesswork out of the process so you can feel confident, prepared, and excited when it’s time for your session!

Ready to plan your senior portrait session? Let’s choose the perfect location and create portraits that truly reflect your personality and style. Every client receives my 43-page Senior Style Guide packed with outfit tips, prep advice, and a full list of location ideas to make planning easy.

Email me at april@aprilgraysonphotography.com or fill out my contact form HERE to reserve your spot—I can’t wait to start planning your dream session!