How to choose the perfect location

A lot of planning and thought go into your senior pictures. One of the bigger decisions that will influence the vibe is the location(s) you choose. Let me help! Here’s my advice when it comes to picking the perfect location for your own senior portraits!

Pick a location that has some variety

You don’t want a one-trick pony type of location. Sure, a field is pretty, but it will fall a little flat if you’re doing your whole session there. Make sure the location you choose has multiple points of interest so your images have variety.

If you choose a natural location, make sure that it has at least two to three of the following: field, flowers, bridge, water, beach, a structure, steps, garden, stone wall, barn, tall grasses, or an interesting pathway.

The following images are all taken at the same location, Matthaei Botanical Gardens.

City or urban locations are easier to get variety. The following images were all taken within one block in Kerrytown, Ann Arbor.

Pick a location that feels like “you”!

I ask my seniors where do you feel most comfortable? Does the color, energy, and texture of a city or urban area excite you? Or do you feel more at home in gardens, near water, or fields? Or (surprise third option) do both of these types of locations feel like you in different ways?

These are your senior pictures, so choose a location or locations that represent your personality! This could include a location that has a mix of different vibes, like the session below in Northville. Or you may want to consider a location that means something special to you. I once shot a senior in an ice cream shop she’d been going to ever since she was little. I’ve also traveled up north to a senior favorite vacation town.

And, of course, sports could be a big part of your childhood or high school experience, which could lead to a location option.

Talk to your photographer

Let your photographer know if there is a feature that is important to you so they can help with suggestions and tips. I have specific locations I recommend for different things like; senior’s who would like to get into water, seniors who would prefer a vintage vibe, seniors who want flowers, etc.

Don’t stress too much!

If you’ve taken my advice so far, you’ll be fine! The location is just one element of your senior pictures. Although important, it’s the photographer’s job to find the beautiful light, pose you, make you feel comfortable, and pay attention to what’s in the background. I’ve photographed seniors in some pretty weird places and had clients be surprised at how the images turned out. Sometimes, a small patch of flowers in a city can seem like a garden, or a grungy spot has beautiful light, and you can’t tell there was a dumpster a few feet away. Go with it, relax, and have fun!