Senior Portrait Location Ideas

When senior year approaches, many parents and seniors begin preparing for graduation.  Senior portraits are one of the most exciting parts of graduating.  I remember spending months planning my senior photos, and that was 20 years ago!  Today, senior sessions have become even more special, with options like multiple senior portrait location ideas, change of outfits, personal styling, and professional hair and makeup. I absolutely LOVE photographing seniors—each session is unique and full of personality.

As a senior photographer in Nashville with years of experience, I guide each of my clients through the process to make sure our time together is fun and memorable. Senior season begins the spring of your junior year (yes, your junior year!) and it is never too early to start planning. One of the most important steps is choosing the right locations, because the spots you choose will shape the entire look and feel of your photos.

Whether you’re dreaming of something modern and urban, soft and natural, or totally unique to you, I’ve put together some of my favorite outdoor senior portrait ideas to get you inspired. While these are locations that I photograph around the Nashville area, you can use these ideas for inspiration wherever you are planning your senior session.

The Beach

One unique senior photo idea is to choose a senior destination shoot at the beach. I offer beach sessions in the Destin, FL area several times a year. Beach sessions can take place directly on the beach with the gorgeous emerald waters in the background. They can take place on the dunes with sandy hills and palm trees in the distance. We can also use city scapes for a beachy, urban look. The sky is the limit at the beach.

When we were thinking of senior picture photo ideas for my son, we wanted to incorporate palm trees because he was applying to Florida State. We chose to use a sidewalk with palm trees near the Destin jetties for a Florida vibe. We liked the unique look this gave us versus the traditional beach photos. He chose to wear his FSU shirt and hat so that we could use his senior photos as an announcement when he got accepted.

Industrial Locations

For clients looking for unique senior picture ideas, I love suggesting industrial locations.  These spots can give an edgy, raw vibe to your senior session. Because industrial locations are hidden gems, you aren’t going to see other seniors with the same location.

These are usually random locations I find by driving around.  I can’t tell you how many times clients have asked me how I found one of my industrial spots – it’s always from driving around! Some of my favorite industrial looks are old warehouses, gravel lots, metal walls, concrete textures, stacked pallets, and chain-link fences. They may not look like much to the naked eye, but they can create stunning backgrounds.

If you are looking for senior picture photo ideas, I recommend driving around at sunset to see how the light hits different spots. Lighting is key when choosing an industrial location. Below I have listed some great suggestions for senior pictures using industrial locations.

Rocky Construction Area

This rocky construction area sits right behind my gym, and I’ve passed it every morning for years thinking, “That would make an amazing photo location.”  I chose this location for Abigail’s gold dress because I loved the contrast of the gold sequined dress with the rocks.

Chain Link Fence

A chain link fence is an unexpected location that photographs extremely well. I love finding fences with glowing light in the background.

Metal Garage Door

One of my favorite memories from Gavin’s senior shoot was his insistence to ONLY take track photos. He loves running track and was going to college to run. So that was all he wanted to document for his senior photos. He wanted a quick track shoot and that was it! I convinced him that his mom would want just a few natural photos of him in street clothes, so he obliged – as long as it was quick. His only request was “They can’t be lame.” When we passed by this abandoned car wash in town, his face lit up.  I knew I had found a spot that wasn’t lame!

Urban Senior Photos

Urban senior pictures are usually my most requested looks for seniors – and for good reason!  The textures, colors, and and character of the city can really enhance the look of your senior photos. Nashville has an amazing selection of brick walls, graffiti, old doors, stairways, etc make great backdrops.  We can get a lot of different looks from just one area.

Even if you’re not in Nashville, chances are your town has its own unique urban gems—just look for interesting architecture, hidden alleys, or local murals to capture that same bold, city vibe.

Downtown Area

One of my favorite hidden downtown area gems is the Gallatin Town Square. This charming downtown area offers brick walls, vintage storefronts, and ironwork—similar to the style of downtown Nashville—but without the crowds, traffic, and parking headaches.

Food Trucks

Look around for different food trucks and vendors as you explore your urban locations. Amelia’s Flower Truck made the prettiest backdrop for her cute senior photos. I love how her lace dress and flowers give this photo such a dreamy and girly feel.

Walkable Neighborhoods

There are many walkable neighborhoods and communities in the Nashville area. These are trendy locations popular with locals and tourists.

One of my favorite urban neighborhoods in Nashville is 12 South. It has a variety of restaurants, shops, and boutiques that all offer unique backdrops to your senior shoot. Claire is one of my recent seniors, and she did not want a lot of people staring at her while we were taking photos. So we wandered the side streets of 12 South to find quiet spots for photos.

The Gulch is another great urban community. It has more of a city vibe.

Alleys

Printer’s Alley is another great downtown Nashville location for urban senior photos. It is filled with signs and twinkle lights that give the feel of Nashville night life. The lighting comes in at angles in this location, so you can play with harsh lighting and shadows. You can really have fun with your outfits in this location from super dressy to casual.

Graffiti Walls

Just outside of Printer’s Alley, this brightly colored alley added a bold look to Claire’s senior session.  Graffiti walls and murals add pops of color and fun to a senior shoot. If you are looking for different senior picture ideas and want a bold, edgy look or playful vibe, then murals and alleys like this are a fun way to make your photos stand out.

Rooftop Parking Lots

Rooftop parking lots are great locations for seniors who want the Nashville skyline views and the soft and dreamy light from golden hour. Rooftops offer clean lines and a minimalistic, modern backdrop.

You can find several rooftop parking areas in the downtown Nashville area that are perfect for senior photos. They may not look very impressive when you drive around on them but combined with a fun outfit, creative posing, and beautiful lighting – this location can lead to some stunning images.

Rooftop sessions give us plenty of room to play with movement, posing, and different outfit styles. If you’re dreaming of sunset senior photos with a view, a rooftop might just be your perfect spot.

Pedestrian Bridge

A pedestrian bridge is a great way to get great views of your city and landscape. If you are looking for the Nashville skyline and amazing sunset view, the Pedestrian Bridge may be the location for you. This bridge offers clean, modern lines that compliment photos for guys and girls. You can dress as dressy or casual as you like here. Shooting on the Pedestrian Bridge during the day will give you an edgy look with harsh lighting and waiting until sunset will give you gorgeous, soft colors as the light reflects off the water and downtown buildings.

The Capital Building

The Capital Building in downtown Nashville is a beautiful building with modern looking stone. The light colored stone and concrete beautifully reflect light adding a bright glow to your photos. When Ella told me that she was involved in the Student Government Association and wanted to be a lawyer, the Capital Building was the first location that came to my mind. She chose a pink skirt suit and even brought a gavel to her session. My very favorite memory from her session was when she said “I’ve waited my whole life for this moment!” I know she is reaching her dreams of becoming a lawyer now that she is in college!

Rustic Locations

Rustic locations are another popular look for senior photos.  Fields, wildflowers, and barns are some of my favorite senior picture locations. You can dress casually or dressy for these outdoor locations.  It is fun playing with different look. Here are some ideas for outdoor senior pictures using rustic locations.

Fields

Senior pictures in fields are some of my most requested photos for senior girls. There is something about a golden field and a cute dress that gives off all the emotions of senior year – freedom and excitement. Fields are extremely versatile. You can wear jeans and a top, a favorite dress, something formal, or something super casual. There are so many ways to incorporate your style and interests.

Fields are another location that I find just by driving around. I like to drive around at sunset to see how the light hits and where the sun sets. Some of the most important things I look for when choosing a field location is the length of the grass, if there are trees to filter light, and where the sun sets.

This is one of my favorite fields just a few blocks from my studio in Hendersonville.

Lakes and Creeks

Water locations are always beautiful nature settings. Lakes and creeks can add a natural look to your senior photos. With several lakes in the Nashville area, many high school seniors spend time on the lake. From fishing to watersports, the lake holds many fond memories making it a popular location for senior photos.

Lakes are great locations for photos because the water, trees, rocks and other natural surroundings add texture and depth to photos. The water can reflect a beautiful sunset. When you put all of this together, it creates a calming atmosphere to put seniors at ease during their session. Lake and water locations are ideal for seniors who love nature, boating, fishing, or simply want a serene location for their senior session.

Barns

If you are interested in adding a rustic touch to your senior photos, but you don’t want just a field, a barn may be a great spot for you. Barns add interest through color and texture, and they give us additional options for posing. These locations can be great for guys and girls. You can keep things casual with jeans and boots, or ladies can dress things up with a cute dress and cowboy boots. The weathered wood and cozy charm of a barn can create a setting that is relaxed and down to earth. Whether you have a love of nature or country roots, barns make a great option for senior portrait locations.

Wildflowers

Wildflowers add a dreamy, whimsical feel to a senior session. The bright colors add a pop of color and feminine touch to any girl’s senior session. Make sure you research when flowers bloom in your area. Many wildflowers have short blooming periods. We found these wildflowers in a farm in Cottontown, just outside of Hendersonville, TN where my senior studio is located.

Incorporating Your Interests

Incorporating your interests is another important thing to consider in the planning process.  What sports do you play? Do you play an instrument? Do you enjoy art, comic books, or reading? Considering your interests will give us ideas on what to wear, what locations to use, and possibly if you want to include some props.

Golf Course

Golf courses are great locations for photo shoots because they are usually very manicured with green grass, and they have great lighting and sunsets.

The Library

Do you love to read? Are you quiet and love to study? Have you always loved books? Considering a local library or bookstore is a great option. We used the Gallatin Public Library for this senior shoot, and it was the perfect location for Raygan to show her love for books and her fun, spunky personality.

Cars and Trucks

Many of my high school seniors love including their cars, trucks, or Jeeps in their photo sessions—and I’m all for it! Whether it’s a shiny new ride or a truck you’ve been working on for years, incorporating your vehicle adds a personal and meaningful touch to your senior portraits. It’s a fun way to show off your personality, style, and maybe even your hard work. Plus, vehicles make great props!

Arcade

Do you love video games? Maybe pinball or arcade games? Then an arcade may be a fun spot for you. We stopped in to 16 Bit Bar + Arcade for some fun, brightly colored photos during Ellie’s senior shoot.

Use Your High School for Senior Photos

Your high school can make a great location for senior photos.  Many high schools have a pretty campus, a well known sign or wall, bleachers, fields, and tracks. This is another great location to include your interests and sports you played in high school.

Bleachers

High School Track

Do you enjoy track and field? Did you run cross country? These are sports where we can use your high school track for photos. Your high school track offers many opportunities for different poses by using the track, benches, bleachers, and nearby fences. Most tracks do not have many trees, so we embraced the harsh lighting for this senior session.

Football Field

The football field is a great location for seniors who play football and lacrosse as well as cheerleaders and band members.

Baseball Field

Baseball fields offer a variety of looks for students who play baseball or softball. The field, dugouts, and bleachers are all great spots for photos.

High School Campus

Do you have a beautiful high school campus? You can take your senior photos on the grounds of your school. This is a great way to incorporate your letter jacket, team jersey, or cap and gown.

Studio Senior Portraits

When seniors start planning their photo sessions, outdoor locations and trendy spots around town usually come to mind first. But one of the most overlooked—and surprisingly favorite—options is my Hendersonville studio.

Studio senior portraits offer a timeless look. With clean backgrounds and studio lighting, we can create classic, high-end images that never go out of style. These portraits are perfect not just for graduation announcements, but also for:

• Professional headshots for college applications and internships

• Resume photos and LinkedIn profiles to help your senior make a polished first impression

• Sorority recruitment headshots for those planning to go Greek

The beauty of shooting in a senior photography studio is that we don’t have to worry about the weather, harsh sunlight, or crowds. Seniors can also change outfits easily, and we can incorporate different backdrops, chairs, or stools to give their session a modern, professional look.

Let’s Plan Your Senior Photos

I hope you have found some great senior photo ideas in this blog. Planning senior photos is one of my favorite parts of the process. I always meet with my clients for a pre-consultation and planning session before a senior shoot.  It is important to share all of your requests and wishes with your photographer.  Different locations have different lighting needs, so we have to plan times and locations to work together.  We also have to plan outfits for each location.  There is a lot of planning that goes into a senior shoot!  I’d love to chat with you about creating your dream photos.