Top Tips for Choosing the Ideal Location for Your Senior Photo Session

There are a number of decisions you need to make when planning a senior photo session and choosing a location is one of them. You can’t choose just any location either – it needs to fit in with your personality and the style of your shoot.

Here are a few tips to help you narrow down your options a little quicker.

• -  Decide what you want your photos to say about you. Who are you? Do you love the outdoors, art, sports? Are you a bit of a flower child? By jotting down the things you love, a few location ideas should spring to mind. Your photos need to showcase your personal style, so choose your location accordingly.

• -  Look for locations with different features. To ensure your photographer can capture a variety of photos, look for a location with different spots and features. Examples of features include fences, trees, a swing, water or anything that could act as a backdrop.

• -  Find out about possible restrictions. If you’re considering using a commercial location, find out whether you need a permit to take photos. Keep in mind that permits can sometimes take several weeks to process and can cost extra.  When in doubt, ask your photographer.  

• -  Consider timing. Some locations are busier than others and if you want to avoid crowds of people, you will need to time your shoot well. It’s better to have as little people in the background of your photos as possible.  A good rule of thumb is: The early bird catches the worm! 

• -  Lighting matters too. Natural light is a must for photos, including your senior portraits. You could have the best background, but if the lighting is bad, you won’t get the best results. It’s also important to remember that you might need to time your shoot around the best lighting.  Early in the morning (sunrise) or nearing sunset will usually provide the best images possible.  Shooting your session during the middle of the day, in full sunlight is never recommended.  However, if that's the only time available, most good photographers will be prepared with lights and strobes.  

• -  Decide what you want to wear. The outfit you choose for your senior photo session also matters when choosing a location. For example, wearing an evening dress to the park doesn’t exactly work very well. Your outfit should also match your personality, so decide on this before you start looking at locations.

• -  Get creative. There are no set rules when it comes to choosing a location for your photo session. Get creative, think outside the box, and choose a location that suits you. Ask around about interesting venues, take a drive through your city, or turn to Pinterest for some inspiration.

  If all else fails, explain your vision to your photographer – they will have a number of location suggestions to offer.