Congratulations!  You or your child is going to be a senior, and it is time to start thinking about senior pictures.  This is such a fun and busy time in your life.  But, if you are like most people, when it comes to your senior portrait experience, it can be overwhelming knowing where to start.  After you have chosen a photographer for your senior pictures, it is time to start thinking about style and location.  You want to select the ideal location that not only fits your style, but also fits your personality.  It is definitely worth choosing a meaningful spot to you.

There are several different types of locations to choose from, each offering a variety of options.  Locations should be carefully considered, and should be a reflection of who you are!  We can get and amazing portrait almost anywhere you choose…. in fact, I have even photographed seniors in front of things like trash dumpsters and bathroom walls!  Here are a few things to keep in mind before choosing your location. 

1. When you think about your images, what do you picture?  

You have been thinking about this for a while, and I’m sure you have been looking at ideas.  Maybe you even have a Pinterest board started!  If you want something natural and rustic, start brainstorming about local parks and natural areas.   Perhaps you spend your summers at the beach!  If you are a beach bum, what better place than one of our many locations along the lakeshore!  Are bight colors your thing?  If so, you would love flower gardens or fall colors.  Grand Rapids boasts a amazing downtown area, so an urban location might be to your liking!

2. Think about areas of shade.

Direct sunlight is typically not flattering for senior pictures.  I avoid shooting outdoors at harsh times of the day because of this, but in general, but having a shaded area for some of the portraits is beneficial.  Whether that be the shaded side of a building, an overhang, or some trees for cover,  try to consider that in your location choice.  “But what about the beach or that open field” you ask?  Don’t worry!  If you have your heart set on a location that doesn’t have shade, we will schedule your appointment the last hour of the day to avoid that harsh sunlight.

3. What will you be wearing?

I know you are wondering why you need to know what you will wear Before you choose your location.  Your senior pictures should be a representation of who you are.  The style of your wardrobe is is a good way and honest reflection of your personality.  If you have a high fashion walkway style wardrobe, you might not want to wear your favorite pair of heals in a field of grass.  If you love beachwear, downtown might not be the right choice for you…. See where I am going with this?  Your senior portraits will turn out much better much better if they have a cohesive design to them… if your style and wardrobe match the location you are shooting in.  

4.  What time of year will your session be?

This is actually a really big consideration for your location!  What time of year are we doing your portraits?  If you are wanting beautiful flowers, spring or early summer might be the time of year for your location. But, if you have waited until fall, the flowers and greens are all spent, and not great for photographs.  If you love autumn colors, then you will want a location that has amazing colors in the fall!  Michigan has 4 seasons, and we always have some people who choose snow for their senior pictures.  If you love the snow, a winter session is perfect, but that will limit the location choices that we can park or have fresh beautiful show.  So, when you are thinking location, don’t forget to think about the time of year!

5.  Choose somewhere with a variety of features and spots to use.  

Time of day and weather drastically affects lighting, so that one background you have pictured at your location might not be perfect.  Therefore it is great to have a location with great features that we can walk around and get variety! The more variety you have to choose from, the better your images will be.

6.  Is the location practical?  

Are you allowed to take pictures there?  Is there a permit or fee required?  Is it private property where we will need permission to shoot?  Will we be able to park and walk around?  Will the sports field you want your pictures on be locked?  Will there be too many people walking around making it difficult to get pictures?  Will that park be reserved for a wedding?   I do not interrupt weddings.  I do not trespass.  I do not just “sneak in” without a permit if required, I do not climb fences for locked stadiums.  As a reputable business owner in the community, I uphold the law and follow rules.  Thinking ahead about all these details will avoid a frustrating experience with your session.

Urban City

Grand Rapids has some great urban spots… old warehouses, loading docks and well worn buildings.  if you like old brick, old doors, graffiti or murrals, etc. then this is the right location for you! Check out our article about Senior Pictures in Downtown Grand Rapids!

Modern City

There are also modern areas in the city that lend to amazing images.  Do you like bridges, modern buildings, city skyline and architecture?   Do you like to dress it up and have a sense of fashion? 

Sport/Music/Hobby Related

Do you play a sport?  Do you have a hoppy that defines you?  Let’s showcase that in your senior portraits!  Whether you play a sport, fly a plane, go sailing, play an instrument or anything else, a location where you do that activity should be showcased! Don't forget to ask permission to shoot on the field, tarmac, or location that isn't a public area!

Beach

We are blessed to have such gorgeous beaches so close to home!  They can also produce some incredible sunsets since we are on the west side of the state.  While we can’t guarantee a sunset on your session, we love to include them!  If you love summer, sun, sand, and fun, choose a beach session!  You might want to check out our article on Senior Pictures at Holland State Park Beach!

Local Park 

This is a great pace with variety.  Parks usually have great trees, walkways, rocks, flowers, and I even know some locations with small landscaped waterfalls and stone steps.  This make a timeless location for your senior pictures.  Here are some samples from Grand Ravines North Park for senior pictures!  

Country

Maybe a slower pace of life describes you.  You love the open fields and country living.  You love fresh air and barns along with your favorite boots. One of my favorite parks that has a country theme is Grand Ravines South Park.

Gardens 

Do you love flowers and bright colors? All things green?  Perhaps you would love your senior pictures in a garden!  We can photograph you in your own garden, go to a park that has flowers, or even splurge for a permit at Frederick Meijer gardens! 

Woods.

Perhaps you love the woods… you love hiking, jeeping, or hunting, or just being outside.   The woods would be a prefect location to showcase that. 

Studio

If you want a timeless portrait for your senior pictures, studio might be the right option for you. We have backgrounds that range from traditional to contemporary.  When you are photographed in the studio, you don't have to worry about the outdoor elements, and you can get creative with your lighting and set design to showcase your hobby!  Add on a studio session to your outdoor session, or it is just perfect on it's own.