Your senior portraits should feel like you – your personality, your vibe, and this once-in-a-lifetime moment before graduation. One of the biggest decisions you’ll make (after choosing your photographer!) is where to have your session. The right location sets the tone for your images and helps tell your story in a way that feels authentic and timeless.
As a Raleigh-area senior photographer, I help each of my seniors choose the perfect locations to match their personality, outfits, and vision for the session. If you’re wondering how to choose, here are a few things to consider — plus some of my favorite types of locations for senior portraits.
1. Think About the Vibe You Want
Do you imagine something soft and natural with flowers and sunlight? Or bold, urban, and full of personality? Maybe a mix of both? Start by thinking about how you want your portraits to feel when you look back on them. That mood will point us toward the perfect setting.
2. Consider Variety
I love creating variety within a single session — different outfits, backdrops, and moods. Many of my seniors choose two or three nearby locations to give their gallery more depth and options for their album and wall art. For example, we might pair a park or garden with a city setting, or do something rustic followed by a soft, dreamy lakeside look.
Types of Senior Portrait Locations
Below are some of my favorite types of senior portrait locations around the Raleigh, Cary, and Apex, NC area (but these ideas work no matter where you live!).
Parks and Gardens::
Green spaces are great for lush, textural backgrounds. We have many beautiful parks and gardens in our area.
In the City
Cityscapes are another option, and provide so many different looks within a few steps. You can always find great doorways, modern store fronts or ivy covered brick walls to add interest.
Rustic or Countryside Settings
For a more rustic feel, there are several parks with barns, fences and old buildings that provide a little romance or whimsy.
Fields and flower patches
Wildflower fields and open meadows make for some of the most magical senior portraits — full of color, light, and movement. Whether it’s a field of tall grass glowing at sunset or a seasonal patch of flowers in bloom, this kind of setting adds a soft, whimsical feel to your images. It’s perfect for flowy dresses, soft curls, and natural smiles. I love using these spaces to capture a mix of candid, carefree moments and classic portraits that feel effortless and beautiful.
By the lake or water
Nothing beats the reflection of soft light off the water! Lakeside portraits feel peaceful and romantic, especially at sunset.
In the Studio
Don’t forget that studio portraits can be just as stunning – especially when you want clean, modern, and timeless images. In-studio sessions are perfect year-round (and ideal for avoiding summer heat or unpredictable weather).
How to Narrow It Down
Once you know the general vibe you want, your photographer can help you choose exact locations that match your personality and wardrobe. I always help my seniors coordinate outfits and pick the best spots for their style — whether that means soft garden light, rustic textures, or a bit of downtown edge.
If you’re a Class of 2026 senior (or a parent helping plan their session), now’s the perfect time to start dreaming about your location!
If you’d like information about scheduling your own high school or college senior portrait session, get in touch!
627 Photography is owned + operated by Amy Hill in Apex, North Carolina focusing on high school senior portraits and headshot/branding photography, serving clients in Cary, Apex, Raleigh, and Durham. Contact me today to reserve your session, peek behind the scenes on Instagram and follow along on Facebook for the latest sessions and information!
