Unique Locations For Senior Photos
By Elsye Jones - Northern Illinois & Southern Wisconsin Photographer
It’s easy to pick the standard locations for your senior photos: botanical gardens, forest preserves, historical downtowns, etc. However, you may want ideas for unique backdrops, and I’m here to help! Make your senior year stand out with these unique photoshoot locations.
Your Cousin’s Backyard
Hear me out - there are some gorgeous private properties that make great senior photo spots! If you know of someone (a family member, neighbor, or classmate) that has wildflowers or a garden, romantic willow trees, or the cutest front porch, just ask if you can take your photos there! A good photographer will be able to make beautiful photos out of any property. Bonus points if there’s a big red barn or farmland.
Your Favorite Restaurant
In 2018, Makayla Madden (one of my favorite photographers) photographed one of her seniors at Dutch Bros, and I was OBSESSED! Retro diners like Portillo’s, ice cream spots like the Dairy Ripple, or your favorite Instagrammable cafe will make the most unique backdrop. Commit to the bit with retro-inspired clothing or accessories.
Historical Sites
This is an obvious one! Some historical sites and museums often allow photography with no fee, and they’re great for quaint, picturesque backdrops. You can have these buildings as a background element, or utilize a porch or nearby gardens.
Some historical properties near me in Chicagoland/Rockford:
-Ellwood House
-J.F. Glidden Homestead
-Cantigny Park (fee required)
-Veterans Memorial Hall Rockford
-Batavia Depot Museum
You can check out local courthouses and libraries for other historic architectural locations!
Your Local College Campus
I LOVE using NIU’s campus for its walking paths, lagoons, and wooded areas. The buildings and architecture are a bonus!
In 2020 I did an entire senior photoshoot at the University of Toledo!
A Content Creation Studio
Studio photography doesn’t have to be stuffy and dated.
Try a Loft Studio in Batavia or Creative Lighting Studio in Schaumburg. This Downtown Elgin photo studio has multiple colored backdrops and lighting as well!
Water Features & Beaches
I LOVE an in-water photoshoot. You may have friends or neighbors with a pond, but if you don’t, there’s plenty of public beaches around to take photos! I always suggest a location where you can safely be in the water (spots like the Fox River and Kishwaukee River would be a no).
Here are some suggestions:
Want to book a senior photoshoot? Visit my Seniors page.
