When it comes to senior portraits, the location you choose plays a huge role in the overall vibe of the session. It sets the tone, adds personality, and helps your senior feel more connected to the experience. But with so many options—parks, downtown streets, open fields, historic buildings—how do you decide which backdrop is best?

As a senior photographer in Lansing, Michigan, I’ve worked in all kinds of locations, from colorful graffiti walls to quiet nature trails. Over the years, I’ve learned that the best spots aren’t always the most “Instagram-famous.” They’re the ones that feel authentic to your senior and the story they want to tell.

Let’s talk about how to pick the right location for your senior photos—and why it matters more than you think.

Start with Personality and Style

The best way to choose a location is to think about your senior’s personality and style. Are they more laid-back and outdoorsy? Or do they love a more modern, urban look? Maybe they’re into sports, music, or cars, and you want a location that highlights those passions.

For seniors who love an urban vibe, downtown Lansing offers some amazing backdrops. Think textured brick walls, colorful murals, and even sleek parking garages that give off an editorial, street-style feel. These settings are perfect for trendy streetwear, sneakers, or fashion-forward looks.

If your senior is more drawn to nature, there are plenty of beautiful parks and trails in the area that provide soft greenery, natural light, and a timeless, relaxed feel. Open fields at sunset create a dreamy, glowing backdrop that never goes out of style.

The key is making sure the location complements who your senior is—not just choosing a pretty spot for the sake of it.

Think About Variety
Most sessions include multiple outfit changes, so having a location that offers variety is a huge plus. For example, Old Town Lansing is a fantastic choice because you can get a mix of urban textures, historic architecture, and even some greenery without driving all over the city.

Variety means you can capture both casual and dressier looks in one session. One outfit might look amazing in front of a bold graffiti wall, while another shines with a softer, natural backdrop. I always plan sessions so you get the most out of every location without feeling rushed.

Consider the Time of Day and Lighting

Location isn’t just about the background—it’s also about the light. The same spot can look completely different depending on the time of day. Golden hour (that dreamy time right after sunrise or before sunset) is hands-down the best for flattering, soft light.

Downtown locations with tall buildings work well even in the middle of the day because they provide shade and interesting shadows. Open fields, on the other hand, really shine during golden hour when the light is warm and low.

When you book a session, I’ll help plan the timing so the location looks its absolute best.

Make It Meaningful

One of the best ways to make senior portraits unique is to choose a location that has meaning. Maybe it’s the high school stadium where they spent Friday nights under the lights. Maybe it’s their favorite coffee shop or the downtown street they’ve walked a thousand times.

Meaningful locations make the experience feel more personal. Years from now, when you look back at these photos, you’ll remember not just how your senior looked but also who they were in this exact chapter of life.

Parents sometimes worry that they need to pick the perfect location, but honestly, it’s less about the place and more about the person. A great photographer can make almost any spot look amazing with the right angles and lighting.

What really matters is how your senior feels in that space. If they feel comfortable and confident, that will shine through in the photos far more than any particular backdrop.

Some Favorite Senior Photo Locations in Lansing, Michigan

If you’re looking for ideas, here are a few of my go-to spots:

• Old Town Lansing: a mix of urban textures, murals, and charm
• Local parks & trails: natural light, greenery, and a timeless vibe
• Parking garages & city streets: modern, edgy, and perfect for streetwear
• High school stadiums or sports fields: for athletes who want to highlight their passions

We’ll choose a location together that fits your senior’s personality, outfits, and style so everything feels cohesive.

Let’s Plan the Perfect Session

At the end of the day, the best senior photo locations are the ones that help your teen feel like themselves. Whether we’re downtown surrounded by murals or out in a quiet open field at sunset, the goal is the same: to capture who they truly are in this milestone season of life.

If you’re ready to start planning your senior’s session, let’s chat about locations, outfits, and the look you’re dreaming of. I’ll guide you through every step so the experience feels easy, fun, and completely personalized.

[Click here to contact me and start planning your senior session today.]