Top Locations for a Senior Shoot in Portland
there are lots of things to think about when it comes to your senior shoot: what to wear, time of year you want to shoot, time of day…but one really important thing is figuring out WHERE you want to shoot.
i generally start with a few options for my seniors and ask them if they prefer urban or nature and then go from there: some have an immediate preference and some need to think on it and some come back and say they want a mix of both.
in this post, i’m going to give examples of some great URBAN and NATURE spots for taking senior pics right here in portland cause sometimes its helpful to have a visual for what your senior session might like, whether thats under the canopies of forest park OR on the colorful streets of alberta arts district.
hopefully this post will give you some INSPIRATION about where you want to take YOUR senior pics!
SE INDUSTRIAL
This area of town has a lot to offer: there are colorful murals, interesting buildings, doorways city views and there is always something new to see. This is great for kiddos who want a lot of color and variety AND it’s fun to also pop down to the waterfront from here and get some river and city lights.
2. ALBERTA ARTS DISTRICT
There is so much to explore on Alberta Street and so much great color and variety for a senior shoot. When i photograph seniors in the Alberta Arts district, I love walking around and finding murals on walls and interesting doorways and greenery within the surrounding blocks. Senior photos on this street are unique and varied, as this area has so much to offer AND, it’s ever-changing. If you want photos that are full of Portland street vibes and lots pf color, Alberta street might be the perfect spot for you!
3. PITTOCK MANSION
Pittock mansion is a classic and timeless spot to shoot: there is a big, beautiful mansion to shoot in front of, lawns, vies of the city and a lot of beautiful greenery and flowers. Its a great spot for senior photos if you want a variety of looks in one spot. The view of the city is spectacular and shows a sweet vantage point of Portland. It’s also fun to roam around the gardens to find colorful flowers and greenery and the mansion steps and porches are a fantastic place to take photos: clean and classic.
4. HOYT ARBORETUM
The Wildwood trail! The forest! Hoyt is moody and gorgeous and in this spot, you can find moss and canopies and big giant trees. If you want something in the woods, close to Portland city center, Hoyt might be the perfect spot for you. When i photograph seniors here, I love to walk the trails with them and head to the redwood deck and then wander up to the meadow. It a lovely place to shoot on a foggy fall morning and perfect for nature lovers.
5. PENnINSULA PARK
This NE park is the perfect spot for a senior photo shoot in the summer or fall: there are gorgeous rose gardens, greenery and tall trees. It’s near some colorful walls on Killingsworth as well, if you want to mix a little urban in with the roses. It beautiful on a foggy morning or at sunset and there are many places to shoot within a small area. If you want flowers and color, this park might be a great place to take your senior photos!
6. CATHEDRAL PARK
7. HAWTHORNE AVE
Hawthorne ave is another great street for senior photos: there are a ton of interesting walls and doorways and backdrops that are very Portland-vibes. And the street is always changing and shifting and its always a surprise in terms of what you might find here. If you want dynamic street pics with color and unique landmarks, hawthone is a great option.
8. SAUVIE ISLAND
9. WATERFRONT
This spot on the waterfront is versatile: there are river views, a beach and greenery options. It has views of the city ad of the bridges and it feels classic Portland. if you want senior photos with a little bit of urban AND a little bit of nature, this a good option.
10. SELLWOOD PARK
Sellwood Park is a beautiful beach front area and senior photos there include the river and views of the Sellwood Bridge and a forested area as well. Its also easy to pop over to the downtown area of Sellwood for some urban shots—colorful walls and street scenes.
11. Tanner springs/broadway bridge
This location in the Pearl is awesome. Tanner Springs is a beautiful spot with lush greenery and plants and flowers and its always changing depending ont he time of the year. There is a little coy pond and a sculptured metal wall. Nearby is the ecotrust building with a brick facade and a bit of a “ruins” feel. On the other side of the park is the broadway Bridge which is a fun place to shoot at sunset, and gives “city of bridges”. This is another great urban/nature option for senior photos.
12. Kelly POint park
This beautiful spot on the river is sandy beaches and moody forests and wide open spaces on the water. If you want a beachy, river vibe, this could be a great spot to shoot senior photos. It has a ton of interesting natural areas and it is near the city center, just out about 15 minutes on Marine drive.
