Welcome to Grace’s collection of featured senior portrait locations.
This collection of locations includes the best and most beautiful session spots for senior portraits that grace has photographed over their career as a senior photographer in the Midwest.
Each senior deserves gorgeous pictures + a unique experience, and that’s exactly what we have listed here with a fair mix of some popular locations with a few hidden gems mixed in.
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Let’s face it— the location you select for your session has the potential to make or break your session, so let’s make sure you absolutely love it!
Additionally, the location of your senior session can say a lot about your personality and contributes to the overall outcome of the vibe your finished photos will have.
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Absolutely not!
This specific collection of locations is notable for its beauty, popularity, and accessibility. If you find somewhere else you’d prefer to shoot, let’s do it.
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If none of these locations are clicking with you, I suggest doing some research and adding keywords to your search. For example, if you really want a fountain in your pictures, you could search for something like this:
“best portrait photography locations in central Minnesota with a water fountain”
stone arch bridge
minneapolis, MN
The Stone Arch Bridge is a popular location for senior photo sessions, offering a blend of historic charm and urban elegance. Built in 1883, this iconic bridge spans the Mississippi River and provides breathtaking views of the Minneapolis skyline, making it a favorite among photographers and seniors alike.
The area surrounding the Stone Arch Bridge provides a variety of scenic spots. From the rustic textures of the bridge itself to the nearby Mill Ruins Park, which features remnants of Minneapolis's milling history, there's no shortage of unique settings to capture your personality and style.
**Please note that as of December 2024, the downtown side of the Stone Arch Bridge is closed for repairs, with the closure expected to last until fall 2025. Pedestrians and bicyclists will not be able to cross the full length of the bridge during this period.
minnesota landscape arboretum
chaska, MN
The Minnesota Landscape Arboretum offers a breathtaking backdrop for senior photo sessions with its stunning blend of natural beauty and seasonal variety. From vibrant gardens and tranquil wooded paths to open fields and charming architecture, the Arboretum provides endless possibilities for unique, personalized portraits. Whether you want bold fall colors, fresh spring blooms, or the golden glow of a summer evening, this location adds timeless beauty and a touch of nature to every shot. It’s the perfect nature setting with pops of urban architecture to celebrate your diverse style and personality.
noerenberg gardens
wayzata, MN
Noerenberg Gardens in Wayzata, Minnesota, offers a stunning and serene natural setting for senior photo sessions. Nestled along the shores of Lake Minnetonka, this meticulously maintained garden features a diverse array of vibrant flowers, manicured lawns, and scenic pathways, providing a picturesque backdrop for capturing this significant milestone.
One of its standout features is exceptional natural lighting. The garden's open shade areas and the way sunlight filters through the trees create ideal conditions for natural light photography, ensuring your portraits have a warm and flattering glow.
downtown
minneapolis, MN
Downtown Minneapolis offers a dynamic blend of urban sophistication, historic charm, and modern beauty, making it an ideal setting for city senior photo sessions. The city's diverse landscapes provide a multitude of backdrops to showcase your unique personality, chic style, and love for Minneapolis.
**Please note that certain public structures or buildings may require a photography permit.
whitetail woods regional park
farmington, MN
Whitetail Woods Regional Park in Farmington, Minnesota, offers a peaceful and picturesque setting ideal for natural senior photo sessions. Spanning 456 acres, the park features a diverse landscape of dense forests, open prairies, flower fields, and rolling hills, providing a variety of natural backdrops to capture your unique personality and style.
saint anthony main
minneapolis, MN
Saint Anthony Main, nestled along the Mississippi River in Minneapolis, offers a stunning blend of historic charm and urban vibrancy, making it an exceptional location for urban senior photo sessions.
This area boasts a rich tapestry of settings, from the cobblestone streets and vintage storefronts to scenic river views and lush greenery. Notably, the locally famous spot known as "the rock," located directly across from Aster Café, provides a spectacular vantage point of the Minneapolis skyline, adding a dramatic flair to your portraits.
creative locations
minneapolis, MN
If you're looking for senior photo locations that reflect your unique personality, creativity, and style, Minneapolis is full of vibrant and artistic backdrops beyond the typical park or cityscape. Here are some standout creative locations perfect for bold, stylish, and personalized senior sessions:
Minneapolis Institute of Art (Mia)
photography permits are required.
Studio Apparatus
Rental and booking are required—check their site for availability and policies.
electric fetus
Guthrie Theater & Mill City Museum
…and more!
