Champaign Central senior session at The Virginia Theater

Choosing a unique location for high school senior photos is an opportunity to showcase the individuality and personality of the senior. Instead of opting for popular locations like parks or urban areas, consider unconventional settings that hold personal significance or offer visual interest. Look for locations that reflect the senior's hobbies, passions, or aspirations, such as a local art studio, a vintage bookstore, or a lakeside dock at sunrise. By selecting a unique backdrop, the senior's photos will stand out and tell a more compelling story.

For Bess’s senior session, she chose a most-unique (in my opinion!) location — the historic Virgnia Theater in downtown Champaign. Bess actually hosted her graduation party there and so was able to also use the space for her photo session. The large windows with great natural light, the mirrors, the plush furniture, and the ornate details all added an extra flair to her images. Bess paired the location with outfits that fit her personality and also complemented the space well. We were also able to go outside for part of the session to use the fun, lighted marquee outside.

Exploring off-the-beaten-path locations can also lead to unexpected and visually captivating images. Abandoned buildings, graffiti walls, or industrial landscapes can provide a gritty and edgy vibe to the photos, adding a sense of adventure and intrigue. Natural settings like secluded forests, rocky cliffs, or open fields offer a serene and picturesque backdrop, perfect for capturing the senior in a tranquil and contemplative mood. Consider locations that have architectural elements, vibrant colors, or interesting textures to create dynamic and engaging compositions.

Ultimately, the key to choosing a unique location for high school senior photos is to align the setting with the senior's personality and vision for the photoshoot. Whether it's a place that holds sentimental value, a spot that reflects their style, or a backdrop that simply speaks to their sense of adventure, the chosen location should enhance the overall aesthetic and storytelling of the senior portraits. By thinking outside the box and being open to unconventional settings, you can create a truly memorable and personalized senior photoshoot experience.

Unsure about location options but want to brainstorm some ideas? Shoot me an email and we can chat!