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Geni Bean

10 Creative Senior Picture Location Ideas in North Carolina

Updated: Nov 4

Is it safe to say we all agree on one thing? Cookie cutter senior portraits just aren’t it. 🙅🏻‍♀️ Choosing a creative senior picture location and shooting on site is one of the most exciting parts of your session! Whatever your vibe is—rural, city, art museum, historic venue— we can highlight your unique personality with the perfect location choice! Check out my list of 10 Creative Senior Picture Location Ideas to get inspired before your photoshoot!


Girl wearing black dress and cowgirl hat feeds a baby goat on a farm

Wedding Venue

Who said wedding venues are just for getting married? There are so many unique wedding venues in North Carolina perfect for senior pictures—the options are endless! I recently shot senior portraits at Oxbow Estate in Clayton, NC and the results speak for themselves. Antique European accents, a neutral color scheme, and 8,000 sq feet of space give you tons of room to play in this gorgeous space!



Bathroom

Okay so hear me out—this might not seem like the most ~aesthetic~ of senior photoshoot locations, but, depending on the bathroom, you can truly maximize an otherwise overlooked space. Picture this: You’re surrounded by wide windows, spa-like neutral tones, marble walls, porcelain clawfoot bathtubs, and vintage gold fixtures. We’re talking Bridgerton vibes allll the way.



Record Store/Book Store

A record store or book store is a perfect location choice for all my hipster girlies out there! Browse through record cases, merchandise racks, and bookshelves for super unique shots that scream cool girl vibes.


Girl in white blazer stands inside a record store flipping through records during her senior photo session


Beach

Let’s take the senior picture ideas outside! If running barefoot on the beach is your happy place, why not head out to the coast for a sun kissed senior session? Beach photoshoots are a nostalgic choice that never go out of style. Whether you’re searching for the perfect seashells or dipping your toes in the water, a beach location guarantees those laidback vibes and the perfect golden hour glow.




Restaurant

Give me a restaurant backdrop for a photoshoot and you’ll find me geeking out over all the light, architecture, and unique shots I’m about to get! Choose your favorite cuisine or a restaurant with an eclectic decor style and we can create magic. Some fun restaurant location ideas to consider:

  • Authentic Italian pizza parlor

  • Mexican taqueria

  • Sushi or poke bowl restaurant

  • Gelato shop




Candy Store

Senior pictures are all about capturing a huge milestone in your life to document your achievements and show the world how far you’ve come! Why not heap on the nostalgia and go back to being a kid in a candy store for a day? You’ve put in the hard work, so now it’s time to play. This location option is the perfect choice if you love fun, vibrant colors, neon signs, and bold patterns and textures! Oh, and sweets, obvi.



Farm

The perfect senior picture location doesn’t exi—

Oh, wait.😉 One of my favorite picks for senior photoshoots is visiting a farm! Think cute, furry animals, cowgirl attire, and fields of green! There’s always something happening on the farm, so whether you’re drawn to a field of horses or the newborn chicks in the henhouse, there are a million different poses and photo ideas we can experiment with. Let’s go (cow)girls!




Garden

What’s a classic location that will never get old? A whimsical garden photoshoot. What’s more ethereal than walls of climbing ivy, perfectly manicured hedges, and colorful flowers blooming everywhere? You can count on butterflies, birds, and bees buzzing all around, so pop a Claritin and grab your favorite sundress for this photo op!




Bowling Alley/Arcade

Senior portrait pose ideas can really depend on the location you choose. If you want to shake things up and get some candid action shots during your session, a bowling alley or arcade would be the perfect senior picture location! You can toss some skee ball or bowl a strike all while capturing fun, edgy, and out of the box senior portraits.



Boutique Hotel

Nothing is more sophisticated and upscale than a luxury boutique hotel photoshoot. Plush upholstery and rooms full of character will give your photos an old money feel with plenty of charm. I love Heights House hotel in Raleigh, NC. This 1850s home was recently renovated with the most gorgeous vintage finishes and muted earthy color palette. 10,000 square feet, 15-foot ceilings, built in bookcases, and endless fireplaces give us tons of backdrop potential!



Choosing Your Senior Picture Location With Pink Owl Photography


Whether you’re into urban chic or rural charm, the beauty of North Carolina lies in the varied geography and endless photoshoot locations! At Pink Owl Photography, capturing you in your element as you are and enhancing that is my specialty. Wherever that takes us, I’m ready! From the most extravagant outfit ideas and locations, to more personal moments, all your big dreams and ideas are encouraged! What’s your dream senior picture location? Tell me in the comments and let’s head there!




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