Here at FritzPhoto, we’re often asked for recommendations for the best locations for senior photos in Portland. We’ve photographed seniors here for a few decades (see our full gallery of our senior photos on our website), so we know so many great options for senior photo locations. If you have an idea for where you want to take your senior pictures, great! If not, we have lots of recommendations. We thought we’d share a few of our favorites.
Here, in no particular order, are some of our favorite locations for senior photo sessions in Portland (including Beaverton, Tigard, Hillsboro, Sherwood, West Linn, Lake Oswego, and more!):
Best Urban Locations for Senior Photos in Portland
Northwest Portland Senior Photo Locations Near FritzPhoto
Did you know that our photo studio in Northwest Portland is just three blocks away from 10 incredible locations perfect for senior photos? This prime location allows us to offer a unique blend of urban and natural backdrops for your senior session, all while keeping your clothing and valuables safe in the studio. Whether you’re aiming for city vibes or a more natural setting, our studio serves as the perfect starting point for a memorable photo experience. Ready to explore some of Portland’s best spots? Let’s make your senior photoshoot as effortless and stunning as possible!
The Portland Bridges and Waterfront Park
Portland has so many great bridges to photograph, and adjoining waterfront parks. If you know how to light it right (and at FritzPhoto, we do!), you can get spectacular senior photos day or night. Just check out a couple of these examples or portraits on Portland’s Broadway Bridge and Waterfront Park:
Secret Graffiti Locations!
When you’ve been photographing senior photos as long as we have here at FritzPhoto, you end up with a few secrets. And one of our secrets is knowing where some of the best locations for graffiti, murals, wild color, and ‘urban art’ are in Portland. If you want some bold color in your senior photo session, talk to us about the Secret Graffiti!
Best Senior Pictures in Natural Locations Around Portland
Laurelhurst Park
Looking for a charming, versatile location for your senior photos? Laurelhurst Park in the heart of Portland is a top choice! With its lush variety of trees, serene pond, unique stairway, and artistic sculptures, this park offers endless photo opportunities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful nature setting or a bit of urban charm, Laurelhurst Park has it all. We love capturing senior portraits here, and we’re sure you will too! Ready to make your senior photos stand out? Contact us to explore the beauty of Laurelhurst Park together.
Mt. Tabor Senior Photos in Portland
Who wouldn’t want to have their senior photos on top of a dormant volcano? Mount Tabor in Portland offers a unique and stunning backdrop for your senior session. With its scenic views of downtown Portland, lush trees, rugged stones, and historic stairways, this location is perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of adventure and beauty to their portraits. Whether you’re into nature, cool urban views, or a bit of both, Mount Tabor is sure to make your senior photos unforgettable! Ready to stand on top of Portland’s volcanic history? Let’s capture those epic senior portraits at Mount Tabor!
Hoyt Arboretum Senior Photos
For seniors who love trees and nature, the Hoyt Arboretum is a must-visit! Nestled in the heart of Portland, near the Oregon Zoo and the Rose Garden, this stunning location offers a vibrant mix of colors and textures year-round. With its diverse collection of trees and lush surroundings, the arboretum provides a beautiful and serene backdrop for senior photos. Whether you’re looking for rich greens in the spring and summer or stunning fall foliage, Hoyt Arboretum delivers a picturesque setting for every season. Ready to capture your senior portraits surrounded by nature’s beauty? Let’s head to the Hoyt Arboretum!
Cathedral Park Senior Sessions in Portland
Cathedral Park has one of Portland’s most iconic bridges: the St John’s Bridge. The architecture on top is amazing, but the view from below (which looks like a cathedral) is also stunning. Plus, there’s the river, lots of trees, some hidden graffiti, and more. It’s a fun and iconic place for a senior session, and a nice mix between urban and natural.
Jenkins Estate Senior Photos in Beaverton
One of our very favorite locations for senior photos in the Portland metro area is actually in Beaverton: Jenkins Estate. It’s a historic estate (once owned by the Jenkins Family) that was donated to the Tualatin Parks and Recreation District. It’s never crowded (unless there’s a wedding), it’s huge, and there’s so much variety! From the historic house, to the little Japanese Garden, to the variety of flowers that bloom through the year, it’s a hidden gem for senior pictures!
Cook Park Senior Pictures in Tigard
Looking for a hidden gem for your senior photos? Cook Park, located just behind Tigard High School, offers a peaceful and scenic spot right on the Tualatin River. This tranquil park is perfect for those who want a more secluded, natural backdrop for their portraits. If you know where to look, you’ll find beautiful spots among the trees and along the water’s edge, making it a unique choice for senior photo sessions. Even if you’re not from Tigard, it’s definitely worth the trip to capture some stunning shots in this quiet, picturesque location!
George Rogers Park Senior Photos in Lake Oswego
Even if you’re not from Lake Oswego, George Rogers Park is well worth the drive for your senior photos! Nestled along the Willamette River, this picturesque park offers stunning natural backdrops, including lush greenery and serene water views. But what really sets it apart is the historic smelting plant on-site, which adds a unique architectural element to your photos. The mix of natural beauty and historical charm makes George Rogers Park a standout location for capturing unforgettable senior portraits. Ready for a session with a little extra character? Let’s head to George Rogers Park!
Tualatin River National Wildlife Refuge Senior Pictures in Sherwood
If you’re looking for the perfect golden hour location for your senior photos, this is one of our favorites here at FritzPhoto! With its westward-facing views, we get to capture that stunning golden light all the way through sunset, creating a warm and glowing backdrop for your portraits. The Tualatin River adds a peaceful, scenic touch, and the park is filled with beautiful oak trees that make for an incredible natural setting. Plus, we’re likely to spot herons, geese, nutria, and even deer as we shoot, making for some truly memorable moments. If you want senior photos full of natural beauty and that perfect golden glow, this location is hard to beat!
Macleay Park/Forest Park Senior Photos
If you’re up for a bit of adventure, Macleay Park within Portland’s Forest Park is an incredible spot for senior photos! While it’s a bit of a hike to get there, the journey is absolutely worth it. You’ll have the chance to photograph along the peaceful stream, surrounded by towering trees, and even explore the iconic ‘Witches Castle’—a perfect setting for those looking for a touch of mystery and history in their portraits. Whether you love nature, a little urban legend, or simply the beauty of Portland’s forests, Macleay Park offers an unforgettable backdrop for senior pictures! Ready to hit the trails and capture some stunning shots?
Cooper Mountain Nature Park Senior Photos
Cooper Mountain Nature Park in Beaverton has recently created Photo Loops, which are off-trail areas where we can photograph among the trees and grasses. This allows us to create off-the-beaten-path senior and family photos without damaging the wildlife habitat. It’s a beautiful location in Beaverton, near Mountainview High School, and we love photographing here!
Even More Great Locations for Senior Photos
We could go on and on about other locations for senior photos, including Pier Park, local cemeteries, The Pearl District, Jamison Park, The Burnside Bridge, The Hawthorne Bridge, local schools, and so many more. We’re also happy to photograph your senior photos at your home, or a sunflower or lavender field. We’ve photographed at them all! You can see more samples of our senior photos on our website.
Finding the Perfect Location for Senior Pictures in Portland
Finding the perfect location for senior pictures in the Portland area takes many things into consideration: the type of landscape (and how well it’s maintained); water features; when flowers or trees are in bloom; architecture, ease of access; cost for parking or entry; openness to the West (for golden hour/sunset light); and so much more. You also have to think about what locations can be used when it’s rainy in the Portland area (which is so much of the year!). Most locations are free, some charge a fee, and some (such as the Lan Su Chinese Gardens and the Japanese Gardens) sadly don’t allow portrait photography at all. We know all the ins-and-outs for finding you the best location for senior pictures in Portland.
At FritzPhoto, we take all these things into consideration when recommending a location to our high school seniors, so we can TAKE GORGEOUS SENIOR PICTURES and HAVE THE MOST FUN!
