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Location Ideas
What location should I pick for my senior session? This is the #1 question I'm asked by my seniors every year. Here's some helpful ideas and tips on picking the best location that fits your personality and style.
Senior Session Tips
You booked your Senior Session and have NO CLUE which location to choose...
Choosing your session location is a huge part of planning for the perfect senior session experience. The location should represent your style and have lots of variety that gives a good mix of backgrounds in your pictures. Ideally, you want to pick a location that has variety within a close proximity. The more traveling involved from point A to point B, leads to shortened shoot time and added stress. And do we want extra stress? Heck no!
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South Louisiana
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Baton Rouge Murals & Sculptures
Old State Capitol
New State Capitol
River Center
Baton Rouge Downtown
Baton Rouge Downtown has the most variety in one location. It allows for a multitude of different looks to match your style. It's full of colorful murals, a mix of contemporary and classic architecture and the best picture spots are just a short walk from each other.
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Location Ideas
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L SU Botanic Gardens
Rose Garden, Wildflower Garden, Sunflowers Seasonal
If you're a senior who wants flowers, this can be a great location! LSU Botanic Gardens is in Baton Rouge and it does really well in certain seasons. In the hotter months, you will have the sunflower fields blooming. In hotter years they bloom as late as November. Some years their wildflower fields are still in bloom as late as October to early November. Before booking this location, I suggest we call ahead and inquire about the blooms before taking the drive.
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LSU Botanic Gardens - Requires a photography permit and an appointment. Must be booked a few days in advance. **Permit fee charged
This location is one of my top faves. Anything goes with outfit choices here. Every color possible is here.
No photography permit required
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Windrush Gardens
Beautiful location located on the same grounds at LSU Botanic Gardens. Windrush Gardens has an additional photography permit fee. Flowers are hit and miss at this location. It's very lush with lots of greenery.
Windrush Gardens -
Additional photography permit fee required. Must book appointment time in advance.
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Lush Green Gardens
Fields
Rustic Fencing
Succulents, Flowers
Greenhouse, Beautiful Architecture, Historical
Traditional Louisiana Scenery, Fields, Stone Bridges, Peristyle Columns, Classic, Historical
NOLA Botanical Gardens is a super popular location in historic New Orleans City Park. The park is open year round. Botanical Gardens is closed on Mondays - Keep that in mind when picking your session date.
NOLA City Park is the most iconic and popular location in South Louisiana for any type of session. The park is open year round, 7 days a week.
New Orleans
Botanical Gardens
New Orleans City Park
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New Orleans Botanical Gardens - Additional Photography permit fee required. Closed on Monday's
New Orleans City Park - Additional Photography permit fee required.
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French Quarter New Orleans
Iconic, Historic, Colorful, Unique Architecture, Iron Fences, Classic Louisiana
If you're bold, stylish, and ready to make a statement, the French Quarter in New Orleans is the perfect backdrop for your senior session. With its vibrant colors, historic charm, and iconic architecture, it brings a dynamic, editorial vibe to your photos. Just be prepared — this location is full of energy, tourists, and locals, so you can’t be shy or afraid of a little attention. But if you’re confident and ready to stand out, the French Quarter will give you senior portraits unlike anyone else’s.
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No photography permit required. Wear comfortable shoes.. A lot of walking will happen at this location.
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Downtown New Orleans
Downtown New Orleans brings a sleek, modern edge to your senior photos with its city streets, skyscrapers, and urban textures. It’s perfect for seniors who love a clean, contemporary look with a big-city feel. This location gives off cool, confident vibes and pairs perfectly with bold outfits and a fashion-forward style.
Artistic Graffiti, Marigny Opera House, Record Store, Crescent Park, Industrial Vibes
The Bywater District offers a colorful, artsy vibe that’s perfect for seniors who love unique backdrops and creative flair. From bold murals to funky architecture, every corner has personality. It’s ideal for seniors who want something off the beaten path and full of character.
Modern, Skyscrapers, Urban, Contemporary, Big-City Feel
Bywater District,
New Orleans
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Longue Vue House & Gardens
Landscapes, Gardens, Historical Home, Greater than Gatsby Vibe
Longue Vue House and Gardens in New Orleans is a short drive from City Park and is a stunning spot for seniors who love elegance and natural beauty. With lush gardens and timeless architecture, it gives off a dreamy, Greater than Gatsby vibe — perfect for a classic, romantic look with a touch of vintage glamour.
Requires a photography permit that can be booked online. They book by the hour and they are higher priced than all other locations I go to.
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Avery Island at Jungle Gardens
Avery Island at Jungle Gardens is in New Iberia, Louisiana. It's a gorgeous location that is perfect if you love lots of greenery and landscapes, bamboo galore, and aren't a big fan of buildings and architecture. This location takes on a whole new feel when the azaleas are in bloom in the spring. Keep in mind that this location really needs a sunny day to feature the full beauty of it in pictures.
Classic Louisiana Landscape, Mossy Oaks, Azaleas, Stone Bridge
Photography permit required. Less expensive permit price than most locations.
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Rip Van Winkle Gardens
*Mandy's Favorite Location
My absolute favorite location for senior sessions. Walking beside several peacocks will never get old! It's the most serene location I've been to. You feel like you've stepped out of Louisiana and landed in a tropical paradise. I love working with their staff. They are so friendly! They have the cutest gift shop with great souvenirs.
Popular Location, Friendly Staff, Peacocks, Gift Shop, Lush Gardens, Mix of Tropical and Classic Louisiana Landscapes
Photography permit required. Great location if you love cactus (I LOVE CACTUS), flowers and beautiful landscaping. The peacocks are more active at certain times of the year but you will always see them there.
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Lafayette
If you like urban looks, this is your spot! Downtown Lafayette is a mix of urban and 50's retro vibes. Such a cool place. It's also very eclectic.
Downtown
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Lafayette Downtown - It's a long drive here from Terrebonne and Lafourche parishes, so be sure that you love this look.
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Urban, 50's Vibe, Colorful, Murals
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Waterfall, Plantation House, Contemporary Glass Building, Country French Vibes, Iron Gate
I love this location! You had me at "Waterfall!". It's a location that has 3 very different vibes. Hello variety! From contemporary to classic Louisiana architecture. It has it all.
ULL Alumni Center requires a photographer permit and we have to book in advance.. The two properties are located across the street from each other. Super convenient.
Hilliard Art Museum &
U L L Alumni Center
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Houmas House
Estate & Gardens
Houmas House Estate and Gardens is a total dream for senior pics! With its huge oak trees, colorful flowers, fountains, and perfectly manicured gardens, it’s like stepping into a real-life fairytale. If you’re into Southern charm with a little extra glam, this place is perfect
Classic Louisiana Landscape, Mossy Oaks, Beautiful Estate, Fountains, Gardens
Photography permit required. Must call in advance to book.
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Flowers, Lanscaped Gardens, Azaleas, Oak Trees, Ethereal Vibes, Secret Garden Feel
Plantation House, Green House, Oak Trees, Fountains, Classic Louisiana Scenery
Afton Villa Gardens is hands-down my new favorite spot for senior photos! Flowers galore! The perfectly landscaped gardens give the whole place an ethereal, almost heavenly vibe. It feels like you’ve stepped into a secret garden — dreamy, peaceful, and absolutely stunning in every direction.
Rosedown Plantation in St. Francisville is a gorgeous, tucked-away gem for senior photos. The elegant plantation home, dreamy greenhouse, and oak-shaded paths create a timeless vibe, while the manicured hedges, fountains, and gazebos add a fairytale touch. It’s the kind of place that feels peaceful, classic, and effortlessly beautiful in every shot.
Photography permit required. Must book location in advance. Cash only for permit.
Rosedown does not require pre-booking for pictures and only charges a small fee per person to use the property.
Afton Villa Gardens
Rosedown Plantation
St. Francisville, LA
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Beach, Moss Draped Cypress Trees, Golden Sunsets
Fontainebleau State Park is perfect for laid-back, nature-loving seniors who want soft, dreamy vibes in their photos. Think beachy sunsets, cypress trees, and moss-draped magic all in one spot. It’s a beautiful mix of relaxed and romantic — ideal for golden hour shots by the water or barefoot moments in the sand.
Photography permit required - fee is minimal compared to other permit fees. No need to pre-book
Fontainebleau State Park
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Famous Louisiana Location, Oak Trees, Plantation House, Classic Louisiana Vibes
Oak Alley Plantation is a famous Louisiana icon and one of the most photographed spots in the state. Its legendary oak tree tunnel, grand columns, and rich Southern charm make it a stunning backdrop for bold, elegant senior portraits. Just know it’s a popular tourist spot, so be ready for a little crowd.
Oak Alley requires a photography permit and advanced scheduling. Their permit price is higher than most locations. Working around the many tourists can be tricky but AI has now made removal of people a breeze in pictures.
Oak Alley Plantation
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Historic Architecture, Variety of Styles, Stairs, Street Pictures
Historic Architecture, Parks, Downtown Vibes, Urban and Classic, Variety
Rustic, Historic, Colorful Buildings
Downtown Thibodaux is full of small-town charm with its historic buildings and relaxed vibe — perfect for seniors who want something classic and stylish. Some areas of Thibodaux give a 70's vibe. And if you're going for more of a country feel, we can swing by Laurel Valley to get golden sunset images.
Houma has so much variety for senior pictures — it’s a hidden gem! You’ll find beautiful parks with oak trees and cypress trees, charming streets with historic architecture, and just enough city vibes to add in a contemporary look. Whether you want a nature-filled session or something more urban and classic, Houma has the perfect mix of it all.
Lockport is the perfect spot for seniors who love a rustic, historic vibe. With its old buildings, small-town charm
Thibodaux, LA
Houma, LA
Lockport, LA
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Classic Louisiana Scenery, Beach, Great Boy Location
Morgan City is a great spot for senior pictures, especially for guys who love the outdoors and a classic Louisiana vibe. It's perfect for showing off your roots and what you love.
Morgan City, LA
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White Sand Beach, Coastal Town Vibes, Colorful and Eclectic Buildings
Downtown Vibes with Color & Character
Bay St. Louis is a gorgeous coastal spot for senior pictures, with its white sand beaches and colorful architecture. It’s perfect for seniors who want that dreamy beach glow and a fun senior experience.
If you're up for an adventure and want something different, Mississippi has beautiful locations just a short drive away
Hattiesburg, Mississippi is such a fun spot for senior pictures! The Crawford House adds a touch of Southern charm, while the colorful downtown streets bring bold, artsy vibes to your session. It’s the perfect mix of classic and cool — full of personality, texture, and unique backdrops around every corner.
The Crawford House requires a photography permit.
Mississippi Locations
Bay St. Louis
Hattiesburg
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Be Fabulous!
Be Bold. Be You.
BOOK NOW
Your session location is an important part of your senior session experience. Taking the time to research your location options will help you feel better prepared for your session day and ensure that you are picking a location that fits your personality and style.
Plan early = Senior happy
