High school senior photography is ridiculously fun. I get to unleash my creativity and show the high school girl or guy in front of my camera just how cool they actually are.

This time of year a lot of people are looking for senior photo ideas so here are a few for you.

The Mid-Willamette Valley is packed with beautiful locations, so we can create senior portraits that feel completely different from one session to the next. I have a long list of favorite spots, but here are my 10 best senior portrait locations in the Mid-Willamette Valley, Oregon:

This is just might be my favorite water location. Seniors can sit on a rock with their toes in the water or pose with the dramatic waterfall in the background. The surrounding woods also give us that quintessential Oregon look. I recommend hiking shoes to get down to the water.

Talk about variety! Within just a few blocks, we have old brick buildings, cool alleyways, railroad tracks, a fountain and the Willamette River. It’s a fantastic choice for senior photo sessions when you want an urban look with plenty of personality.

For beautiful manicured lawns, flowers and historic architecture, Deepwood is hard to beat for senior pictures (or family portraits). The historic mansion provides gorgeous backdrops throughout the property. Be sure to check the online calendar before your session because the grounds may occasionally be closed for events.

These two locations are right next to each other and even share a parking lot, giving us lots of options for great senior portraits. The arboretum is especially beautiful when fall colors arrive, while Rickreall Creek runs through the park and offers opportunities for fun, adventurous portraits.

The OSU campus is filled with historic charm, architecture and greenery making it a great location for outdoor senior portraits . It’s also a practical outdoor location because there are places to duck under cover if an Oregon rain shower suddenly appears!

If you want a breathtaking natural backdrop for your senior photos, Fitton Green is a favorite. The hiking trails and views of Mary's Peak are spectacular. Choose a clear evening around sunset for an unforgettable senior portrait.

Naturally, my favorite location is right outside my studio! We have a roomy, climate-controlled studio with lots of options, and just outside the door are eight acres of grass, trees, swings and a pond. Because this is private property, it’s available exclusively to clients who book their senior session with me.

Late summer is one of my favorite times of year in Oregon, when the grasses turn tall and golden. You don’t have to hike far from the car to find beautiful fields for awesome senior portraits, especially during golden hour as the sun begins to set.

As Oregon’s oldest state park, Sarah Helmick offers beautiful natural scenery and incredible fall color. It is a great spot to do senior portraits with a favorite car or truck. The big-leaf maples are especially spectacular when they turn and begin dropping their leaves.

Historic downtown Albany offers lots of character, with old buildings, interesting architecture, a carousel and a riverside park all nearby. It’s a great choice for seniors who want a mixture of urban and outdoor portraits

The best senior portrait location is ultimately the one that fits your personality. Whether you love waterfalls, downtown architecture, open fields or the drama that can best be done in studio, there’s a perfect backdrop waiting right here in the Mid-Willamette Valley of Oregon. And the best part? We can often combine several looks in one senior session to create a gallery that feels completely and uniquely you.