Minneapolis Senior Photo Ideas & Tips

You made it! Congratulations on nearing graduation. I’m so pumped for you!

Now, you’re thinking about your senior photo session, scoping out senior picture photographers in Minneapolis or the broader Twin Cities, and looking for some helpful senior photo ideas. I can help you with that!

My tip-top, #1 most-given advice for your session is this: make it yours. You are a unique human and there will never be another one of you, so please do not be afraid to let your personality shine.

Ready for more senior photo ideas and tips? Let’s go.

Photo Session Seasonality/Timing

Many incoming seniors schedule their sessions for the early-to-mid summer months, but that doesn’t mean the other months are off-limits. There aren’t any hard rules here, although if you want a great photo to submit for the yearbook, you’ll want to make that deadline.

As far as the timing of the day goes, there’s something us photographers call “the golden hour.” It just means a time when the sun isn’t too high in the sky—around the last 1-2 hours or so of daylight in the evening. This is when the lighting tends to be just right for photography—not too bright, not too dark.

Senior Photo Locations – Minneapolis/Twin Cities

Alright so, there’s no number one absolute best place to have your senior photo session in the Twin Cities, because it should depend on what fits you and your personality the best!

In general, for great photos, think about:

• Lighting: The right lighting can make or break your photos. Make sure your location, whether indoors or out, has enough natural lighting to highlight your fabulous face.
• Backgrounds: We’ll look for good areas to take your photos where the background isn’t too busy or too bright. Think about what you want for backgrounds, like flowers, woods, fields, water, the Minneapolis skyline, etc.
• Busyness level: It can be a challenge to take great photos if there are people constantly stepping into the shot. If choosing a busy area, try for an off-peak time.

Now, here are a few ideas for great Twin Cities locations to have your senior photos taken. In no particular order:

Saint Anthony Main

The Saint Anthony Main area in Minneapolis is super unique because it’s a mixture of nature and city, plus there’s a really neat view of the Minneapolis skyline. It’s the perfect place to go if you want a great mix of backgrounds, all within the same area.

Westwood Hills Nature Center

Westwood Hills Nature Center, located in St Louis Park, is another superb spot for senior photos if you’re going for a more nature-focused, wooded look. It also features a lake, a marsh, and a pretty neat-looking interpretive center, so you’ll find plenty of spots to vary your photos!

Lake Harriet Bandshell Park

Lake Harriet Bandshell Park is a neat location with a lake, nature areas, and some pretty neat architecture. Plus, if you’re there on a nice summer day, you’re bound to see some sailboats out on the lake. Lots of great spots for a variety of shots!

Como Park

If gorgeous, curated gardens are more your style, I highly recommend the outdoor areas at Como Park Zoo & Conservatory over in St Paul. Just outside the Conservatory, you’ll find a path leading down to pretty flowers, an overlook, and water views.

Lebanon Hills Regional Park

Lebanon Hills is a sprawling, nature-filled park located in Eagan. Think trees, trails, fields, lake, beach…this park has it all. Plus, if you’re located in the Western Twin Cities, it might be closer to you than the other ideas on this list.

Lyndale Rose and Peace Gardens

The Lyndale Peace Garden and Rose Gardens are right next to each other, so you could easily take some photos at one and then wander over to the other. Both are lovely curated gardens: think pebble paths, blooming flowers, fun sculptures, and even a small waterfall feature.

Senior Photo Outfit Ideas

Honestly, my advice here is mostly just “you do you.” This is your session, and we’re trying to capture your personality, so you want your outfits to reflect that.

I do typically see seniors having at least one outfit change, so you can have something that’s a little bit nicer and something that’s more comfortable and more you. It depends on the session you book, too. A longer session = time for more outfit changes.

As far as colors go, more muted colors tend to photograph better, but don’t worry if your favorite outfit is a hot pink dress or a bright blue top. We’ll make it work!

Should you bring props to your senior photo session?

You absolutely should bring a prop, if it’s something you love or want in your photos! It could be your instrument, your bike, your knitting needles, your pet…whatever makes sense to you. If you want it in your photos, bring it.

The JKP Difference

Why should you choose me for your senior photos?

To make your session awesome, I’ll lead you through every step. We’ll go over scheduling, choosing outfits, picking out the best location, preparing for your session, and more. I’m here for you every step of the way!

Professional makeup is also always included in my session packages, so you look and feel your best from the start! Yes, for guys too 🙂

Plus, I’ll submit your chosen yearbook photo to your school for you, so you don’t have to worry about that detail.

Mostly, I just want you, senior, to have fun and be yourself. My goal is to help you feel ready and confident as you celebrate your senior year!

For more information on types of sessions (and to hear about my less-than-ideal senior photo session experience…woof) and to reach out, check out my High School Seniors page.