Top 8 Favorite Senior Photo Locations Near Salem, Oregon
My Top 8 Favorite Local Spots for Senior Photos
Location plays a big role in your senior photos! It set's the stage, so to say, so picking a location can be hard. No worries, this is where I step in, I pair the perfect location with your personality! Want to know my secret? Okay-but don't tell anyone! I start with a cauldron and a crystal ball and ask for a lock of your hair...JUST JOKING!! I get to know you! When we meet for coffee I ask you all kinds of questions and it helps me offer up locations that will compliment your personality perfectly.
I promise, you will never get a set of locations from me and be asked to just choose one, or worse-I just choose for you! That just makes me cringe thinking of you not having a say in where you get to celebrate your senior year! But don't worry, that is not the case with me, we are in this together!!
But for those of you who might want to do a little research ahead of time, I have put together a list of some pretty cool spots. Almost every single one of these has areas that are not overused, ensuring that you will get unique shots! Because you are unique! Are you also wondering when the best time to have your senior photos is? CLICK HERE to check out my post all about when to have your senior photos! In no particular order-here are my top 8 favorite locations near Salem, Oregon.
And once you think you have a couple of spots that you could see your session at, let me know! CLICK HERE to book your senior session!
1. Downtown Salem
Downtown Salem has a lot more than you think! There are so many little areas and I am always finding more! One of my favorite things about shooting downtown is that we can incorporate fun favorites, like coffee and ice-cream, or donuts and record stores! It serves the seniors that long for the old building look as well as the ones that appreciate more modern spaces.
2. Homestead Road-Minto Brown
Homestead Road is on the backside of Minto Brown (my favorite place to go running) and gives some great options! Cool road? Check. Railroad tracks? Check! Trees and cool paths? Check and check! Maybe some water and fields? Yep-we can get to those too!
3. Jory Hill Park
Are you wanting a wooded look that is close to Salem? This is the place to go! There is also a field that gives amazing evening light with some pretty epic views! This location is also great most times of the year.
4. Willamette Mission State Park
This park is not as well known as far as photography locations and there are a ton of locations to choose from in the park! I love shooting here in the fall when the leaves have started changing, but it really pretty almost anytime!
5. Deepwood Estates
Do you love a classic garden look? Deepwood is where it is at! Once the flowers come on, this spot is gorgeous! And stays gorgeous through the fall! It's a great location choice if you like flowers and also want some rustic woodsy looks, because the area behind the house is less manicured.
6. Bush Park
Bush Park is a Salem classic. But just like Minto Brown, there are definitely areas that are less known and more unique than others. If you want several different looks in a small area-this is a good place to start! Or maybe you are not really loving any certain component of a location-again, this one is a great choice!
7. Independence
Not a lot of people think of Independence as a place to have your photos taken, but it is one of my favorites! There are some really great little areas downtown with less people watching you. There is the river and fields nearby as well as some safe railroad tracks.
8. Minto Brown Park
Minto Brown is probably the most popular place in Salem for photos. But don't dismiss it quite yet! Sure there are the spots that you see everyone taking photos at-I tend not to use those. We go off the beaten path for sure here! And this location has the best field with that soft creamy light-so if that is a must for you, Minto should be your number one pick!!
A couple of Honorable Mentions: Silver Falls State Park and Willamette University. All of these are great locations as well! I hope this helps you pick a local location, or at least narrow it down. I am always down to shoot at new spots too! Or maybe you already have a location in mind? Sweet-let's do it! CLICK HERE to start the process towards the best senior experience in Salem!!
