Choosing the location is one of the most fun parts of planning a senior session. Below are some of my favorite CT photography locations for high school seniors to help you start thinking about the look that fits you best. Because seasons and lighting are always changing, I can’t guarantee an exact replication, but the photo examples below will give you a good idea of what to expect at each location.
Some seniors love the beach and the Connecticut shoreline. Others prefer flowers and open fields, while some want a more polished urban feel.
How Location Choices Work
I offer a few different senior session options, and location choices vary slightly depending on which session you choose.
My Essential Session:
includes a curated list of favorite locations that consistently photograph beautifully:
- *Hammonasset Beach,
- *Bauer Park,
- *or a local downtown setting.
My Signature and Premium Sessions:
allow for additional locations, like Harkness Memorial State Park or Elizabeth Park, and sometimes even a combination of locations for more variety.
Below you can see examples of each location to help you start thinking about the style you love most!
*Hammonasset Beach, Madison CT
Hammonasset is my go-to beach location. It offers incredible variety in one place including grasses, rocks, paths, stairs, and shoreline, with beautiful light and plenty of room to move. I know this location extremely well and it consistently delivers stunning senior portraits.
Beach sessions are typically scheduled a couple of hours before sunset for the most flattering golden light.
- Want to see more from Hammonasset? Read this post: Why I Love Hammonasset Beach for Senior Photo Sessions.
*Bauer Park – Madison, CT
Bauer Park is a versatile park with a rustic barn, wooden paths, a covered bridge, open fields with golden grasses and wildflowers, and beautiful seasonal light. It’s an especially great spot for fall sessions, when the foliage adds a stunning pop of color. But no matter the season, Bauer Park is always a gorgeous backdrop for your photos.
- Bauer is just ten minutes from Hammonasset, making it a great option for combining park and beach looks.
*Local Downtown Locations
For seniors who want something a little different, a local downtown area can add a fun and modern look to your gallery.
Brick walkways, storefronts, and charming streets create a polished backdrop and can give your photos a slightly more editorial feel. This option works especially well with casual outfits like jeans and sneakers or something a little dressier.
- Urban locations can also be combined with a park or beach session for additional variety.
Harkness Memorial Park, Waterford CT
Harkness is one of the most beautiful portrait locations in Connecticut and has become one of my favorite places to photograph high school seniors. It offers incredible variety including a historic mansion, gardens, stone walls, hidden paths, open fields with golden grasses, and a beach with beautiful sunset light.
Because this park is very popular, weeknight sessions are recommended when possible.
Elizabeth Park, West Hartford, CT
Elizabeth Park is a truly unique and elegant location for senior portraits. It is known for its formal rose gardens, arches, paths, greenhouse, and beautiful seasonal flowers. When everything is in bloom, it becomes one of the most vibrant CT photography locations for seniors in the state.
This location is perfect for seniors who love flowers and want a romantic garden feel to their portraits. It is especially breathtaking in June and July when thousands of roses are in bloom. And it is also beautiful in April when the tulip fields are in season.
*Please note that a $150 travel fee applies for sessions at Elizabeth Park.
Something Special | Custom Location
If you have a location that’s meaningful to you, like a boat, private beach, field, or another personal spot, let me know. I’ve photographed seniors in all kinds of unique places and always love incorporating locations that feel personal and reflect who you are.
Combining Locations for Your Senior Session
Some seniors choose to combine locations during their session for even more variety. Here are a few favorite combinations so you can see what that looks like.
Bauer Park + Hammonasset Beach
One of my favorite combinations. We can start at Bauer Park for fields, wildflowers, and soft natural light, then head to Hammonasset for beach and sunset photos.
➝ See Tess’s Park + Beach Session here!
Local Downtown + Hammonasset Beach
This gives you a fun mix of polished, urban images and softer shoreline photos.
➝ See Jonathan’s Urban + Beach Session here!
Local Downtown + Bauer Park
A great option if you want both a modern look and a more natural park setting.
➝ See Luke’s Urban + Park Session here!
Combining locations creates a beautiful mix of images in your final gallery.
Final Thoughts on My Favorite CT Photography Locations For High School Seniors
There’s no shortage of beautiful outdoor photography locations in Connecticut. Whether you’re looking for a beach, garden, historic estate, or open field, each of these favorite CT photography locations for seniors offers something unique, and I love helping seniors choose the perfect spot for their session
Not sure which location is right for you? Let’s chat. I’d love to help you pick the perfect setting for your photos.