Senior year is such a meaningful milestone — a time full of excitement, personal growth, and big dreams for what’s next. Capturing this chapter through senior portraits is one of my favorite parts of being a professional senior photographer in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire.

From charming New England towns to coastal beaches and forest trails, I’ve had the joy of photographing high school seniors in all kinds of beautiful outdoor locations. Whether you're in Andover, Groton, Concord, Ipswich, Beverly, Gloucester, or any of the surrounding areas, there’s a perfect backdrop waiting for your senior session.

Whether you're just starting to think about your Class of 2026 senior pictures or already planning ahead, I’ve put together my best tips to help you feel confident, prepared, and excited for your session — from what to wear and how to pose, to choosing the best location for your outdoor senior photos.

Someone in a white sweater sits in a sunlit meadow with tall grass and wildflowers during golden hour.
Senior portrait session in a wildflower meadow at golden hour wearing blue denim and lace top.
Black and white portrait of a person in a white sweater and jeans standing in a wildflower field at sunset.
Golden sunlit portrait session against a tree trunk with warm summer lighting and natural backlight.
Portrait in an olive green top posed against a dreamy natural sunset backdrop in summer meadow.
A series of joyful outdoor portraits capturing natural expressions in soft sunlit bokeh.
A person in a sage green dress poses outdoors during golden hour lighting with trees and natural scenery.
A person in a white ruffled dress smiles warmly in a sunlit field during golden hour.
Woman in white sundress poses playfully in golden wheat field at sunset.
Sunlit outdoor photoshoot with a flowing white summer dress against tall natural grass.

📍 Top Locations for Senior Photos in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire

One of the best parts of planning a senior photo session is choosing a location that reflects your personality. Whether you’re into coastal views, city vibes, or open fields, there’s a perfect spot out there for you. Here are some of my favorite locations for high school senior portraits:


Classic New England Charm & Nature

Andover – Golden-hour trails, quiet conservation areas, and charming architecture. A perfect backdrop for timeless, natural portraits.

Groton – Open fields, rustic stone walls, and peaceful country views — ideal for seniors who love a laid-back, outdoorsy look.

Concord – Historic beauty meets lush green spaces. Spots like Old North Bridge and local parks offer elegance and serenity.

Ipswich – Coastal charm, soft light, and spots like Appleton Farms create a dreamy, relaxed vibe that looks amazing in every season.

Acton / Boxborough – Surrounded by conservation land and wooded trails, these towns are great for seniors who want that natural fall color or simple beauty.

Reading / North Reading – Suburban charm with beautiful trails and fields — simple, classic, and easy to access.

Winchester / Arlington – These towns offer parks, lakes, and charming architecture — ideal if you want a peaceful spot without going far from Boston.

Haverhill (Greycourt Park) – A hidden gem with elegant ruins, stone walls, and sweeping views. This unique spot adds a historic, almost European feel to senior portraits.


Coastal & Beach Vibes

Wingaersheek Beach (Gloucester) – One of the most stunning beach spots around. Soft sand, ocean breeze, and beautiful light, especially at sunset.

Beverly – A great mix of coastal textures and urban backdrops. Think stone walls, marinas, and colorful doors.

Newburyport – Historic charm with a coastal twist. Harbor views, brick alleys, and charming storefronts give you a little bit of everything.

Rockport – Artistic, bold, and full of coastal color. Motif No. 1 and the working harbor create truly unique senior portraits.

Salem Massachusetts – For something different and bold, Salem offers history, edgy backdrops, and vibrant color all in one place.


City Vibes & Urban Style

Boston – Looking for a senior session with a modern, city feel? Boston is full of inspiring photo spots like:

Beacon Hill with cobblestone streets and historic charm

Seaport District for skyline views and sleek, modern lines

Boston Public Library and Copley Square for architecture lovers

The Esplanade for waterfront views and greenery along the Charles

Perfect for seniors who want something stylish, bold, and unique.


Lakes, Trails & Forest Adventures

Harold Parker State Forest (Andover/North Andover) – With wooded paths and quiet lake views, this is a peaceful and photogenic setting, especially in fall.

Middlesex Fells (Stoneham/Medford) – Great for adventurous seniors, this spot offers forest trails, rocky overlooks, and a bit of wilderness close to the city.


No matter your style — nature-loving, city-chic, beachy, or classic — we’ll find the perfect location for your senior photos. I’m happy to help you pick the spot that feels like you!

Young person in white polo shirt leaning on wooden railing with blurred outdoor nature background.
Black and white portrait of a person in a white polo shirt standing in front of tall grass.
Young person in white polo shirt and khaki shorts sits casually on stone wall in woodsy outdoor setting.
A black and white artistic photo series showing the same child posing with crossed arms in white polo shirt.
Young person in casual white polo and khaki shorts standing on a dirt path in a sunlit outdoor setting with trees and foliage.
Person in white polo shirt poses against rock wall background in outdoor natural lighting setting.
A series of casual portrait shots against a green foliage background in a natural outdoor setting.
Student in white polo shirt sits by scenic waterfall backdrop during outdoor photo session.
Close-up portrait photos with natural green foliage backdrop showing different expressions and angles.
A young person crouches on a manicured lawn with decorative shrubs and evergreens in the background.
Four sequential photos of someone wearing a white polo shirt and khaki pants posing against green bushes outdoors.

👗 What to Wear for Your Senior Portraits

The best outfits are the ones that make you feel like you. But here are a few style tips to help you shine:

  • Stick to solid colors or simple patterns. Neutral tones or soft colors photograph beautifully outdoors.
  • Layer when possible. A jacket, flannel, or sweater adds variety to your look.
  • Avoid large logos or super bright neons. They can be distracting in photos.
  • Bring 1-2 outfits. Most seniors bring one more casual outfit and one that feels a little dressier — it gives us more options.
  • Be comfortable. If you feel good, you’ll look good — it really is that simple!


Need help deciding? I’m always happy to chat beforehand and help you plan outfits that fit your location and personality.

Person relaxing in golden wheat field on sunny day wearing white top and smiling at sunset.
Smiling young woman in white dress standing among tall wheat grass in golden sunlight.
A person in a white sundress sits on sandy ground amid tall golden grasses in warm sunlight holding a small bouquet.
Black and white portrait of a woman in a white top running her hand through her hair against a cloudy sky.
Four dreamy outdoor portraits of someone wearing a white dress sitting on coastal sand dunes at golden hour.
A figure in a flowing white dress walks gracefully along a rocky beach shoreline in black and white photography.
Someone wearing a flowing white dress walks through shallow ocean waters near rocky coastline at sunset.
A joyful seaside portrait captured in natural light with the beach and ocean waves in the background.
Person in white sundress sitting on coastal rocks with ocean and rugged shoreline in background during sunset.
A person in a white dress sits atop a large rock formation against a bright blue sky with fluffy white clouds.
Person in a white sundress standing in shallow ocean water among rocky outcrops under a cloudy sky.
Someone in a white outfit sits atop a rocky surface against a bright blue sky with puffy white clouds in the background.
A serene beach photo session featuring someone lying in the white sand with a delicate bouquet of flowers at sunset.

📸 Senior Photo Pose Ideas (That Feel Natural!)


I always guide my seniors through relaxed, natural poses — no stiff smiles here!

Some of the go-to poses I use include:

  • Leaning on a fence (adds structure and looks great in rural settings!)
  • Walking shots, especially near beaches or trails — they add movement and make you feel less posed.
  • Sitting in the grass or on a blanket — this creates calm, candid moments.
  • Classic over-the-shoulder glances and close-up portraits with soft backgrounds.


And most importantly: I encourage you to laugh, move, and have fun. The best photos happen when you're genuinely enjoying the moment.

Young person in white dress shirt and dark pants sits casually on stone surface in autumn outdoor setting.
Black and white portrait photo of someone in a white dress shirt outdoors with blurred bokeh background.
Casual portrait of someone crouching on grass in white shirt and dark pants during golden hour in a park.
Portrait photo showing a person in a white button-down shirt standing among evergreen trees at golden hour.
Person in blue button-down shirt and navy pants leans casually against large tree trunk in autumn park setting.
Black and white photo series showing different artistic poses in a white dress shirt against a soft blurred background.
A person sits casually atop a stone wall outdoors with sunlit green trees in the background on a bright autumn day.
Young person in white button-down shirt sits casually on stone ledge outdoors on sunny day with trees in background.
Outdoor portrait of person in white dress shirt and navy pants standing in golden sunlight with natural background.
A person is shown jumping over a stone wall in a series of sequential black and white photographs.
Person walking alone on a winding forest path during golden hour with sunlight filtering through autumn trees.
Portrait of a young person in a white dress shirt and dark pants standing outdoors with golden autumn foliage in background.
A vintage black and white photo of someone sitting on a wooden bench in a meditative pose.

🗓️ When to Book Your Senior Session


Most seniors choose to book their sessions in summer or early fall, when the light is golden, the scenery is beautiful, and there’s still plenty of time before yearbook deadlines.

These seasons are perfect for outdoor portraits with a warm, natural feel.


I’m currently booking Class of 2026 senior photo sessions throughout Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, including popular spots like Boston, Andover, Groton, Concord, Ipswich, Beverly, and the beaches near Gloucester — and many other nearby towns.


If you're unsure where to go, I can suggest the perfect location based on your style and personality!

Woman with blonde hair smiles warmly by the water during golden sunset along coastal shoreline.
Person in a blue dress stands by a waterfront beach at sunset with warm golden light reflecting on the water.
Black and white film strip showing a woman in a swimsuit lounging on a beach in different poses.
A person sits thoughtfully on a beach during a warm golden sunset with calm ocean waves in the background.
Black and white portrait of a person lying on sand at the beach with long blonde hair and relaxed expression.
Person in white knit sweater leans against tree trunk in autumn park during golden sunset.
Person in white sweater and patterned skirt leans against rocky coastal wall during golden sunset over ocean.
Person in white knit sweater smiling while posing outdoors against rocky background with long blonde hair.
A series of black and white photos showing someone sitting outdoors in a floral dress and sneakers.
A person in a white knit sweater and floral skirt poses outdoors during autumn with warm sunset lighting.
Black and white portrait of person in white sweater leaning against tree trunk with soft natural lighting.
A person in a white dress leans against a stone wall on a rocky beach at sunset.

✨ More Than a Photo Session — It’s a Memory in the Making


Your senior photo session isn’t just about posing for the camera — it’s about having fun, feeling celebrated, and capturing this once-in-a-lifetime milestone. I’ll guide you through every step, from choosing outfits and locations to helping you feel relaxed and confident in front of the lens. We’ll laugh, explore, and maybe even discover a new favorite spot together. My goal is to make the experience just as meaningful as the final photos — so you walk away with beautiful images and a great memory attached to them.

A person in a white long sleeve shirt leans against a metal railing surrounded by autumn foliage in a natural setting.
A person in a white long-sleeve shirt and jeans stands with arms crossed against a rustic stone wall background.
A person in a white long sleeve shirt and light jeans leans casually against a wrought iron fence near a stone wall.
Person sitting in a stone window frame surrounded by autumn leaves and bare trees in a natural setting.
A figure relaxes in a dramatic horizontal pose, framed through a stone or concrete opening in black and white.
A person in a white sweater and jeans sits casually against an old stone wall in an outdoor setting.
A person in a white sweater and light jeans sits casually on a large rock by tree trunks in an autumn forest setting.
A person in casual white attire poses against ancient stone ruins in a black and white photograph.

🎉 Show Off Your Style, Your Way


This is your time to shine — so bring your style, your personality, and whatever makes you you! Whether that means dressing up, going barefoot on the beach, repping your sport or club, or even bringing your dog along, your senior session should feel personal and fun. There are no stiff poses or awkward smiles here — just real, relaxed moments that capture who you are right now. Let’s make your senior photos as bold, bright, or chill as you want them to be!

Autumn outdoor photography session with subject sitting on stone steps surrounded by fall foliage.
A sequence of autumn portraits showing someone wearing a grey sweater with soft lighting and fall foliage in the background.
Multiple close-up headshots of someone in a grey sweater against a blurred autumn background with tree trunks.
Person in a gray sweater leaning against a stone wall in an autumn setting with golden foliage.
Person in grey sweater poses against tree trunk with autumn colors in background.
Person in gray sweater smiling against tree trunk with warm fall colors in background.
Woman in gray sweater sits against autumn tree trunk while enjoying peaceful fall scenery in forest.
Young model with long brown hair poses outdoors in autumn with warm golden sunlight in the background.
A series of outdoor portrait photos showing a person in a gray sweater smiling against an autumn bokeh background.

💬 Let’s Make It Yours


Every senior session is custom — your location, your style, your vibe. I’m here to help guide you every step of the way, from choosing outfits to picking your final photos.

Ready to book or ask a few questions?


Contact me — I’d love to help you plan your dream senior photos!

Portrait of a smiling young woman in white wearing braces and necklace with foliage background in natural lighting.
A person in white clothing reclines on sandy beach dunes at sunset while palm fronds sway in the breeze.
Close up portrait of someone smiling with braces wearing a white top and delicate necklace in natural sunlight.
A person wearing a white summer dress sits casually on a sandy beach on a sunny day.
Person in white top lying on sand at the beach with hands cupping face on a sunny day with soft cloudy sky in background.
Person lying on sandy beach near ocean with a relaxed expression wearing a white top in natural sunlight.
A romantic beach engagement photoshoot along a sandy shore at sunset.
Black and white photo set showing a person in a white dress posing casually on a sandy beach at sunset.
A figure in a flowing white dress splashes through ocean waves near rocky coastal formations at sunset.
Someone in a flowing white dress stands ankle-deep in water near rocky coastline on a sunny day.
A person in a white dress sits in a golden wheat field during sunset creating a dreamy summer portrait.