Where is the best location for senior photos in Reno? Tips from a Reno Senior Photographer
The #1 thing teens message me about on Instagram is “where is the best location for senior photos in Reno?” And although I know a BUNCH of incredible show-stopping locations for senior photos, the answer isn’t so straight forward. So let’s dive into HOW to get to a conclusion about WHERE you should do your senior photos!
So, I could list a TON of locations right here and now. But will those suit your vibe? Is an open field a match for your personality and style? Or are concrete steps going to clash with the outfit you’re hoping to wear? Not every location is a fit for every senior. It’s actually SO nuanced!
Step 1: consider your wardrobe choices
You don’t have to have your outfits 100% decided. However, you do need an idea of what you’ll be wearing. If you want to wear edgy clothing but choose a flowering meadow for your photos, that’s a mismatch and a half. Vice versa, if you decide on a sun dress but choose a parking garage for your portraits, that’s just as much of a mismatch as the first example. We want your outfits to fit in seamlessly with the backgrounds.
Since your senior photos are meant to express YOUR personality, choosing wardrobe OVER a location is the best way to ensure your personality is being captured. Your wardrobe says more about YOU than a pretty spot. So it should be the FIRST thing you decide.
Wardrobe examples:
Flowy dresses = fields, lakes, gardens
Leather, denim = parking garages, downtown urban spots, murals, buildings
Elegant dresses or suits = historic buildings, gardens
Casual outfits (ex. jeans & tees) = mix of locations (fields and/or urban spots)
Step 2: think about scenery you love in real life
Even though your wardrobe is more important than a background, the scenery you LOVE in real life does play a role. As do your INTERESTS! Are you a nature girly? Are you a car guy? Do you love the lake? Or are you more of a city person? Let’s tie your interests into your senior photos by making sure we’re using locations that fit YOU.
I know a lot of seniors who LOVE the lake. And they can’t stand the thought of doing a city session when where they really want to be is on the beach. I also know some seniors who wanted nothing to do with nature scenery and wanted ALL urban locations. And their wardrobe reflected this as well.
There is also the option to juxtapose your wardrobe with a contrasting location. For example, I have had very adventurous seniors wear an elegant gown in Lake Tahoe. And I’ve also had seniors wear 3-piece suits in the desert. And it looks AMAZING! This has to be done with finesse and expertise, which brings us to the next step…
Step 3: work with a photographer who will help guide you
The two steps above sound easy enough, right? However, when there are TONS of great location options, this can get overwhelming. Especially if you’re a little eclectic like me. You may want a mix of clothing styles and locations, but HOW do you fit it all into one session? And do you even have time to drive around the entire Reno/Tahoe area and look for awesome spots? That is where your photographer comes in – and you need one with EXPERIENCE. Your photographer should 100% be responsible for making sure you have locations you LOVE, with a timeline that allows for portraits at the best time in those locations.
So the most important way to make sure you’ve got the BEST locations in Reno for your senior photos is to work with a photographer who will guide you the whole way. It’s a photographer’s job to suggest locations and help you with wardrobe and fit everything together like a work of art.
FYI I’ve lived in Reno for over 20 years, and have extensive knowledge of the area and which locations are best at specific times of the year – down to specific times of the DAY. I also know how to incorporate multiple locations into one senior session in a seamless way….without causing stress or chaos. The timeline of a session is an art in itself, trust me!
So before you ask “where should I do my senior photos?” the question you may want to ask instead is “who do I want to help guide me through my senior portrait experience?” And that’s not a decision to take lightly…so reach out if you have any questions!
Still confused? Or feeling like you’re not sure about your wardrobe choices or what locations mesh with your style?
Leave a Reply