Top Spots for Senior Portraits

Highlighting a few of my favorite locations around the Birmingham Metro Area

• Samford University- Samford is a great choice for its sprawling green spaces, traditional architecture, lush vegetation, and it's beautiful fountain. It's hard to go wrong here. If you want clean, classic portraits then this is your place.

• Railroad Park- An urban park with city skylines. Railroad park has a large manicured lawn, ponds, lots of colorful plant life, a long bridge that spans one edge of the park and more. It wouldn't be named Railroad Park if there wasn't a train or two rolling by on your visit! If you want fall photos, early October is the perfect time to schedule your session to be sure to get the Pink Muhly in your photos. Pink Muhly is a native grass like plant that grows in abundance at Railroad Park and it is quite stunning.

• Downtown/Historic Morris Ave.- There is so much variety here and it is usually one of my go to places as well as many other photographers. From the cobblestone streets, the red caboose, beautiful gates, doors, and architecture it's hard to go wrong here. Adjacent to Morris Ave. is The Rainbow Wall with pops of color that are sure to brighten anyone's day. There are also several eateries and a few shops you can visit before or after your photo shoot too. Make sure you stop by the Alabama Peanut Co. for a tasty and unique snack!

• The Robert S. Vance Federal Building/ Courthouse- If marble, white columns and large arching windows is your thing, this is your place! There is a beautiful fountain across the street next to Urban Cookhouse and if you are lucky the wall of ivy at Urban Cookhouse will be in bloom, lush with vibrant green hues.

• The Birmingham Botanical Gardens- If you are a native of Birmingham then this is one location that is at the top of your list. You have so much variety here; there is truly something for everyone. The rose gardens are many photographers first stop and are one of the first gardens you encounter when entering. Just beyond the rose garden is The Southern Living Garden which boasts a beautiful white gazebo and and swings. The Japanese Gardens with traditional Japanese inspired buildings and plants is a favorite spot amongst visitors and photographers alike. Don't forget to grab a photo on the red bridge that spans the pond or take a walk through the bamboo forest. You can't go wrong here with so many natural backdrops.
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• A newer venu with an amazing white barn and open grassy fields is Oris & Oak- If you are looking for a farm feel without the farm animals this place is beautiful. A pond, gazebo, white fences as far as the eye can see, and an amazing covered bridge you cannot go wrong if this is your style.

When it comes time to select the location for you photoshoot think about your style, your personality, or any locations that hold significance to you.

*Before selecting a location be sure to check with any property or venu owners to make sure that photographing is allowed.