Today’s blog post is part two of my guide to Pacific Northwest locations for high school or college senior sessions. In my last post, I covered my favorite PNW beaches where I enjoy photographing my senior girl and guy clients. Today, we’re going to visit some of my favorite classic spots.
What makes a classic location anyway? Here are some things to think about if you are considering a classic photography location. Parks, manicured gardens, college campuses, churches, neighborhoods, architecture, flowers and greenery all have great classic elements.
Our first stop on the tour of classic locations is the Hiram M. Chittenden Locks in Ballard. The grounds have mature blooming shrubs and trees along the paved walkways in the English garden. Home to the busiest locks in the nation and a major tourist attraction, it’s a National Historic Site. Below, Abbey poses on the steps of the historic administration building.
If you prefer the local Tacoma area, Point Defiance Park is home to formal and informal gardens, walking paths, and a pond. Additionally, the pagoda offers a unique architectural style. There are many options here and the park is a favorite with clients.
.jpg)
Back in Seattle, the University of Washington is a popular choice and offers 19th century architecture, green spaces, and if you time it right, cherry blossoms in the spring.
While the Seattle campus is undeniably beautiful, please don’t discount the UW Tacoma campus. It’s a great location and has awesome brick buildings and walkways and little spots of greenery tucked in here and there. I’d be thrilled if a senior girl would choose this location because I had a fantastic session with Alex here!
Our next stop takes us down south to Olympia. I would love to shoot another senior session at the Washington State Capitol. If you like simple lines of neoclassical architecture, then our beautiful US Capitol landmark is for you!
Back to Seattle. I’m always glad when a client introduces me to a great new location. Discovery Park is a gem in the Magnolia neighborhood and built on the historic grounds of Fort Lawton. The park overlooks the Puget Sound and has meadows, walking trails, wildflowers, the beach and a lighthouse. There is a lot of ground to cover here, so comfortable walking shoes are a must. This location is so worth it though!
UW Tacoma isn’t the only photogenic college campus in town. I’ve shot a couple of sessions at the University of Puget Sound and it’s perfect for clients who want to stick to a single location without sacrificing variety in their images. 
Lakewold Gardens and the Wright Park Conservatory are also two spots that you should consider. Do you have a favorite location in mind or a suggestion to share? Let me know in the comments!
