Three Killer Destinations for Senior Sessions

Clark Creek Natural Area, Woodville, MS

“It’s all about Location. Location. Location.” You hear this when planning an after dance party, choosing the perfect first date restaurant or renting your first apartment. Location is the canvas that sets the tone for the mood, the decorations, the lighting — EVERYTHING. So naturally, location choice is a key part of planning your senior portrait dream shoot.

I’ve photographed at amazing locations all across Louisiana. Being that it is warm (um, hot) for most of the year, the grass is always green, something is always in bloom and the oak tress are always breathtaking. Here are my top three choices for outstanding senior portrait locations:

1.) Rosedown Plantation – St. Francisville

I came across this southern plantation when concept designing for a class of 2016 senior model shoot. I wanted something that had whimsy and mystery with a hint of southern glam. Rosedown Plantation offers all of that and more. Located in St. Francisville, LA, it’s about a 80 mile drive from my Opelousas studio – and the drive is totally worth the endless scenery changes available. I highly recommend this location if you want to be glamorous like Scarlett O’hara for the day (or Marylin Monroe as Cari so perfectly embodied above).

2.) Jungle Gardens – Avery Island

Avery Island is best known for the manufacturing facility for Tabasco sauce. It’s a field trip most every Louisiana student takes at some point in their school career. Located slightly south of New Iberia, this location has gardens planted with azaleas, Japanese camellias, hydrangeas, Louisiana irises, papyrus sedges, bamboo, and wisteria. Four miles of gravel roads are lined with live oak trees and Spanish moss. The winding road offers a gazillion new scenery places to change up outfits – perfect location for as many outfits as we can fit in one day. And if you want to add in a bit of city scenery too, eclectic New Iberia is just a few miles away.

3.) Downtown Opelousas

You don’t have to travel far from the Barefoot Seniors studio to find the perfect location. Centrally located in the up-and-coming historic district, there is street after street of vintage mixed with urban finds. From coffee shops, to patina walls, to fantastically worn brick, I absolutely love to explore what’s within walking distance from the studio.

Whether your up for a drive or want to stay right near home, Louisiana offers something for every senior dream shoot. Where will the Barefoot Seniors Team travel in the next year? I can’t wait to find out.