If you’re a senior in St. Louis looking to capture the essence of your final year in high school in some of the most epic locations this city has to offer, this St. Louis Senior Photographer is here to help guide you! Or, perhaps you’re a parent seeking the perfect backdrop for your child’s senior portraits? As a seasoned senior portrait photographer in St. Louis, I understand the importance of selecting the right location during the right time of day (for lighting’s sake!) to ensure stunning and memorable images that don’t look like everyone else’s.

Here’s a curated list of the top 10 best locations for senior pictures in St. Louis:

1. Victorian Foot Bridge: Nestled within the picturesque Forest Park, this charming footbridge offers a whimsical setting with lush greenery and stunning architecture with countless ways to make this scene unique. The immediate surrounding areas are also GORGEOUS during golden hour and offer a perfect backdrop to give you that glow that you’ve been dreaming about.

2. The Gateway Arch Grounds and Malcolm W. Memorial Park: These are two separate locations, I realize, but they both include the Arch, just in different ways- let me know which one you prefer or if you prefer both! Anything goes at your senior session! Iconic and majestic, the Gateway Arch and its surrounding grounds provide a stunning urban landscape for senior photos. The grounds are massive, so the possibilities for portraits here are literally endless. I go out of my way to create something different and unique for every senior I photograph so your senior photos don’t look like anyone else’s. At the same time, if there is a specific look and location you want, I am obviously more than happy to make that happen! Malcolm W. Memorial Park is just across the river in IL and presents the most comprehensive and stunning backdrop of the St. Louis skyline with our beloved Arch

3. The Pagoda: Located in the heart of St. Louis’ Forest Park, the Pagoda is a stunning architectural gem surrounded by wild flowers in the spring and summer and the most gorgeous, colorful leaves in the fall, making it an ideal location for senior portraits in St. Louis in any season.

4. The Jewel Box: The historic greenhouse located in Forest Park features stunning Art Deco architecture and vibrant floral displays, providing a colorful and elegant backdrop for senior portraits. I HIGHLY recommend going when the tulips are present which is only for a few weeks in April, so definitely schedule the timing of your session with that in mind!

5. The Grand Basin: Situated in the heart of Forest Park, the Grand Basin offers sweeping views of the water and surrounding greenery with the iconic St. Louis Art Museum in the background. With the bridges, benches, stairs, and other aforementioned features, there are countless possibilities for amazing senior photos in St. Louis at this incredible location!

6. Lafayette Square Park: Steeped in history and surrounded by Victorian architecture, Lafayette Square Park exudes charm and elegance, making it a popular choice for senior portraits.

7. Klondike Park: Located just outside of St. Louis in Augusta, Missouri, Klondike Park offers scenic views of the Missouri River bluffs and expansive natural beauty, providing an adventurous backdrop- even one with a beach!- for destination-like senior portraits near St. Louis.

8. The Muny: Known as America’s oldest and largest outdoor musical theatre, the Muny offers a unique and vibrant backdrop for senior portraits- especially with the iconic chandelier just outside the Muny box office. Where my theatre kids at? Having a BFA in musical theatre myself, I understand more than most the appeal of having your senior portraits taken at the Muny!

9. Union Station: As a historic landmark in downtown St. Louis, Union Station offers a blend of architectural grandeur and urban energy, making it an ideal location for dynamic, unique, and memorable senior portraits in St. Louis! There is a fee to take portraits inside, which it totally worth it, but even if we were to stay on the outside ground of Union Station, we could play all day and come up with the most epic photos!

10. Missouri Botanical Gardens: Explore the beauty of nature as the Missouri Botanical Garden, featuring meticulously curated gardens, tranquil ponds, and stunning architecture. This botanical paradise offers endless possibilities for unique and captivating senior portraits and is a favorite in ANY season! (My personal favorite is when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom!)

BONUS: Missouri Bottom Conservation Sunflower Field: For a truly enchanting and whimsical setting, venture to the Missouri Bottoms Conservation Area during sunflower season. Lose yourself amidst endless rows of golden blooms, creating a dreamy backdrop for unforgettable senior photos in St. Louis!

Whether you’re drawn to the urban landscape of downtown St. Louis, the tranquil beauty of its parks and gardens, or the enchanting allure of sunflower fields, there’s no shortage of stunning locations for senior portraits in this vibrant city. As your St. Louis senior portrait photographer, I’m dedicated to helping you find the perfect setting, lighting, season, and wardrobe to capture this milestone moment in your life! Let’s plan your session and make your senior portrait experience EPIC!

https://www.seniors.erikarenephotography.com