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The best outdoor photo locations for Louisville senior pictures

July 5, 2022

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A senior girl sits on the side of a fountain in graduation attire

There are so many iconic locations in Louisville, it can be hard to choose between them for your senior pictures! Today I’m sharing the best photo locations for Louisville senior pictures for inspiration. These aren’t ranked in any special order, because they’re all unique locations! 

Norton Commons

This upscale subdivision is a classy location for senior portraits. I love the fountain and the trellis walkway for senior photos!

A senior girl poses in front of a fountain and trellis walkway

NuLu

One of my favorite places to eat and shop, Nulu is filled with trendy restaurants and colorful murals! I have a few “secret” spots I like to visit for senior pictures from my time wandering around the area.

Water Tower Park (currently under construction)

Water Tower Park is another favorite of seniors! The main building has tall, white columns that look very European and will make any colors you wear stand out. Around the back, you can find a rose garden and views of the Ohio River. If you time it right, you may see the Belle of Louisville go past!

A collage of senior girl portraits at Water Tower Park

Crescent Hill Reservoir

Located near Frankfort Avenue, the reservoir has a beautiful staircase leading up to a Gothic style gatehouse meant to look like a German castle. This is beautiful close to sunset when the colors reflect on the water all around the reservoir. 

A teen girl sits on the staircase, jumps for joy and poses against a black gate for senior pictures

Parklands

The Parklands of Floyd’s Fork is a little outside the main area of Louisville, but always worth a visit! This is the one park in Louisville I buy a photo permit for every year. Why? It’s a well-maintained, spacious park with so much to offer. Creeks, tall grasses, wildflowers, a pond, winding paths – every season is beautiful at the Parklands.

Two senior girls pose for their senior portraits in tall grass fields and wildflowers

Cherokee Park

My favorite public park in Louisville, Cherokee is filled with wildflowers in the late summer, and in the fall the leaves changing color is unbelievable for photos! Big Rock Creek is also a hidden gem for those of you wanting to dip your toes for your senior session. 

A girl in a blue dress and a hat poses in a creek

Waterfront Botanical Gardens

A relatively new location in Louisville, these gardens have a path leading you across bridges that hover over peaceful waterfalls. Their hours are limited, so check their hours and sunset times – especially in the summer! Each season looks different here as well, and I can’t wait to see what the Japanese Garden looks like once it’s completed!

St. James Court / Central Park

For seniors wanting a more historic feel to their session, St. James Court may be your new favorite spot! The houses in this neighborhood are colorful and have unique architectural styles. The fountain is one of the most well-known features, but there are also beautiful magnolia trees, brick buildings that remind me of New York City, and a giant pink house. Late summer flowers and fall foliage are absolutely stunning here! Cross to Central Park for a classic walkway with white pillars covered in green ivy. 

Waterfront Park

With several bridges to choose from facing the Ohio River – the Waterfront Park area is so much fun to explore! Sunsets here are unreal, and I love coming here for senior portraits at golden hour!

Downtown Louisville

Craving a more downtown feel to balance out your “nature” location? The Downtown Louisville area is vibrant and has a mix of modern and historic buildings, art sculptures, and incredible rooftop views. 

This is only a SMALL selection of the best outdoor locations for Louisville senior pictures! Each area has a lot to offer, but I hope this has provided you with some inspiration for your upcoming session!

PS – Want to book a senior portrait experience with me and pick the BEST locations? Click here to visit the senior page of my website, or fill out a contact form below to get in touch!

If you liked this post, check out these recent blog posts:

Best spring + summer locations for senior photos in Louisville

A photo of Johanna (owner of Frames and Letters Photography)

[ Johanna is a senior portrait photographer for upcoming high school and college grads in Louisville and Southern Indiana. Follow me on Instagram @framesandlettersphotography and let’s start planning your dream senior experience!]

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