This spring, I got to explore a new location in Indiana for senior pictures for cap + gown photos: Spring Mill State Park! Since Abby has visited Spring Mill many times, she took me to all the best spots there – her purple cap and gown was a fun contrast to the natural colors.

Spring Mill State Park

Spring Mill State Park is a beautiful location for senior portraits – I loved the old stone mill and bridge, hidden garden pathways and colorful spring flowers. There is a beautiful creek that flows throughout and it was very peaceful there. I can only imagine how pretty it is in the fall for senior pictures too.

Abby also brought her elementary school graduation photo, featuring the same color graduation attire as Paoli Jr./Sr. High! 

Planning for outdoor senior pictures

When you’re planning to take photos outdoors, especially in spring or summertime, it’s best to be prepared! Keep an eye on the weather the week of your session and have flexibility for backup dates if needed. Thankfully, we got the perfect day with beautiful sunlight and a clear sky for Abby’s session.

5 tips to prepare for your outdoor senior session:

Look up the sunset time and plan to start your session 1.5-2 hours before then

Go to your photo location during the same season 2 hours before sunset to see how the lighting is in different areas

Remember to apply sunscreen (under makeup) and/or bug spray

Bring water, touch up makeup/powder, and a small towel to help with the heat and humidity in warm seasons

Wear comfortable walking shoes until you get to your location, then change into your “nice shoes” for photos

I hope you enjoyed these pictures from this fun cap and gown session at Spring Mill!

See even more senior sessions, get location ideas and more planning tips below:

The best month of the year for outdoor senior portraits in Kentucky and Southern Indiana

Six reasons to consider professional hair and makeup for your senior portraits

Create your own senior graduation cap design

about the photographer

Johanna Hribal is a color obsessed senior photographer for fun loving grads in Louisville, Southern Indiana or wherever you want to go! 

Want to book a senior portrait session with Frames and Letters Photography? Find out more about your personalized senior portrait experience here, then fill out a contact form to get in touch.