The Best Senior Portrait Photography Locations on the NH & Maine Seacoast

As a senior portrait photographer on the NH & Maine Seacoast for the last 15 years, I have pretty strong opinions about locations. Not only is this one of the most asked questions, but it's also one that is often misguided.

let's talk about locations

First, an unpopular opinion: people are too hung up on session locations.

Lay people look at locations as a whole. They take in the entirety of the space. They feel the breeze and smell the flowers.

However, portrait photographers look at locations critically. We have one thing on our minds: how will this look as a background behind my client? How will this light my client? Where can I place my client here to create magic?

We don’t see a beach and appreciate the beauty of the ocean. We see a background that will appear largely white with a blue line cutting through it. That’s the truth.

The Best Seacoast NH & Maine Senior Portrait Locations

the easiest seniors to photograph

Okay, let’s get into it: seniors are the easiest to find photoshoot locations for. There are very few places they don’t look good. So let’s start there.

• Locations with no shade are unfavorable. If you want to be photographed on an open beach, you're at the mercy of the sun. Unfortunately, at sunset, that means having your back to the ocean. Not what you had in mind. Nature dictated that the sun sets in the west. So, if you're on the east coast with your back to the water, the sun is setting directly in your eyes. Ouch! Not ideal.

  
  

  Unless you find a beach with shade cover or a curly little inlet where the water is on the west side. These are few and far between. That’s why when you go to NewCastle Commons at sunset, there are fifteen other photographers there.

  
  

• Another tricky location is the forest. Like, deep in the forest. There’s not a lot of light in there. We either have to shoot along the edge—"forest adjacent"—or bring lighting. I’ve seen other photographers shoot this poorly. I’m talking green casts a la Shrek. If you must go into the forest, choose a photographer that is skilled and has lighting.

  
  

• Indoor locations can be tricky too. If you want to be photographed at home, in a coffee shop, or a bookstore, we LOVE it! But we will be bringing lights. If you work with a "natural light photographer" (translation: they don’t use lighting), they will struggle indoors. Or every picture will be you next to a window.

  
  

Anywhere else is pretty much game on. But you have to trust your photographer. We value lighting so much more than any natural element.

you are the star

As portrait photographers, we're looking at you. We are about your face, your being, your beautiful essence. The water, the sunset, the cool tree, the interesting rock are just accessories. They can add or detract from you. But you, you are our star. Nothing compares to you.

If those natural elements exist in bad lighting, they’ll detract from you. We aren’t having that. We’d prefer to leave the cool rock as a fond memory than capture you with it in poor light.

beautiful locations for senior pictures

If you're here because you want to know of a few beautiful locations for senior pictures on the Maine & NH Seacoast, here are my top three:

Prescott Park in Portsmouth, NH is a treasure trove. Honestly, it's got everything. Water, flowers, cool old buildings, a pier, great lighting, and enough space for fifteen photographers to shoot at the same time. Across the street is Strawberry Village—another treasure trove (that no one shoots at, for reasons I can't explain). Four Tree Island is within walking distance, and Downtown Portsmouth kisses the park, so you can have your cake and eat it too.

Prescott Park Portsmouth, NH Senior Portraits

Fort Foster in Kittery Point has long been one of my favorite locations. Oh, you lucky Traip Seniors—you get to go for free! The rest of us are forking over big bucks to use this glorious photography playground. I do think this keeps the crowds at bay. The entry fee is steep for one hour in the park, but it gives you access to some of the best photography spots on the seacoast. The rocks, the pier, the forts, the trees, the lighting—it just gives and gives and gives. It’s also so big it can accommodate fifteen photographers at a time; there’s room for everyone!

Fort Foster, Kittery Maine Senior Portraits

Wagon Hill Farm in Durham, NH is giving. Another large location that is utilized by many photographers, but it's big enough that we aren’t falling over each other or waiting in line for "a spot" (like some other places cough Great Island Common cough). Wagon Hill Farm has all the major Fs (fields, forest, flowers, farm, fence) plus two Ws (wagon and water)! It's free, you can bring your puppy (if that’s your thing), and it hugs Oyster River (Little Bay). This location gives so much variety; it is truly one of the most nature-rich locations.

Wagon Hill Farm, Durham NH Senior Portraits

the unexpected twist

But here's the unexpected twist.

I photographed my own kids senior portraits: in my front yard (in November—nothing special—2016), in NYC (2018), and on the side of the road (2023). I did photograph my oldest at Fort Foster (in the rain—2015), but that was over ten years ago... before I discovered the secret: there is magic all around us.

choose based on lighting

If I could give one piece of advice about choosing a location for any photoshoot, it would be to choose the location based on the best lighting.

Understandably, most people can't discern good from not-so-good lighting. But this is where we trust our professional senior portrait photographer to help us choose the best time of day (we prefer the golden hour) and the best location for your session.

If you want something unique, let’s explore your ideas together. If you aren’t sure about the lighting, we can help. And if you have to be photographed with the rock, we really will take the picture for you.