One of the questions that comes up when we’re planning senior pictures is:

“Can we go to more than one location?”

The short answer?

Absolutely.

The slightly longer answer?

Let’s make sure there’s a good reason to. 😂

I love variety in senior pictures. Different backgrounds, outfits, lighting and locations can give us a completely different look.

But here’s something I want you to know.

You don’t need five locations to have an amazing senior session.

Sometimes one is perfect.

Sometimes two make sense.

And sometimes adding another location means we’re spending more time driving around Kansas City than actually taking pictures.

So how do we decide?

Let’s talk about it.

Start With the Look You Want, Not the Number of Locations

Before we start making a list of places to photograph, I want to know what you’re envisioning.

Do you love the look of downtown?

Are you drawn to nature?

Do you want something more polished and dramatic?

Or are you imagining a little bit of everything?

Your answers help us decide whether one location can give us the variety you want or whether visiting another spot would add something meaningful.

Because the goal isn’t to collect locations.

The goal is to create senior pictures that feel like you.

One Location Can Give You More Variety Than You Think

Here’s something people don’t always realize.

We can photograph in one area and still create images that look completely different.

Take a downtown location, for example.

We might have brick buildings, interesting doorways, stairs, open spaces and a little greenery, all within walking distance.

Or we could visit a park and find trees, tall grass, walking paths, flowers and open sky.

Different backgrounds.

Different poses.

Different outfits.

All without getting back in the car.

And honestly?

Sometimes that gives us more time to relax and create great portraits.

When Two Locations Make Sense

There are definitely times when adding a second location is worth it.

Maybe you want two completely different looks.

A little downtown style and a little nature.

Maybe you want to include a location that means something to you, but you’d also love some traditional senior portraits somewhere else.

Or maybe there’s something special we want to photograph that requires a particular setting.

That’s when multiple locations can add something to the experience instead of just making the schedule more complicated.

Here are a few combinations I love.

Downtown + Nature

This is a great combination when you love both the architectural look of a downtown setting and the softer feel of nature.

We can create two very different styles without making your entire session feel like a road trip.

Studio + Outdoors

This is one of my favorite ways to create variety.

Studio portraits give us control over the lighting and background, which can be especially helpful when you want a clean, classic or dramatic look.

Then we can head outdoors for something completely different.

And because I use off-camera lighting, we have flexibility with outdoor light too. We aren’t limited to standing in one tiny patch of shade and hoping for the best.

A Meaningful Location + Traditional Portraits

Maybe you’ve spent years at a baseball field.

Maybe you grew up on your grandparents’ property.

Maybe the dance studio has practically been your second home.

I love including places that tell part of your story.

But that doesn’t mean every photograph has to be taken there.

Sometimes we photograph the meaningful location first, then head somewhere else for portraits that have a different feel.

You get both.

What About Changing Outfits?

Here’s another reason we don’t always need multiple locations.

Outfit changes can create just as much variety as background changes.

A casual outfit and a dressier outfit can look completely different in the same setting.

We can change the way we pose you.

The direction we’re photographing.

The background.

The lighting.

Even the overall mood of the image.

So before we decide we need to drive across town for more variety, let’s think about what we can accomplish with the outfits and locations we’ve already chosen.

You might be surprised.

Don’t Forget About Travel Time

This is the less glamorous part of planning.

But it matters.

Every time we change locations, we’re using time.

Getting to the cars.

Driving.

Parking.

Walking to the next spot.

Finding where we want to photograph.

And somehow, somebody always needs to find a bathroom. 😂

None of those things are a problem.

But they do take time away from taking pictures.

That’s why I like choosing locations that work well together.

If we can get two different looks within a reasonable distance, wonderful.

If the second location is 35 minutes away and doesn’t really add anything new?

I’m probably going to suggest we rethink that one.

More Locations Don’t Always Mean More Great Pictures

I know it can be tempting to squeeze everything into one session.

The park.

The downtown area.

The lake.

The baseball field.

The studio.

And maybe that really cool wall you saw on Instagram.

But I would rather give you a relaxed experience at one or two great locations than rush through five.

Because the more we’re watching the clock, the harder it can be to settle in and enjoy the experience.

And some of my favorite portraits happen after you’ve had a little time to relax.

When you’re not thinking so much about the camera anymore.

When we’re laughing.

When you’re just being yourself.

That’s worth more than another background.

What if You Don’t Know Where You Want Your Senior Pictures Taken?

Good news.

You don’t have to figure that out by yourself.

Actually, I’d prefer we talk about it before you spend three hours scrolling through Pinterest. 😂

During our planning consultation, we’ll talk about your style, personality, outfits and the things that matter to you.

We’ll look at the kinds of photographs you love.

And we’ll figure out which locations make the most sense.

I photograph seniors around Blue Springs and the Kansas City area, so we have plenty of options.

But we don’t have to use all of them.

Sometimes the best location is the one you never would have thought of on your own.

So, How Many Locations Should You Choose for Senior Pictures?

There isn’t one right answer.

It depends on your session, the looks you want and what we’re trying to create.

One location might be perfect.

Two might give us exactly the variety you’re looking for.

And if we have something special in mind, we’ll talk through how to make it work.

The important thing is that every location has a purpose.

I don’t want you to have more locations just so you can say you went to more locations.

I want you to have senior pictures you love.

And if that means one location, four outfits and a whole lot of laughter?

Sounds like a pretty great session to me.

Ready to plan senior pictures that feel like you? Let’s talk.

Keep Planning Your Senior Experience

When Should You Take Senior Pictures? How to Choose the Best Season for You — Choose the season that works for your schedule and the look you want.

What to Expect at Your Senior Portrait Session: A Step-by-Step Guide — See how the session comes together once planning is finished.

What Makes a Great Senior Photographer? 7 Questions to Ask Before Booking — Learn what to consider when choosing a photographer.