Where to Take Senior Photos in Nashville
Wondering where to take senior portraits in Nashville? Well, you’ve come to the right place! I’m a Nashville senior photographer ready to walk you through my top ten favorite senior portrait locations in the Nashville area.
A lot goes into your senior portraits, from hair and makeup, to outfits, to posing, and, of course, to location. Location isn’t everything… but it is a big part of your senior portrait experience! You want to find somewhere that represents you and the beauty all around you. Lucky for you, Nashville has tons of amazing places for you to take your senior photos!
I might be just a tinyyyy biased because I love living here, but Nashville truly is one of the best cities for senior portraits. Filled with Southern charm and beautiful scenery, there’s no shortage of photo locations for whatever vibe you might be dreaming up, whether it’s the city or the country.
Trying to decide on where to take your Nashville senior photos this year? Let me walk you through some of my favorite options (with photo examples) ⬇️
Top 10 Places in Nashville to Take Senior Portraits
As a Nashville senior photographer, I’ve explored countless senior portrait locations in middle Tennessee. Without further ado, here are the top ten senior portrait locations I recommend for your photoshoot!
Centennial Park
Centennial Park is probably my #1 favorite place to take senior photos in Nashville. From the flower garden to the open fields to the cute little bridges and of course, the Parthenon, it’s an absolutely stunning spot for photos.
Want to see an example of a full senior portrait photoshoot at Centennial Park? Check out Lucy’s senior photos for some inspiration!
Shelby Park
A classic East Nashville location, Shelby Park is another gorgeous photo location for your senior photos. If you love greenery and being out in nature, this might be the place for you. The natural light is always stunning, and there’s so much space to explore.
Harlinsdale Farm
Less than a thirty minute drive from Nashville is another classic senior portrait photo location: Harlinsdale Farm in Franklin, Tennessee. The vibe is just a little bit country, perfect if you want to whip out those cowboy boots. This is another one of my favorite spots because it always gets the most gorgeous golden hour lighting in the open fields.
Want to know a secret? It even has a hidden creek, if you know where to look (and lucky for you, I do!) 😉
If you want to check out what a full senior photoshoot looks like, check out Hendley’s senior photos at Harlinsdale Farm!
Pedestrian Bridge/Riverfront Park
The John Seigenthaler Pedestrian Bridge gives classic downtown Nashville in the best way! If you want a beautiful city skyline view as the backdrop of your photos, this is the place for you. I love doing sessions here in the evening or early morning to get the best lighting! If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even head downtown from the bridge if you want that true heart-of-the-cuty feel.
Bicentennial Park
In my opinion, Bicentennial Park is a totally underrated location for senior photos, and I wish more seniors would take advantage! It’s right in Nashville and has the perfect mix of city and nature vibes. With gorgeous columns and a fun view of the Capitol building, you can get a variety of backgrounds for your photos all in one place.
Smith Park
Marcella Vivrette Smith Park is just south of Nashville and one of my favorite outdoor locations for senior portraits. Whether you want to venture down one of the gorgeous trails or just take advantage of the wide open green space, rustic fences, and blooming flowers, this is an amazing senior photo location if you love forests and fields. Plus, Ravenwood Mansion, also on the property, is another fun backdrop option!
12South
If you feel like braving the tourists, it’s well worth it to take advantage of the colorful murals and charming storefronts as a backdrop for your senior photos! For seniors who want an urban-feeling location that still has a bold, vibrant energy to it, the cafes and boutiques dotting this iconic Nashville shopping street might be the perfect location for your Nashville senior photos.
Warner Parks
This is technically a two-for-one: Edwin Warner Park and Percy Warner Park are collectively known as the Warner Parks, and either of them would make a great option for your Nashville senior photos. Whether you’re looking for the iconic Belle Meade Stairs of Percy Warner or the serene streams and hills of Edwin Warner, the Warner Parks both have endless options for natural senior portrait locations.
Belmont University
Even if you’re not heading to Belmont for college, hear me out—this campus has some of the most gorgeous buildings in Nashville. The beautiful white columns and rushing fountains make for a beautiful background, offering plenty of photo opportunities in a location that gives major light academia vibes.
Photo Studio
If you’re looking to try something unique or you don’t feel like braving the heat for summer senior photos, think about taking your senior portraits at a photo studio! Nashville has a ton of amazing photo studios that you can take advantage of for photos. And no, that doesn’t mean your photos will give boring yearbook portrait—if you’re down to get creative, it can actually mean the exact opposite!
Want to see some of my favorite options? Check out this list of the best photo studios in Nashville to get some inspiration for your session!
Take Senior Portraits in Nashville with Kayla Simon Photos
When you’re trying to decide where to take senior portraits in Nashville, I hope this list can give you some inspiration! Whether you want a city skyline or the open country, Nashville has something for you.
Are you looking for a senior photographer in Nashville? I would love to be your photographer and capture this special time in your life! You can learn more about the Kayla Simon Photos experience here! Or, if you’re ready to reach out, fill out my contact form and let’s start planning your perfect Nashville senior photoshoot. I can’t wait to meet you!
