Choosing the best location for senior photos in Orlando can feel overwhelming with so many beautiful parks, historic spots, and hidden gems across Central Florida. Your senior year deserves portraits that capture your personality with a background that represents your personal style. From lush gardens to charming college campuses, Orlando offers a wide range of backdrops that make your senior session the best it can be. In this guide, I’ll share the top locations I recommend as a professional photographer with over 10 years of experience. These spots are not only visually stunning but also provide variety, convenience, and unique character that’s suitable for senior girls and guys.

1. Cypress Grove Park

Cypress Grove Park is one of Orlando’s most loved photography spots. The park offers a mix of southern charm and natural beauty with its sprawling oak trees draped in Spanish moss and the historic 1925 Cypress Grove Estate House. Seniors love the lakefront views and the tree-lined pathways that create a classic Florida backdrop. For moms and seniors looking for charm and natural  beauty, Cypress Grove is a top choice. The Cypress Grove Estate House is a wedding venue so please be aware that they usually have events or a wedding going on. This park has strict hours so be sure to google their hours before heading over. You can learn more about the park from the official Orange County Parks website.

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2. Meade Botanical Garden

Meade Botanical Garden in Winter Park provides a natural escape perfect for seniors who want portraits surrounded by greenery and flowers. The garden features walking trails, butterfly gardens, and peaceful wooded areas as well as a boardwalk. In the back, there is also a lake. This location works especially well during spring when the blooms are at their peak. It’s also less crowded than some other parks, giving us more flexibility for creative shots without distractions. Parking is usually easy and plentiful unless there is an event going on. This garden is gated so be sure to check their opening and closing time.

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3. Rollins College

Located in Winter Park, Rollins College is known for its beautiful architecture and stunning lakefront views. The campus offers archways, ivy-covered walls, and beautiful courtyards that feel elegant and gorgeous. Seniors love the variety of backdrops within a short walking distance, making it easy to get multiple looks during one session. Rollins College is also a great option if you want portraits with a mix of nature and architecture. My favorite golden hour location is at Rollins. Parking here can be tricky, however, if you head over to the parking garage there are usually plenty of spots on the weekend. During the weekday, parking may be a little challenging as students take up most of parking spots.

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4. Park Ave & Casa Feliz

Winter Park’s Park Avenue is full of charm with brick-lined streets, boutique shops, and cozy cafés. Just a short walk away is Casa Feliz, a restored museum with rustic textures and blue accents that pop beautifully in photos. This location is ideal for seniors who want both an urban vibe and historic character in their portraits. Pairing Park Avenue with Casa Feliz allows for a session that feels both stylish and warm. Casa Feliz is a private property. They are kind enough to allow photographers to shoot there only during Monday and Wednesday before 11 am or after 6 pm and Friday before 11 am. Please adhere to their rules or you will be asked to leave the ground.

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5. Kraft Azalea Garden

Kraft Azalea Garden is one of the most iconic portrait spots in Winter Park. Known for its giant cypress trees and open waterfront, this park is especially popular during golden hour. The Exedra monument creates a dramatic backdrop, giving your senior photos a classic and slightly formal touch. Since the garden is small, it’s best for shorter sessions or paired with another nearby location. Parking is limited and usually spills into street parking on a busy weekend. Please note that this park is popular for small weddings so if there is a wedding, you’ll need to stay out of their way and shoot else where in the park. They paid to have a wedding there so they have priority. Professional photographers also are required to obtain a photography permit. The permit is $30 and requires proof of a business license and liability insurance. This park is the most monitored park within Winter Park so I always get a permit ahead of time.

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6. Dickson Azalea & Langford Park

Dickson Azalea Park is a hidden gem tucked away near downtown Orlando. It features a scenic bridge, stone walls, and lush greenery that give portraits a unique and slightly whimsical feel. Right next door is Langford Park, which offers open fields and shaded walking paths. Combining the two parks gives you variety in one session, perfect for seniors who want both structured and relaxed settings. A couple of reasons I love these two parks: parking is super easy and it’s never crowded on most weekends.

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7. Blue Jacket Park

Blue Jacket Park, located near Baldwin Park, is a versatile location with wide-open fields, tree-lined paths, and a large fountain at its center. It has a formal yet approachable feel, making it great for both traditional and casual senior portraits. With plenty of space, this park is also ideal for bringing along props like sports gear or instruments to highlight your senior’s hobbies. There is a soccer field and a basketball court to show off your personality for some sports photos. This park is quiet with plenty of space to yourself and the parking is plentiful.

     

8. Baldwin Park

Baldwin Park offers a mix of natural beauty and urban charm. The lakeside paths, dock areas, and village center provide a variety of backgrounds for senior portraits. It’s a popular spot for evening sessions, as the light reflects beautifully off the water. But morning sunrise sessions are just as beautiful since the sun rises over the water. Seniors love Baldwin Park because it feels vibrant and modern while still offering calm, natural scenery. Within Baldwin Park, just a short drive away is a field of tall grass that gives senior photos a different vibe. This field is perfect for that golden hour sunset look. Parking is on the side of the road and usually plentiful and quiet.

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9. Celebration

Just south of Orlando, Celebration is a picture-perfect community with pastel-colored buildings, lakes, and charming streets. It offers a small-town feel that’s unique compared to other Orlando locations. The boardwalks and waterfront areas create a cozy, inviting vibe for senior portraits. Celebration is perfect if you want portraits that are cheerful, bright, and different from the typical park setting. Palm trees lined the main street in Celebration. Most of my out of state seniors want photos with palm trees in the background so this is a good location for them. Parking is super easy unless it’s on the weekend.

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10. Daytona Beach & New Smyrna Beach

For seniors who want the beach vibe, Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach are perfect choices. Beaches add a sense of freedom and energy to portraits, especially at sunrise or sunset. Running along the shoreline, sitting on the rocks, or simply standing by the waves makes for unforgettable images. New Smyrna is often less crowded than Daytona, giving us more space to be creative. I usually prefer to do beach sessions at sunrise to get that golden glow. The plus side of an early morning beach session is easy parking and the beach is empty. Check out this beach session of Kaylina, a senior from Hagerty High School.

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Best Location for Senior Photos in Orlando

When it comes to capturing your senior year, choosing the best location for senior photos in Orlando makes all the difference. From the natural look of Cypress Grove Park to the adventure of New Smyrna Beach, Central Florida offers a backdrop for every personality and style. I shared my favorite top 10 locations for senior photos for Orlando senior portraits. As a professional photographer, I’ve learned that the best portraits come from pairing the right location with your unique story. As a perk for booking with me I’ve curated Orlando’s top shooting locations into a guide that I only share with my clients. There are a total of 15 locations to choose from with sample photos of what each location looks like. Are you looking for a senior photographer who will hold your hand from start to finish? Are you stressed out about planning the perfect senior session? I can help! Visit my website to see my shooting style and how I edit my photos. If you’re ready to book, click here: Book Now.

FAQs

1. Do I need a permit for senior photos in Orlando parks?
The truth is yes. Seminole and Orange county parks require a photography permit if you shoot commercially. If you’re a mom with a camera then a permit is not needed. There is always a chance the park ranger may ask you to leave. It has happened to me a couple of times before I learned certain parks are more strict. However, I find that by smiling and being polite they usually will let me finish my session. With that being said, there are certain parks I will always get a permit.

2. What time of day is best for senior portraits?
Golden hour—about an hour after sunrise or before sunset—is the best time. The soft, warm light creates flattering skin tones and dreamy backgrounds.

3. How many outfits should I bring?
Most seniors bring 2–4 outfits depending on your booked package. A casual look, a dressier option, and something personal like a sports uniform or hobby-related outfit work well.

4. Can we combine two locations in one session?
Maybe, if the locations are within 5-10 minutes from each other and you booked the 2-hour shoot.

5. How much are senior photos in Orlando?
Prices will depend on the photographer’s experience and expertise. I have over 10 years of photographing high school seniors and my packages start at $397.

For more details on senior photography in Orlando, visit Khim Higgins Photography.