Graduating high school is a major chapter in people’s lives. And, seeing as you’re interested in the best locations for senior pictures, the significance of this milestone is probably coming into focus.
Senior pictures are one of the best investments you can make, so you always have the ability to look back on this chapter of life. To ensure your portraits match your aesthetic, we thought it helpful to outline nine locations in Erie, PA, that are incredible for senior photo shoots.
Asbury Woods
There are miles of wooded trails in Asbury Woods, just begging to be the background of your senior photos. On a sunny day, that natural light coming through the trees makes for a serene, natural, timeless look. Asbury is an especially great location for photos taken in the summer and fall.
Bayview Park & Bayfront Promenade
Erie’s West Bayfront is experiencing a renaissance. If you’re looking for amazing views of the bay, then Bayview Park and the Bayfront Promenade are exceptional choices. With the relatively new Erie sign installed, it’s a fantastic place to showcase your hometown.
Bicentennial Tower & Dobbins Landing
The Bicentennial Tower commemorates Erie’s bicentennial year (1996). It’s become a quintessential part of the Bayfront and the Erie area. Located at the end of State Street on Dobbins Landing, this historical structure touts one-of-a-kind views of the Presque Isle Bay and downtown Erie. Whether your photos are taken around the base of the tower or on one of the observation decks, your photos will undoubtedly be stunning.
Frontier Park & Lake Erie Arboretum (LEAF)
Frontier Park is one of the most popular locations for senior portraits, and for good reason. From the variety of trees and hidden gardens to the understated bridges and relaxing labyrinth, there are so many beautiful photo opportunities. While Frontier is beautiful year-round, the foliage in the fall is particularly spectacular.
Liberty Park
Home to 8 Great Tuesdays, this 8.5-acre community park features an excellent view of the bay. In the spring, summer, and fall, there are often sailboats on the bay that can make your background extra special. This option is also accommodating for seniors who require ADA-compliant parking and sidewalks.
Murals
From Girard to North East and Route 6 to downtown, there are so many murals in Erie County. In fact, we have over 75 murals! If you find one that speaks to you, let’s set up a shoot with it as your background.
Perry Square & the Surrounding Area
Since 2017, lower State Street has seen unprecedented revitalization and redevelopment, in large part due to the Erie Downtown Development Corporation (EDDC), which has been instrumental in restoring Erie’s historic properties. With such an incredible transformation, people now want to differentiate their senior portraits by having their photo shoots downtown.
Perry Square features an event stage, a fountain, and numerous statues. Depending on the season, there may be decorations put up by the city. Surrounding Perry Square is a multitude of photo ops, such as the:
Erie Art Museum
Cashier’s House
Chandlery Corner
Courtyard at Modern Tool
Presque Isle State Park
Presque Isle State Park is the crown jewel of Erie. From sandy shorelines to historical landmarks, the “PI” offers nearly endless photo backdrops. That said, there are a few standout locations:
Presque Isle Lighthouse: Built in 1872, the Presque Isle Lighthouse has a level of historical charm that is hard to find anywhere else. Having a photo session here also captures the quintessential nautical look with which people associate Erie.
Beach 6 (Lyons Beach): Not only is Beach 6 one of the most extensive beaches on Presque Isle, but it holds a special place in people’s hearts as a frequent hangout spot. If you’re going for a beachy look, consider this location.
Sunset Point: Also known as Kite Beach, Sunset Point has one of the most picturesque views on the Peninsula. Capture the lake view and sandy shoreline to make your pictures pop.
North Pier Light: The Erie Harbor North Pierhead Light, also known as the Presque Isle North Pier Light, was constructed in 1830 and reconstructed in 1857 after a schooner crashed into it. The lighthouse's unique square-pyramidal design is the only surviving example of this type of design left in the United States, making your photos really stand out.
Erie Land Lighthouse: Originally built in 1818, the Erie Land Lighthouse was the first commissioned lighthouse on the Great Lakes. Due to structural complications, it was eventually rebuilt in 1867 from sandstone, giving it an old-world feel you can’t get anywhere else.
Waterford (Brotherton) Covered Bridge
The Waterford Covered Bridge was built back in 1875. Closed for more than a decade, it finally reopened to traffic in November 2024. With 19th century latticework trusses, this rustic covered bridge has Americana charm that integrates itself well into a country-inspired shoot.
This List Goes On
Erie County has an incredible variety of scenic senior photo locations. With so many different landscapes in our area, each location offers its own unique backdrop, be it a dramatic lake view or historic landmark. There are so many more photogenic locations we’d love to share with you. If you’re interested in learning more about Ashley Stack’s senior portrait photography, reach out today.
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