The biggest question I receive….where should I take my senior photos?!
- Franklin Park Community Gardens (my personal fave!) is a great choice for senior portraits if you love colorful flowers, lush greenery, and a more garden-inspired setting. It offers a variety of beautiful outdoor backdrops, giving us plenty of options for creating a gallery that feels vibrant and natural. Parking is easy and close!
Cons: I can’t think of one!









2. Jeffrey Mansion is one of my favorite locations for senior portraits because it offers a beautiful mix of classic architecture and natural scenery. An added bonus is everything is very close in proximity so we don’t have to walk far between areas. The historic mansion provides an elegant backdrop, while the surrounding grounds give us plenty of greenery, mature trees, gardens, and open areas for a variety of looks.
Cons: Parking is limited. Occasionally on weekends, the locations up and around the mansion are off limits to photography. They do not permit dogs/pets anywhere on the grounds.





Historic mansion & architecture — elegant backdrops for more sophisticated portraits





3. Inniswood Westerville. You’ll find colorful flower gardens, lush greenery, winding paths, mature trees, bridges, ponds, and beautiful architectural details throughout the property.
Cons: This park is more spread out to get to the good locations so a longer session (more than 30 minutes) is recommended. Lots of walking here!



Ponds and water features for beautiful reflections and backgrounds.




4. German Village is one of my favorite locations for photos because it has so much character. The historic brick streets, beautifully maintained homes, iron fences, gardens, mature trees, and unique architecture create a timeless, European feel.
Cons: Parking can be a little tricky here.


Gardens & greenery — especially pretty in the warmer months
Historic brick streets & homes — beautiful backgrounds with lots of texture and character.

Colorful doors and architectural details
The Short North is a great choice for seniors who want something urban, colorful, and full of personality. Instead of the traditional garden or park setting, this location gives your senior portraits a more modern, editorial, and city-inspired feel.
Cons: Parking. Depending on the time of day, there could be crowds of people.







Scioto Grove Metro Park is a beautiful option for a more natural, relaxed photo session. It has a peaceful, outdoorsy feel with a mix of wooded trails, open fields, tall grasses.
Cons: It is a natural park. There are not any buildings, structures, steps or much variety beyond the beautiful nature.







LOCATION IDEAS: A final breakdown to help you choose the best fit.
1. Franklin Park (Downtown Columbus): Flowers, a fountain, and a trellis—my personal favorite spot for its variety and beauty.
2. Jeffrey Mansion (Bexley): A beautiful mansion with stone walls and lush greenery for a mix of elegant and natural backdrops.
3. Inniswood (Westerville): Romantic, natural, colorful, and timeless.
4. German Village (Downtown Columbus): Quaint brick roads with an urban vibe, plus a charming park with a fountain and flowers.
5. Short North (Downtown Columbus): Urban, trendy, colorful, edgy, and fun.
6. Scioto Grove (Grove City): Natural, earthy, and peaceful, with tall grasses and open fields.
Crystal Jo
Crystal Jo is an Ohio-based wedding and lifestyle photographer, dreamer, believer and lover of life.
