My favorite locations for senior pictures

Wichita, KS senior photographer

Sooooo, I spend HOURS (and lots of gas) searching for the best locations for senior pictures in Wichita, KS. In fact, my (grown) kids tell me it’s a miracle I don’t get in more wrecks. I’m always gawking around. The truth is, it’s not really about the locations. It’s about YOU. Also, it’s about lighting. Lighting is 100% the most important factor. If the sunlight is too harsh, you won’t get a good result. I shoot mainly in the evening during golden hour, when the light is lower in the sky. If it’s cloudy, it creates soft light, which makes locations very easy. However, for my style I love the sun. Backlit photos are my jam.

Following is a compilation of the best locations for senior pictures in Wichita, KS. Sorry if that’s a weird sentence, but I have to put it in there, because keywords, y’all, get me found on the interwebs.

Colorful houses

These colorful houses have become a popular destination for senior pictures in Wichita, KS. Bright colors, and European style houses make the perfect backdrop for stylish senior portraits. It is a pretty busy street so just be respectful of the residents, and hop in and out of the street. They also have some beautiful crape myrtles that I always stick my clients in. These are near Douglas and Hillside, on a street just south of Douglas off of Hillside. There are also lots of other options in this vicinity.

Traditions Vicinity

There is a beautiful furniture store, Traditions near Douglas and Hillside. https://www.traditionsathome.com. Park in the back, and there are tons of options behind the Traditions store as well as other businesses in that area. Shop owners take excellent care of the plants, and there is also a brick alleyway to use. The front of the store is also beautiful, and it also has some Rose of Sharon bushes that I always stick clients in. The other store fronts in that area have tons of options. In the back, the lighting in the evening is perfect.

Masonic Home

The Masonic Home is a retirement home and also an assisted living center. It is a beautiful white building with beautiful landscaping. It faces East, so the lighting is ideal in the evening. I bring clients here almost everytime – there are so many great options. Bright colors work well with the neutral/white backdrop.

Neighborhoods

Neighborhoods are some of my top locations for senior pictures in Wichita, KS as well. I drive around all the time looking for cute spots that will be in good lighting. I use College Hill and Riverside often. They have beautiful architecture and nature mixed in. Many times I find white picket fences and alleyways to use also. I am always respectful and stay on the sidewalks or street with the house in the background. I never go onto property without asking.

Union Station Wichita

Union Station is an ideal location for senior pictures in Wichita, KS. Lots of leading lines, steps, pretty black architecture. Pretty classy, and there are lots of options nearby as well! It has excellent light in the evening, and the train tracks in the background are really cool as well!

Graffiti Walls

This is an area near the train tracks behind art warehouses. It is across from Intrust Bank arena. I’ve never had any trouble there, but make sure you have someone with you if you go there to take pictures with your friends. I wouldn’t recommend young girls go by themselves. It always has good light in the evening. The possibilities here are endless!

Bramble’s Edge Farm Zinnia Field

Hear me now, this is a MUST. This is a beautiful field, and the nicest people on earth own it. This field is STUNNING! It’s a drive out to Rose Hill, but so worth it! There is a charge of $25 to use it, but it’s worth it! They are adding on also – Cosmos, baby sunflowers, and there’s a barn, and pumpkins in the fall. https://bramblesedgefarm.com/about/

Klausmeyer’s Farm for Sunflowers

If you live in these parts, you have probably heard of Klausmeyer’s Farm. They are out by Clearwater, and they always have a big pumpkin patch and loads of other fun things in the fall. In late July and August, they have several sunflower fields open to the public for a small fee. If you follow their Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/Klausmeyerpumpkinpatch they let you know when everything is ready!

Unlikely Locations

Part of the reason you higher a talented photographer is their artistic ability to see the potential in what others would think was ugly. Oftentimes, people will think I took a picture in beautiful Botanical garden, and it’s actually a weed patch in a ditch by the side of the highway. Or a beautiful bush in a vacant lot. There is beauty everywhere, you just need to open your eyes and see things differently.

Coffee Shops

Coffee shops are always fun. My absolute favorite is Kookaburra Coffee Shop on West Central. https://www.kookaburra.coffee/. The store is DARLING, and they have the cutest mural on the side of the building. If you go there, make sure you ask, and tag them in the photos if you post. Small businesses can use all the help we can get! Also, be sure and buy coffee from them or even breakfast or lunch! Reverie Roasters https://www.reverieroasters.com/ is also a very cool location downtown.

Sedgwick County Historical Museum

The Sedgwick County Historical Museum is a beautiful old building that has been around since 1890. Read all about it here: https://www.wichitahistory.org/?page_id=930. I love to take photographs on the side of the building, and in the street. The old bank right next to it has some beautiful steps I like to use as well. There are also many other great photo ops nearby.

Playgrounds

Yes, colorful playgrounds can make for some very fun senior pictures in Wichita, KS. Lighting can be challenging, as there aren’t often very many trees, but professionals can make it work! There are all kinds of framing opportunities!

Pawnee Prairie Park

I love this park because of all of the options. They have bridges, nature trails, tall grass, wildflowers sometimes, and water. I literally did an entire senior session there, and it looked like we went four different places.

Parking Garages

So, I used to shoot on parking garages pretty often, but lately, photographers are being run off. However, it’s worth a try. Shoot fast, and get out, but be aware that you may be kicked out.

If you’ve gotten this far, congratulations! As you can see, there are lots of options for senior photos in Wichita, KS. I have a whole lot more up my sleeve. What can I say, I can’t give away all of my secrets! To book your own incredible senior session with me, click here: https://kimstifflerphotography.com/contact