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Your senior year is wild. Exciting, packed, maybe a little emotional, and full of “…wait, that was the last time I’ll ever do that?” moments. Documenting this season with senior pictures isn’t just about finding a cute dress and the perfect golden-hour smile. It’s about telling a story that’s actually yours.

One of the most underrated (but wildly important) parts of your senior session? Choosing a location that means something. Sure, Savannah has loads of dreamy landscapes and Pinterest-worthy spots, but sometimes the most powerful photo isn’t the one with the prettiest background. It’s the one that feels like you.

“Wait… location really matters?”

Yes. So much.

I’ve had seniors shoot at Tybee, in the heart of downtown Savannah, and surrounded by Spanish moss in hidden little spots I’ve found over the years. But sometimes what creates the most unforgettable photos isn’t just where you are but why that place matters to you.

I’ll never forget a session I did at a local barn. One of my seniors rides horses and wanted to include her horse in the shoot. She casually mentioned it would be their last week together – she was about to sell him. Cue me definitely not crying into my camera. That session was more than a photo shoot. It was a goodbye, a tribute, and a huge part of her high school story all in one.

So yes… location matters.

So many locations, so little clue where to shoot?

A lot of seniors (and moms!) come to me with a goal: “We want something fun and pretty and Savannah-y.” Totally doable. But if that’s all we go with, you might miss a chance to let your session reflect more of you. And that’s where I come in.

I don’t just show up with a camera and say, “Stand there.” I ask questions first. The big one:

“Why are you drawn to that spot?”

Is it somewhere you’ve made memories? A beach house you’ve gone to every summer? The school where you ran cross country? Your grandparent’s backyard? If the answer is “I saw someone else take cute pics there on Instagram,” we might need to dig a little deeper. Trendy doesn’t always equal meaningful.

How to Choose a Location That Tells Your Story

Let’s break it down. Here are a few things I always tell my seniors (and their moms) when we’re picking the best spots for portraits:

1. Think Beyond Pretty

Yes, we all want gorgeous backdrops. But here’s the truth: if you choose a location you don’t connect with, it’ll feel off the entire time. You won’t love the photos as much later. I’ve seen it happen.

Instead:

• Start with the places you love to be.
• Think about what’s been important in your life the last four years.
• Consider locations that represent hobbies, memories, or milestones.

Bonus: meaningful locations usually help you relax. Familiar spots = comfort = authentic smiles.

2. Blend the Magical with the Meaningful

Not all meaningful places are…beautiful in the traditional sense. Like, listen, we can work with “the trash tree of the South” if it means something to you, but it helps to balance it out.

So here’s my tip: pair a meaningful spot with an iconic one.

Example combos:

• Your high school campus + historic downtown Savannah
• That dock where you spend every summer + Spanish moss trees in Forsyth Park
• Your favorite soccer field + Tybee beach at sunset

That way you get the “wow” photos and the ones that will make your grown-up self weep later.

3. Don’t Get Overwhelmed by Choice – Let Me Help

Savannah is basically one big postcard. You don’t need to know exactly where you want to go when we first talk. I’ll guide you through it.

Here’s how:

• We’ll chat during the planning phase about places that matter to you.
• I’ll ask what kind of “vibe” you want your photos to have (Light and open? Urban? Nature-y?)
• Then, I’ll suggest locations that match that feel and are easy to shoot in timing-wise, crowd-wise, and light-wise.

No guessing. No stress.

4. Trust Your Gut (Not Just the Internet)

I know the pressure of seeing beautifully styled Internet photos and thinking, “Ooooh I want that spot too!” But the truth is, if that doesn’t actually feel like your scene, you won’t feel comfortable there.

Your story is worthy of being told in your voice and your vibe. Not just whatever’s trending that month.

Because This Moment Matters More Than the Backdrop

At the end of the day, your senior portraits are about who you are, where you are, and a tiny preview of where you’re going. And when you look back on them (years after you’ve worn that cap and gown), you won’t care as much about whether the background was totally “aesthetic.”

You’ll care about how they feel.

So choose locations that make you smile or tear up or feel that tiny twist in your stomach that says, “Wow…life is changing.” I’ll take care of the rest.

Want Help Finding The Perfect Spot?

If you’re starting to plan your senior session (or even just thinking about it), I’d love to help you find that magic mix of iconic Savannah and meaningful-to-you. We’ll make it easy, stress-free, and actually fun – pinky promise.

The best first step? Head over to jadengiorgianni.com/seniors to check out past sessions and get in touch. I’ll help you uncover the perfect backdrop to your senior year story.

Let’s make it personal (and gorgeous).