Where to Take Senior Pictures in Erie County

Erie County packs a lot into a short drive: a sand peninsula on Lake Erie, lighthouses, bluffs over the bay, wooded gorges and vineyards. These are the places I’d suggest for senior pictures, from the classics to the quieter spots, with a note on light and timing.

Presque Isle State Park

Presque Isle is the obvious choice for a reason. The peninsula is Pennsylvania’s only “seashore”: sand beaches and open water, joined to the mainland about four miles west of downtown Erie, with a road looping roughly thirteen miles around it. For senior pictures, a few spots stand out:

• Sunset Point, between Beaches 9 and 10, is known for exactly what the name promises. Plan the session to end as the sun drops toward the lake.
• Presque Isle Lighthouse, for a classic lighthouse portrait.
• The North Pier Light, which marks the channel, for a pier and open water behind you.
• The beaches themselves, for sand, water and nothing but sky.

The park opens at 5 a.m. and its day-use areas close at dusk, so a sunset session needs to finish on time. It’s a state park, so check with the park office (814-833-7424) about current guidelines for photo sessions before you settle on a date.

Lighthouses and the bayfront

• Erie Land Lighthouse, in east Erie, looks out over the city and Presque Isle.
• The ERIE sign on the west bluffs of Bayview Park overlooks Presque Isle Bay: a senior photo that says exactly where it was taken.
• Bicentennial Tower has two observation decks, the higher one 138 feet up, with views over the bay.
• Tom Ridge Environmental Center has a 75-foot observation tower above the peninsula.
• Downtown murals. Erie’s murals can be seen on a self-guided tour, and a bright wall makes a bold background for a senior who wants something less traditional.

Woods, waterfalls and trails

Wintergreen Gorge, east of Erie, has greenery, waterfalls and rock formations; wear real shoes for the walk in and carry the photo shoes in a bag. Asbury Woods has trails through the trees, which soften the light on a bright day.

Closer to North East

North East is grape country, and the rows of vines in late summer and early fall make a backdrop that says Lake Erie wine country. Vineyards are private property, so always ask the owner first. The town itself is worth a look in October, when the trees along its streets and park turn.

When to go

• Golden hour. The hour or so before sunset gives warm, soft light that flatters everyone. On the lake, it’s the best light of the day.
• Overcast days are underrated: even light, no squinting, and colors that stay true.
• October is when fall color in Erie County tends to peak, and it books up for that reason.
• Two locations, not five. Driving between spots eats the light. Pick two that are close together and spend the time on photographs.
• Bring a jacket for the lake. It’s windier by the water, so plan hair and layers for it.

Booking senior pictures

I photograph seniors and graduates on location around Erie County. Tell me the places you have in mind, or let me suggest a pair that work well together, and I’ll reply with rates.