Minneapolis Senior Pictures: Why Lake Harriet Is a Stunning Location

As a Minneapolis senior photographer, I’ve had the opportunity to shoot at some beautiful locations across the Twin Cities—but Lake Harriet continues to be one of my all-time favorites. Recently, I had the pleasure of capturing two separate (both incredible) senior sessions there with Asha and Vinetta. Each of their shoots showcased Lake Harriet’s charm, from its neutral, light-filled bandshell to peaceful tree-filled paths to the golden glow of the lakeshore at sunset. While the background is important, keep in mind my focus is ALWAYS on the subject (i.e. YOU) – the background just plays a supporting role.

In this post, I’ll walk you through why Lake Harriet makes such a spectacular location for senior pictures—especially in the spring and summer—and share a closer look at the three spots we used during Asha and Vinetta’s sessions: the iconic bandshell (of course), paved paths with sun peeking through the trees, and the lakeside golden hour finale. Whether you’re planning your own senior photos or helping someone else prepare, I hope this gives you some inspiration (and maybe convinces you Lake Harriet is the place to go).

Why Lake Harriet Is a Top Spot for Minneapolis Senior Photos

There’s something timeless and inviting about Lake Harriet. It’s well-known to locals (and honestly, pretty much in my backyard) and beloved for a reason—it offers a wide variety of backdrops all within walking distance, making it incredibly versatile for senior portraits.

1. Variety of Natural + Architectural Backdrops

At Lake Harriet, you can get classic Minneapolis charm and natural beauty in one session. The interior white of the bandshell offers structure, texture, and symmetry. Just a short walk away, you’re suddenly surrounded by beautiful trees, walking/running/biking trails, and the kind of dappled sunlight photographers dream of. And of course, there’s the lake itself—with crystal blue water, wooden docks, and beautiful beaches and shorelines. In addition to the lake and bandshell, in the summertime you also have the beautiful Rose Garden and Peace Garden right across the street so that’s another major bonus!

2. Ideal Lighting Conditions

Lake Harriet is a dream in the summertime. The sun is golden, and the light is soft and glowy from afternoon into evening. Both Asha and Vinetta’s sessions took advantage of this beautiful light and dreamy backdrop. My job as a photographer is to plan out your session based on the sunlight! I strategically choose locations ahead of time to ensure we get maximum benefit from sunlight and golden hour!

3. Easy Access and Walkability (+ some great amenities!)

We were able to transition from one location to the next without having to drive or relocate. This makes a big difference during a session—it keeps the energy flowing and allows us to capture more variety in a short time. There is also free and paid parking, public restrooms for changing outfits, and (the best part!) Bread and Pickle restaurant for a snack or ice cream afterwards!

Location 1: The Bandshell – Clean Lines and Classic Charm

Both Asha and Vinetta brought their moms with them to their evening shoots. It’s so fun to have someone come support you! Friends and loved ones are always helpful in getting the most authentic, genuine laughs and smiles! Regarding outfits, both girls chose to keep it simple with one outfit for their one hour senior pictures session. We started both sessions at the Lake Harriet bandshell. The structure is one of the lake’s most iconic features and it’s interior makes for a stunning backdrop that feels clean and timeless.

Asha brought a bright and playful vibe to her bandshell shots. She wore a short, ruffly red eyelet dress that popped beautifully against the white of the bandshell, and her confident, joyful energy brought so much personality to the images. The grids of the structure framed her perfectly, adding elegance without taking the focus off her. Because it was early spring and the flowers weren’t yet in bloom, I brought them each a bouquet of flowers to add a soft, feminine touch to their images! As an accomplished dancer, she moved through a variety of fun poses effortlessly!

Vinetta’s bandshell shots had a similar vibe, but with a nod toward quiet elegance. She wore a beautiful long, pink and white dress from Altar’d State. We used the bandshell’s symmetry to give her portraits a crisp, clean look. She held her bouquet for some shots, twirled for the next, and posed for the camera with a soft smile.

Pro Senior Tip: Outfits with a pop of fun color really stand out here! The clean, white backdrop lends well to some fun outfit choices! Reds, pinks, greens, blues, yellows ~ honestly anything here works except neutrals, which can make you get lost in the photos!

Location 2: Sun Peeking Through the Trees – Natural Light, Natural Beauty

From the bandshell, we took a very short walk toward the path surrounding the lake. In the spring, these trees come alive with fresh green leaves that filter sunlight in the most magical way. This spot was great for both close-up portraits and movement poses.

This spot was perfect for Asha’s close-ups. As the sun peeked through the branches, it highlighted her features perfectly. One shot in particular captured her gazing out at the lake, the flow from the sun acting as a halo around her—it looked absolutely angelic. The light highlighted her hair and caught the edge of her profile so beautifully! She had a calm, graceful presence, and these photos felt like they could’ve come from the cover of a fairytale.

This was where Vinetta’s session took on a beautiful, dreamy tone. The light was shifting just enough to create pockets of glow. We also played with motion here—walking to and from the camera, looking over her shoulder, glancing toward the lake—and the results felt spontaneous and full of life! Some of my favorite (and signature!) shots is capturing the sunlight peeping through beautiful tree branches! I was happy to capture that so wonderfully here.

Location 3: Golden Hour by the Lake

As the sun began to dip lower, we made our way to the shoreline—timing it just right for golden hour. The lake always has a serene beauty, but during golden hour? It turns into something extraordinary. On the lakeside sidewalk, the sun creates a soft, golden backlight giving them a glowy, almost ethereal look. Standing next to the lake with their face kissed by the sun, the soft blue colors of the lake create a beautiful, serene backdrop.

In one of Asha’s shots, she stood at the edge of the lake, the sun shining softly on her skin for a golden glow. One of my favorite photos was of Asha shaking out her curls while the sun was just tucking behind the neighborhood homes behind her. The way the sun lit up her hair was so dreamy and elegant!

Vinetta’s golden hour portraits were of similar fashion. Her pink dress contrasted beautifully with the soft blue of the water and sky. We positioned her right by the water, where the lake stretched out behind her as she rouged her hair and held on to the ruffles of her dress. We also spent a few minutes on the docks and let the sun kiss her hair in the most beautiful way!

Final Thoughts: What Makes a Great Senior Session

The best senior sessions are about more than pretty locations—they’re about telling a story. What I loved most about photographing Asha and Vinetta was how they each brought their own energy to Lake Harriet. This is what makes a spot like Lake Harriet so valuable—it’s not just one backdrop, it’s many. And it transforms depending on the light, the season, and the person in front of the lens. So whether you’re looking for a clean, classic look, a free-spirited nature vibe, or those golden cinematic moments that feel like a movie still—Lake Harriet has you covered.

Booking Your Twin Cities Senior Pictures

If you’re in the market for some senior pictures, I’d love to connect! I offer a few different session packages—from short and sweet 30-minute shoots to full 90-minute experiences with multiple outfits and locations. These spots fill up fast during summer and early fall, so it’s a good idea to reach out a few months in advance to reserve your preferred date.

Want to learn more or check availability?

View my Senior Pictures website HERE

View availability + book online HERE

Let’s create something beautiful together in one of the many beautiful locations are Minneapolis and the Twin Cities area. Whether you’re a lake lover, a city explorer, or just want your portraits to feel authentically you, the Twin Cities has many perfect backdrops—and I’d be honored to capture it for you.

xo, Angela