A Twin Cities Senior Pictures Location Filled With Flowers: Inside Cora’s Easy Breezy Como Park Session

At this time of year, one question many seniors tend to agonize over is “Where should I take my senior pictures?” As a Minneapolis senior pictures photographer, my job is to scout out the most beautiful locations across the Twin Cities area and make it easy for you. I provide these blog posts for you to see in more detail what it’s like getting your pictures done at specific locations and and help you make a better decision about where the perfect spot is for you! This time, we’re focusing on Cora – an upcoming Minneapolis high school senior – and her senior pictures session at Como Lakeside Pavilion and Como Park Conservatory. Read on, and enjoy!

Cora’s late July senior pictures session was packed with everything a photo session should include: variety, golden light, gorgeous flowers, and a senior who kept things low-key, fun, and totally real—even on the most humid day of the year. Seriously, it was so hot and humid. This session was only one hour but I came prepared with blotting papers for the intense humidity, and Cora was a trooper through the end!

Como Lakeside Pavilion: ON THE DOCKS

We started Cora’s session at the Como Lakeside Pavilion, a favorite Twin Cities senior pictures spot for a reason. The soft colors, beautiful dock, and lake views make it a peaceful and polished place to begin. Cora showed up in a cute, casual outfit—baggy jeans and a blue top that made her blue eyes POP! I loved how easy and comfortable she looked. No fuss. Just herself. Which is exactly how senior photos should feel.

We wandered out onto the dock where the water shimmered just a bit in the sun, and even though the air was thick with summer humidity, the hefty breeze off the lake gave us a tiny bit of relief. We kept things relaxed—standing poses, and some sitting, making sure to position her with the wind so her hair blew just perfectly!

The Front of the Pavilion: Classic and Clean

After some dock magic, we moved up just steps away to the front of the Pavilion. The white walls, with the contrasting green trim gives this spot a totally different feel—structured, a little editorial, but still soft. Cora’s quiet confidence made everything look and feel effortless here.

COMO PARK CONSERVATORY

Still in her jeans and blue top, we made our way over to the Como Park Conservatory (just a 2 minute drive away), and let me just say—it’s always a good idea to go here! The glass windows, the pillared railings and grand structure of the conservatory make this such an iconic Twin Cities photography spot.

This outfit worked beautifully here too. The combo of her blue top, blue eyes and blue glass windows in the background just worked so perfectly together. You don’t need a dramatic outfit change to make photos feel different— I almost always suggest keeping one of the same outfits from one location to another during a senior session!

THE CONSERVATORY GARDENS

Now for the dreamy part: Cora changed into a beautiful white and blue strapless dress and we headed into the flower gardens in front of the Conservatory. This dress was absolutely stunning creating a romantic, summery vibe.

And the flowers. Have I ever mentioned how much I love photos with flowers?? It’s kind of my thing. As a Twin Cities senior pictures photographer, I’ve shot in a lot of places, and this spot just never gets old. Especially when golden hour is approaching. Cora walked the paths, paused by the bright blooms, and twirled (because how could you not in that dress?). It was the dreamiest of dreamy photo spots.

We found a beautiful area where the hydrangeas created a full frame around her. Her dress stood out so beautifully against green leaves. It was graceful, grounded, and exactly her style. That’s the beauty of planning outfits and locations that fit you. Everything feels natural, never overdone.

Golden Hour Glow-Up

As we shot the last stretch of the session, the sun started to dip behind the trees, casting that warm, golden glow over the gardens. I say this a lot, but golden hour really is like nature’s filter. It softens everything. It adds dimension and warmth. It makes skin tones glow and flowers shine just a little more.

By this point, we were all basically melting, and even though she was hot and hungry, Cora was a trooper and stuck it out for the last few photos!

There was something about the combo of soft white dress + vibrant flowers + golden haze that made the entire moment feel like a daydream.

The Magic of Keeping It stress-free

What I loved most about Cora’s session wasn’t just the outfits, the flowers, or the light (though those were all amazing). It was her. She picked two perfect outfits that felt true to who she is—jeans and a blue top that she could move in, and a white dress that felt soft and slightly elevated. No fuss, no stress, just totally chill.

And even though we were battling intense humidity and heat the whole time, she stayed present and willing to try anything. It’s not about forcing a look—it’s about showing up as yourself and letting the light (and flowers!) do the rest.

READY TO BOOK? ONLINE LOCATION GUIDE PROVIDED UPON BOOKING!

Whether you’re the senior or the parent of one, know this: senior photos don’t have to be complicated or overwhelming. They can be calm, colorful, fun, and completely true to you. And I’m here to help you find a location that will ring true to your style! Once you book with me, I will immediately send you a link to an online location guide with a variety of beautiful senior pictures spots around the Twin Cities area. I’ve curated it down to my top pics so there’s no stress for you. Just come as you and let’s have some fun!

Let’s make it easy—and let’s make it you. Click here for senior pictures info and to start planning your own golden hour senior story.