Fortunately, if you're in the Ithaca and Finger Lakes area, you're surrounded by incredible scenery. Whether you love waterfalls, lakeside sunsets, colorful gardens, wooded trails, or classic campus architecture, there's a location that perfectly fits your personality.
As a local photographer, I've spent countless hours exploring these locations, paying attention to how they photograph throughout the seasons and how the light changes throughout the day. My goal is always to help seniors choose a location that feels like them, not just a place that looks pretty.
Below are some of my favorite senior portrait locations around Ithaca and why each one might be the perfect fit for your session.
1. Stewart Park
Best for:
- Lake views
- Golden hour sunsets
- Open grassy fields
- Variety without lots of walking
If someone asks me where to start, Stewart Park is usually one of my first recommendations.
What I love most about Stewart Park is how many different looks we can create without ever leaving the park. During a single session we can photograph beside Cayuga Lake, under mature trees, on walking paths, along the waterfront, and in wide open grassy areas.
As the sun begins to set, the light reflecting across Cayuga Lake creates a warm glow that photographs beautifully. Golden hour here is one of my favorite times to shoot because the soft light creates timeless portraits with beautiful skin tones.
If you're a little nervous about having your pictures taken, Stewart Park is also a great choice because it's easy to navigate and doesn't require long hikes between locations.
Pros:
- Incredible sunset light
- Easy parking
- Lots of variety
- Accessible walking paths
- Beautiful in almost every season
Things to Know:
- Summer evenings can be busy.
- Weekdays usually provide a quieter experience.
My Rating:
Sunset: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Seasonal Beauty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Accessibility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Uniqueness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Crowds: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
2. Cornell University Campus
Best for:
- Classic architecture
- Ivy-covered buildings
- Elegant portraits
- Students who love an academic atmosphere
Cornell offers one of the most iconic backdrops in the Finger Lakes. Stone buildings, historic staircases, beautiful landscaping, and tree-lined walkways create a timeless look that never goes out of style.
Even if you're not attending Cornell, the campus provides an upscale, sophisticated feel that photographs beautifully.
One of my favorite things about Cornell is how every season offers something different. Spring flowers, lush summer greenery, colorful fall foliage, and even light snow create completely different looks.
Pros:
- Elegant architecture
- Beautiful landscaping
- Multiple portrait styles in one location
Things to Know:
- Parking can require a little planning.
- Most areas become busy during the academic year.
- If you're planning a session during peak times, especially May or early June, expect larger crowds around campus.
My Rating:
Sunset: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Seasonal Beauty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Accessibility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Uniqueness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Crowds: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
3. Taughannock Falls State Park
Best for:
- Dramatic scenery
- Nature lovers
- Waterfall portraits
If you want your senior pictures to make people say "Wow," Taughannock Falls is hard to beat.
The towering waterfall creates one of the most recognizable landscapes in New York State. Combined with wooded trails, stone pathways, and seasonal color, this location offers incredible opportunities for dramatic portraits.
I especially recommend Taughannock for seniors who love hiking, nature, or simply want something unique.
Pros:
- One of the area's most stunning natural locations
- Gorgeous year-round
- Amazing fall colors
Things to Know:
- Walking distances are longer than other locations.
- Some trails may be uneven.
My Rating:
Sunset: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Seasonal Beauty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Accessibility: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Uniqueness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Crowds: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
4. Cascadilla Gorge
Best for:
- Stone staircases
- Creek views
- Forest atmosphere
Cascadilla Gorge feels almost magical.
Stone bridges, waterfalls, lush greenery, and winding staircases make every corner feel different.
It's an excellent choice if you're looking for portraits that feel adventurous while still being close to downtown Ithaca.
Because of the stairs, this location works best for seniors who are comfortable walking.
Pros:
- Incredible natural beauty
- Unique textures
- Great variety
Things to Know:
- Many stairs
- Can become slippery after rain
My Rating:
Sunset: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Seasonal Beauty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Accessibility: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
Uniqueness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Crowds: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
5. Robert H. Treman State Park
Best for:
- Waterfalls
- Stone bridges
- Forest scenery
Treman offers a little bit of everything.
Whether we're photographing beside waterfalls, along wooded trails, or near rustic stone bridges, this park creates beautiful portraits with a natural feel.
During autumn, the colorful leaves make this one of my favorite places to photograph.
Pros:
- Multiple waterfalls
- Incredible fall color
- Rustic scenery
Things to Know:
- Walking is required.
- Certain areas become busy on weekends.
My Rating:
Sunset: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Seasonal Beauty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Accessibility: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Uniqueness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Crowds: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
6. Ithaca Falls
Best for:
- Quick sessions
- Dramatic waterfall backdrop
- Urban convenience
Ithaca Falls proves that you don't have to hike for incredible scenery.
Just minutes from downtown, this impressive waterfall creates a dramatic backdrop that's easy to access and perfect if you'd like to include another nearby location during your session.
Because it's compact, I often recommend pairing Ithaca Falls with another location for additional variety.
Pros:
- Easy access
- Beautiful waterfall
- Convenient location
Things to Know:
- Smaller shooting area
- Can be busy during peak times
My Rating:
Sunset: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Variety: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Seasonal Beauty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Accessibility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Uniqueness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Crowds: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
7. Cornell Botanic Gardens
Best for:
- Flowers
- Gardens
- Bright, colorful portraits
If you love flowers and beautifully maintained gardens, this location is hard to beat.
Every season offers different blooms, making each visit unique.
This location creates portraits that feel bright, cheerful, and timeless.
Pros:
Beautiful flowers
Elegant landscaping
Great for spring and summer
Things to Know:
Best during blooming seasons.
My Rating:
Sunset: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Seasonal Beauty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Accessibility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Uniqueness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Crowds: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
8. Myers Park
Best for:
- Lakeside portraits
- Relaxed atmosphere
- Golden hour
Located on Cayuga Lake, Myers Park offers another beautiful lakeside option.
I especially love photographing here during the last hour before sunset. The warm light across the water creates soft, glowing portraits that feel relaxed and natural.
It's often quieter than some of the more popular locations, making it a wonderful option for seniors who prefer a more peaceful setting.
Pros:
- Beautiful lake views
- Great sunsets
- Relaxed atmosphere
Things to Know:
- Weather can affect wind along the shoreline.
- Can be heavily crowded in the summer/early fall
My Rating:
Sunset: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Variety: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Seasonal Beauty: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Accessibility: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Uniqueness: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
Crowds: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
How Do You Choose the Right Location?
The truth is there isn't one "best" location.
The best location is the one that fits you.
When planning your session, we'll talk about things like:
- Do you love nature?
- Would you rather have a classic or modern look?
- Do you want waterfalls or sunsets? Or both!
- Are you hoping for colorful flowers or dramatic fall leaves?
- Do you prefer an adventurous location or somewhere easy to walk?
Those answers help us choose a location that reflects your personality instead of simply picking the most popular place.
My Recommendation
Choosing the right location can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Every senior has their own personality, style, and vision, and the best location is the one that reflects who you are.
When you book a session with me, I'll help you narrow down the options based on the look you're hoping to achieve, your interests, and the overall feel you want your photos to have. Together, we'll choose the perfect setting and create a senior session that's relaxed, enjoyable, and uniquely yours.
If you're ready to start planning your senior portraits in Ithaca or anywhere throughout the Finger Lakes, I'd love to help bring your vision to life. Let's create images you'll be proud to look back on for years to come.
Ready to book your senior session?
Contact Cardinal Creek Portrait Co. today, and let's create portraits you'll be proud to look back on for years to come.