If your high school senior is looking for a unique backdrop for their senior portrait session, look no further than Cedar Ridge Preserve. Located in Dallas, Texas, this beautiful nature preserve is home to many native trees, wildflowers, and wildlife. There are also many interesting rock formations and natural (and human-made) oddities that create a wonderful setting for capturing your child’s senior year.
The Grounds and History
Cedar Ridge Preserve is a 600-acre nature reserve largely maintained by the Audubon Society. The unspoiled natural beauty of Cedar Ridge provides an ideal location for nature photographers and hikers alike. Formed in 1996, the preserve takes its name from the Cedar Ridge Road that it sits on. The preserve features a variety of hiking trails, trees, wildflowers, and wildlife.
Photographing Senior Portraits at Cedar Ridge
Senior pictures are traditionally taken against backdrops of urban streets, fields, or even school bleachers. However, for something really special, why not take your child’s senior pictures in nature? The natural backdrop of Cedar Ridge Preserve provides many opportunities for incredibly beautiful senior portraits. The forests and fields are perfect for capturing natural light, and both sunsets and sunrises are amazing for photos in nearly any location throughout the park.
Hills covered in tall grass provide a charming background for nature senior pictures. Wooded areas can be used to create a more formal look. In addition, there are many opportunities for capturing unique candid moments, like your child playing peekaboo with the wildlife in a tree.
What to Look For
When you arrive at Cedar Ridge, spend some time scouting the area for the best background features for your child’s senior session. Keep an eye out for interesting rock formations, trees with unique shapes, and especially beautiful sunlit spots. As with any photography session, the light conditions here are crucial. Light filtering through the trees is perfect for indoor look senior portraits. This can also create a warm and vibrant backdrop for a dynamic look.
Photography Tips and Tricks
When Senior Portraits are being taken at the preserve, keep the following guidelines in mind:
- Use natural light for your photos.
- Try different angles. Approach the subjects from different angles and from one side to the other to get the best possible results.
- Include the environmental aspects in the photos. Highlight the natural beauty around you by having your seniors sit on a log or stand near a tree.
- Look for good, clean backgrounds. Choose a simple background. If there are too many lines or shapes in the background, your photo may end up looking cluttered.
Finding a Photographer
Your choice of a photographer can play a big role in the success of your senior portrait session. Ensure that you are working with an experienced nature photographer who embraces the creative process and is willing to experiment new ideas. A great nature photographer should be able to capture all of the unique elements of your senior’s experience without losing the essence of your child.
Final Thoughts
Cedar Ridge Preserve is a beautiful place to get your child’s senior portrait taken. The flora and fauna found on the preserve provide a unique backdrop for senior portraits that will be a cherished memory for years to come. From a casual look in the woods to a dressier picture under the trees, you can capture the essence of your child’s final year in high school in the unspoiled, natural beauty of Cedar Ridge Preserve.