Tips & Inspo

Lake Louisa State Park Senior Photos: One Location, All the Natural Backdrops You Need

May 21, 2025

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Enter: Lake Louisa.

If you’re looking for a senior session that’s golden, glowy, and gives major earthy goddess energy without needing five locations and a full production crew, this one’s for you.

Lake Louisa State Park is just one spot, but she’s got range.

Fields? Yes. Trails? Yep. Lakes, fences, roads, textures, and enough variety to make your gallery feel like a full-on fashion editorial.

And it’s all in one place. We love a low-effort, high-impact queen!

Let’s Break It Down: Favorite Spots

1. The Open Field (a.k.a. The Golden Hour MVP)

Let’s not pretend we’re not here for this.

She’s the moment. The “twirling in tall grass while the sun kisses your curls” dream. You’ve got soft greens, tree-lined backdrops, golden tips of Florida grass (some of it even pinkish?? hello), and sandy texture that keeps it feeling real and grounded…not Midwest farmland, but actual Florida field vibes.

You can run, twirl, laugh, smize, or sit crisscross applesauce, whatever your vibe is, this field gets it.

Honestly, we could shoot your whole session right here and it would feel like four locations. No notes.

Orlando senior girl in a deep red off-shoulder dress laughing in a golden field at Lake Louisa State Park during sunset, captured in bold and vibrant senior portraits.
Central Florida senior wearing a soft pink floral dress with puff sleeves, sitting in a wildflower meadow at Lake Louisa State Park, glowing in natural light during senior photo session.
High school senior twirling in a flowy rose-colored maxi dress with a sun hat at Lake Louisa State Park, surrounded by golden hour light and tall grass in a dreamy senior portrait.

2. The Rustic Wooden Fence

It’s giving Jessie the Cowgirl but make it cute.

This little wooden fence sits right near the field and gives us a whole new moment. Perfect for leaning, sitting, and casually pretending you’re in a soft indie movie set in a small town.

It adds that western pop to your gallery, especially if you’re wearing boots or a hat. Use it as a prop, or just let it give that little extra texture and structure. She’s understated, but she’s working.

High school senior girl in a pink floral off-shoulder dress sitting on a wooden fence at Lake Louisa State Park, smiling in golden-hour senior portraits near Orlando, Florida.
Orlando senior wearing a wide-brimmed hat and rose-colored maxi dress, leaning on a rustic fence at Lake Louisa State Park with golden sunlight creating a dreamy senior photo moment.

3. The Sandy Trail

Not a road. Just a cute little trail cutting through the grass.

It’s got that soft, sandy base with grassy edges that creates perfect leading lines and a totally different texture than the field. Want to look like you’re off on an adventure? This is the spot.

Whether you’re walking toward the future, stomping your boots with purpose, or just giving “I’m booked and busy,” this trail has you.

Central Florida senior walking confidently down a sunlit path at Lake Louisa State Park in a flowy red maxi dress, captured in vibrant and bold senior photos.
High school senior girl wearing a dusty rose dress and tan hat, bathed in warm sunset light at Lake Louisa State Park, creating a magical golden-hour senior portrait.

4. The Boardwalk by the Lake

This little wooden walkway stretches out over the marshy area near the lake, and it is cute. It’s giving rustic Florida charm, surrounded by trees and swampy stillness in the best way.

Want to walk barefoot and gaze into the water like you’re in an emotional music video? Let’s do it.

Want to laugh with your arms out and give free-spirit energy? This is your scene.

It’s natural, it’s low-key moody, and it adds a different texture to your set.

Senior girl in pink floral dress and white boots sitting on a wooden bridge at Lake Louisa State Park, playful and relaxed in a stylish Orlando senior photo session.
Fun senior portrait of a high school girl in a pink dress doing the splits on a rustic wooden bridge at Lake Louisa State Park, showing confidence and personality in her Central Florida photos.

5. The Lake (a.k.a. Sweet Tea Chic)

Yes, it’s literally called the sweet tea-colored lake. And yes, it actually does look like it.

(Chick-fil-A sweet tea vibes only. We don’t drink syrup. Sorry, McDonald’s.)

The lake gives off that warm, rustic feel, pine needles scattered in the sand, soft light reflecting off the water, and just enough nature to feel peaceful but not scary. We won’t be getting too close (because, gators), but even from a distance, she photographs beautifully.

Bonus points if we catch those soft pink skies during blue hour, it’s giving cottagecore watercolor painting, and we love her.

Lake Louisa State Park senior photo of a girl in a burgundy dress lying near the water with soft blue hour light, giving cottagecore vibes and watercolor-worthy beauty.
Smiling senior girl in a rose pink dress standing on the white sand shoreline of Lake Louisa State Park near Orlando, with soft lake views and golden light in her portraits.

6. The Horse Trail Area

It’s not shaded like the fields but it’s different in a good way.

This part of the park is more manicured: think wide-open green grass, neater lines, and a slightly more polished feel. The fence is kind of weird-looking, but somehow still works?

It’s a great way to switch up the mood mid-session and grab a few shots that feel bright, open, and slightly unexpected.

Senior girl in a bold red dress holding a tan hat and leaning on a wooden fence in a grassy field at Lake Louisa State Park, glowing in golden sunset for her Orlando senior photos.

Other Possible Spots (If We’re Feeling Adventurous)

There are also some shaded wooded areas and tree lines tucked deeper into the park. I haven’t photographed there yet, but if you’re dreaming of an enchanted forest vibe, we could explore it. The light has to be just right, but it’s an option we can play with if the mood strikes.

Golden Hour Is Queen

Let me be clear: golden hour is the move.

That warm, dreamy light in the field is everything. The way it hits the grass? Unreal. And when the sun dips just below the tree line and we move into blue hour, it gets even better. Soft. Romantic. Peaceful.

No early wakeups required. No harsh shadows. Just the best lighting nature has to offer.

Also… This Is Florida. So Let’s Be Real.

We’ve got:

  • Fire ants
  • Mosquitos the size of a small bird
  • Gopher tortoise holes (everywhere)
  • Gnats, bees, and yes… gators

No open-toed shoes, no matter how cute.

And yes, you’re going to want to bathe in bug spray. Not just a quick spritz. A full-body bath.

I’ll bring some too. We’ll reapply like we mean it.

If you want a good laugh (and some survival tips), I’ve got a whole blog about how to take senior photos outdoors in Florida without losing your sanity. I’ll link it here.

Lake Louisa Is a Full Gallery in One Gorgeous Spot

You don’t need five different locations to get variety. Lake Louisa brings it all together: golden fields, rustic wood, sweet tea lakeside views, and just enough wild to feel like an adventure.

It’s timeless. It’s dynamic. It’s Florida.

Still thinking Lake Louisa might be the one?

If you’re into wide open fields, dreamy golden light, and that “just stepped out of a cottagecore fairytale but make it Florida” energy…..this is your sign.

Wanna know what it’s like to work with me here? Let’s chat.

Need inspo on what to wear for your shoot? Check out this blog post.

Curious about other senior session locations near Orlando? You’ll love this one.

And if you’re already picturing yourself twirling in the grass while I cheer you on like a proud uncool mom… same.

Let’s do this.

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About Ann

Photographer. Introvert. Weather nerd. Proud uncool mom of 5. My superpower? Making you feel totally at ease in front of the camera (because I get it!). I'm here to create more than just pretty pictures. We'll craft bold, emotional, heirloom-worthy senior portraits that feel like you. Real. Radiant. Unforgettable.

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