Best places for senior photos in Monterey
Planning senior photos in Monterey? These are the spots worth shortlisting, chosen for the light, the backdrop, and how easily a session comes together.
12 places to shoot senior photos & videos in Monterey
Lovers Point Park
A rocky coastal point with turquoise coves, dramatic granite outcrops and a small sandy beach. Vivid water and rugged rocks make it a top spot for engagement and couple sessions.
For senior photos: varied backdrops that show off personality.
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
A scenic paved trail hugging the bay past beaches, dunes, cypress and old cannery structures. Its varied coastal backdrops suit family, maternity and engagement portraits.
For senior photos: an of-the-moment setting for a standout set.
Asilomar State Beach
A rugged shoreline of tide pools, rocky coves and sand dunes with a wooden dune boardwalk. Wild coastal beauty and soft evening light suit engagement, maternity and family shoots.
For senior photos: a spot that marks the milestone in style.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
The crown jewel of the state park system, with dramatic cliffs, cypress groves and crystalline coves. Spectacular coastal scenery suits adventurous engagement and couple sessions.
For senior photos: varied backdrops that show off personality.
Old Fisherman's Wharf
A working wharf of colorful shops, bobbing boats and harbor views ringed by sea lions. The lively maritime backdrop suits family, engagement and lifestyle sessions.
For senior photos: an of-the-moment setting for a standout set.
Cannery Row
The historic waterfront street of Steinbeck fame with weathered cannery facades, murals and bay views. Its rustic industrial character suits senior, couple and lifestyle sessions.
For senior photos: a spot that marks the milestone in style.
Show all 12 placesShow fewer
17-Mile Drive (Lone Cypress)
A famed private coastal drive past the Lone Cypress, wind-sculpted trees, white beaches and rocky points. Iconic seascapes suit engagement and formal couple sessions.
For senior photos: varied backdrops that show off personality.
Monterey State Historic Park (Custom House Plaza)
A historic adobe district around the old Custom House plaza with early-California architecture and courtyards. The heritage setting suits family, engagement and portrait sessions.
For senior photos: an of-the-moment setting for a standout set.
Carmel Beach
A wide crescent of white sand framed by wind-bent cypress and turquoise surf below charming Carmel. Soft sand and dramatic sunsets suit engagement, maternity and family shoots.
For senior photos: a spot that marks the milestone in style.
Del Monte Beach
A quieter city beach with dune boardwalks, tall grass and open bay views. Its uncrowded sand and dunes suit family, maternity and engagement sessions.
For senior photos: varied backdrops that show off personality.
Jacks Peak County Park
The highest point on the peninsula, with fragrant pine forest trails and ridge-top views of the bay and valley. Elevated vistas and shady groves suit engagement and family portraits.
For senior photos: an of-the-moment setting for a standout set.
El Estero Park
A relaxed park around a small lake with willows, footbridges and grassy banks near downtown. Water reflections and greenery suit family, maternity and engagement shoots.
For senior photos: a spot that marks the milestone in style.
Book a Snappr photographer in minutes. Vetted, local, and ready to shoot these spots.
Snappr senior photos from cities across the world
A look at senior photos our photographers have delivered, so you know the standard before you book.
Still need a photographer?
Snappr photographers are available in Monterey to shoot at the venue you choose. All vetted, insured, and booked through the same platform.
Pick a date and Snappr matches you with a vetted local photographer, every shoot backed by our quality guarantee.
Shooting senior photos in Monterey
It depends on the spot. Public streets and sidewalks usually don't, while many parks, gardens, and landmarks require a permit for professional sessions. Each location above notes what we found on permits — confirm the current rules and any fee with the venue or city before you book.
Golden hour — the hour after sunrise or before sunset — flatters almost every location, and each spot above lists the light that works best there. Early morning also means thinner crowds at the popular ones.
Snappr pricing is flat and set before you book, with no travel or editing surprises. Most sessions run one to two hours; you can see current rates and what each tier includes on the pricing page.
Pick your date and shoot type and we match you with a vetted local photographer who shoots in Monterey. Booking takes a couple of minutes, and you can reschedule for free if plans change.
More places to shoot
Same guide, a different city or milestone. Every page is researched locally.
Get the shoot on the calendar
Thousands of vetted photographers, one booking flow, and every photo delivered to spec. Start in under two minutes.