One of the first things we plan for your senior session is location. The right spot sets the entire mood of your gallery, and Chico, California has no shortage of incredible options.
After years of shooting senior portraits across the area, here are my favorite locations and when each one works best.
Bidwell Park
The vibe: Natural, adventurous, versatile
Bidwell Park is Chico’s crown jewel and for good reason. It is one of the largest municipal parks in the country and offers more variety in a single location than most cities offer total.
Lower Park is easy to access with wide paths, massive oak trees, green lawns, and Chico Creek. It is ideal for a relaxed, natural feel and works year round. The sycamore trees create beautiful dappled light, and the bridges and rock walls add architectural elements without needing to leave nature.
Upper Park is where things get dramatic. Rocky outcroppings, swimming holes, wildflower fields in spring, and golden grass in summer and fall. Bear Hole, Salmon Hole, and the Five Mile recreation area all offer stunning backdrops. Upper Park requires a bit more walking, so wear comfortable shoes for the hike in.
Best time of year: Beautiful year round. Spring brings green hills and wildflowers. Summer and fall deliver golden grass and warm tones. Winter has moody bare trees and dramatic skies.
Golden hour tip: In Lower Park, the trees can block direct sunset light early. Start there and finish in an open area for the best golden hour glow.
Downtown Chico
The vibe: Urban, modern, edgy
If you want something different from the typical nature backdrop, downtown Chico delivers. Brick buildings, murals, alleyways, coffee shop storefronts, and tree lined streets create a modern, editorial feel.
The area around Broadway and Main Street is particularly photogenic. The mix of old architecture and vibrant street life gives your photos energy and personality.
Best for: Seniors who want a fashion forward, city look. Pairs well with trendy outfits, leather jackets, and bold colors.
Tip: Weekday evenings are less crowded than weekends. The warm glow from shop windows during golden hour adds a beautiful ambient light to street shots.
Golden Grass Fields
The vibe: Warm, dreamy, classic California
Chico is surrounded by open fields that turn golden in late spring and stay that way through fall. There is nothing quite like tall grass at golden hour. The light catches the tips of the grass, everything glows warm, and the photos practically edit themselves.
I have several go to field locations around Butte County that offer open space, privacy, and stunning light. These spots rotate based on season and conditions.
Best time of year: Late May through October for golden tones. March and April for green.
Perfect for: That classic, effortless senior portrait look. Works with any outfit style.
Chico State Campus
The vibe: Collegiate, meaningful, youthful
For seniors heading to Chico State, the campus makes a meaningful backdrop. The tree lined paths, Kendall Hall, Trinity Hall, and the iconic clock tower all offer architectural interest with a personal connection.
Even if you are not attending Chico State, the campus grounds are beautiful and open to the public.
Best for: Seniors who want their photos to tell a “next chapter” story.
Almond and Olive Orchards
The vibe: Ethereal, romantic, uniquely Northern California
Butte County is surrounded by almond orchards, and when they bloom in February and early March, the rows of white and pink blossoms are absolutely stunning. If your session falls during bloom season, this is an opportunity you do not want to miss.
Olive orchards offer a similar row effect year round with silvery green leaves and twisted trunks that add character.
Best time of year: Almond bloom is a 2 to 3 week window in late February. Plan ahead.
Note: Most orchards are on private property. I have relationships with local landowners for access.
Your Meaningful Location
The vibe: Personal, emotional, one of a kind
Some of the most powerful senior portraits I have taken were at locations with personal meaning. Your family’s property, the field where you practice, your favorite hiking trail, the barn where you keep your horse, the studio where you dance.
These locations tell a story that no generic park ever could. If you have a spot that means something to you, let’s shoot there.
Location Combos That Work
For 60 and 90 minute sessions, I recommend hitting two locations for variety. Here are proven combos:
- Bidwell Park + Downtown Chico — Nature and urban contrast. The most versatile combo.
- Golden fields + Bidwell Park — All natural, different textures and light.
- Downtown + Your meaningful spot — Editorial meets personal.
- Upper Park + Lower Park — Dramatic and soft, all within the same park system.
Book Your Chico Senior Session
Ready to find the perfect location for your senior photos? Sessions start at $350 for a 30 minute mini session. View all session options or reach out to start planning.
For the complete prep guide including outfits, posing, and timeline, grab the Ultimate Senior Photo Prep Guide.
Joel Jauregui is a portrait photographer based in Chico, California, specializing in senior portraits, family photography, and weddings throughout Northern California.