By Sofia Duggan
USAG Stuttgart Public Affairs Practicum Student
On the long list of must-do activities for the American teenager, taking senior photos to mark the end of high school was one I was looking forward to the most, but finding a place to take these pictures was overwhelming.
Although the Stuttgart area is not foreign to me, there are so many different picture locations to consider. I wanted the area I chose to be a bit niche, but also represent my personality and how I view my future post graduation. Between outdoor and indoor environments and a vibrant or calm location, it was quite hard to decide which location to permanently mark the end of my K-12 career. However, with the help of my community and the experiences of former seniors I was able to come to a conclusion and make a list of my favorite places.
Schloss Solitude
Schloss Solitude is a common location for prom pictures, however just as great for senior photos. There is a lot of variety in scenery, such as the palace itself or the green gardens surrounding it. Although the area is quite popular, the atmosphere is nice and relaxed.
Ludwigsburg Residenzschloss
I find the garden located outside of the palace just as breathtaking as the palace itself. There is a great deal of vibrancy, especially during the springtime, that truly captures the excitement of graduating. My favorite area at this location is the fairytale garden, which is an attraction I went to during my childhood. This location is very nostalgic and is one of my top location choices.
Half-Timbered Villages
There are a variety of quaint towns and villages all around the Stuttgart area. Bebenhausen is a small village located in Tübingen, Germany. Like many towns in Germany, Bebenhausen is architecturally rural and quiet. What stood out about this location was its monastery. It reminded me a lot of the Hogwart’s corridors in Harry Potter and the calm atmosphere of the area makes for beautiful senior pictures. Some other options nearby include Esslingen am Neckar, Heidelberg, Lindau, and Tübingen city center (pictured).
Blautopf, Blaubeuren
The vibrant blue color of this lake makes for unique senior photos. The location is only an hour drive from Stuttgart and the scenery is absolutely stunning. Although Blautopf is a tourist attraction, it makes for beautiful photos. The environment is quite niche compared to common picture locations and it makes for a great outdoor photo session.
Blumen zum selbstschneiden
One of the unique differences about life in Germany is the Betretungsrecht (right to roam). This means that you can walk, hike, or bike in fields, forests, and uncultivated land as long as it is not fenced off. This opens up a world of photo opportunities.
The Stuttgart area is also surrounded by a variety of flower fields that are advertised as selbstschneiden (pick your own). They can be found on the side of the road in towns such as Ditizingen, Schönaich, or Ludwigsburg. These locations are very popular amongst seniors, as they are simple and nice and these flower fields are best in the springtime.
As you can see, there are a ton of options to choose from when it comes to taking your senior photos. After deciding on a location the next step is finding a photographer. This was not as difficult as I had anticipated it to be as there are many photographers based within our USAG Stuttgart community. Start your search with personal websites and social media or turn to recommendations from friends to find your perfect match.
Although we’re overseas, USAG Stuttgart seniors shouldn’t have to miss out on participating in senior activities. Hopefully, this list will help you narrow down your choices!