Top 3 Senior Photo Locations in the Outer Banks
Class of 2026 Guide
Hey there, Class of 2026! 🎓 If you’re starting to plan your Class of 2026 portraits, you’re probably wondering about the best senior photo locations in the Outer Banks. The OBX offers stunning beaches, golden sunsets, and natural backdrops that are perfect for high school senior sessions. In this post, I’m sharing three of my favorite spots that deliver beautiful, unique results every time!
Whether you’re into beach senior portraits, wide-open dunes, or classic coastal charm, these locations are some of the best places for senior pictures in the OBX—and I’m breaking them down just for you!
📍 1. Coquina Beach – Outer Banks Senior Session with Cotton Candy Skies
When it comes to dreamy Outer Banks senior session locations, Coquina Beach is one of my all-time favorites. It’s the perfect backdrop for those golden hour senior portraits, with wide-open sandy dunes and skies that light up in pastel shades of pink, orange, and blue—hello, cotton candy skies!
What makes Coquina Beach so special is how different it looks in every session. Whether the tide is high or low, whether it’s sunny or cloudy, the beach never seems the same, giving you truly one-of-a-kind senior pictures on the beach.
📍 2. Jockey’s Ridge – Sand Dune Senior Portraits in Nags Head, NC
Looking for a location that’s bold, dramatic, and full of character? Jockey’s Ridge in Nags Head has it all. These massive sand dunes are the tallest in the eastern U.S. and create a surreal, almost desert-like setting that’s stunning in senior portraits. 🌬️
The Jockey’s Ridge dunes provide a wide, open space with incredible light—especially around sunset. Add in the wooden boardwalk for a few softer nature shots, and you’ve got a diverse gallery in one spot. It’s one of my top recommendations for seniors wanting something unique and adventurous.
📍 3. Nags Head Fishing Pier – Classic OBX Senior Photo Spot by the Ocean
If you’re searching for a classic OBX look, you’ll love Nags Head Fishing Pier. It’s one of the few remaining real wooden piers that gives your portraits a timeless Outer Banks vibe. The textures, shadows, and ocean views make this a killer location to start your session. 🌊
We can shoot beside the pier, under it for great portraits, and then walk right out to the shoreline for soft ocean shots. This is the perfect location for seniors who love the water but want a little edge in their session too.
Ready to Plan Your Dream Senior Session?
Whether you’re drawn to beachy locations like Coquina Beach, the dramatic dunes of Jockey’s Ridge, or the rustic charm of Nags Head Pier, each of these Outer Banks photography spots offers something truly special. As an experienced senior photographer in Eastern North Carolina, I’ll help you find the perfect location to match your personality and style.
📅 Now booking Class of 2026 senior sessions—let’s create something amazing together! Ready to book your senior session? Head to my contact page or send me a message on Instagram to start planning! Here is a stunning senior session at Courtney Senior Session Nags Head NC Class of 2024