If you've chosen Mills Riverside Park for your senior session, get ready for a gallery full of variety! Between the open fields, the river, wooden fences, mountain views, and the pond, this location gives us so many different backdrops in one session.
One thing that makes Mills Riverside Park unique is that we won't be returning to the car until the very end of your session. Because of that, you'll want to bring your outfit changes in a bag or backpack that's easy to carry while we move around the park.
This guide will walk you through exactly how our session flows so you can plan which outfits to wear at each stop.
Stop One: The Upper Field
We always begin our session in the large open field near the gazebo. It's about a five-minute walk from the parking area, so I highly recommend wearing comfortable shoes for the walk and changing into your photo shoes once we arrive.
This area is perfect for opening up the session and getting comfortable in front of the camera. With all the open space, we'll focus mostly on standing and movement-based poses as we walk through the field.
If your outfit allows, we'll also incorporate a few relaxed sitting poses to add some variety to your gallery. If you're planning to wear a dress or skirt, just make sure it's something you can comfortably sit in while still feeling covered and confident.
This is a great location for your first outfit, whether that's something casual or a dressier look.
Outfit Change #1
Before we continue, you'll change into your second outfit so we're ready for the next section of the park.
Since we're carrying everything with us, I recommend packing your outfits in a garment bag, backpack, or tote that's easy to transport throughout the session.
Stop Two: The River
Our next stop takes us through the off-leash dog park, where we'll photograph along the beautiful wooden fence before making our way down to the river.
A quick note: this section of the park is designed for off-leash dogs. Most sessions go by without any issues, but if you're uncomfortable around dogs, just let me know before your session and we can talk through other options.
The wooden fence creates such a fun backdrop and adds a rustic feel that contrasts beautifully with the open field.
Then we'll head down to the river.
The shoreline is covered in rocks, so stable footwear is a must. If you're planning to wear heels or another less practical shoe, I recommend bringing a comfortable pair to wear while walking and changing once we reach our spot.
Once we're at the river, you get to choose your comfort level. We can stay completely on the shoreline, step into the water up to your ankles, or, if you're feeling adventurous, venture in to about mid-calf. Every option photographs beautifully, so there's no pressure to get in the water if that's not your thing.
Stop Three: The Fence Field
After leaving the river, we'll head back toward the field with the wooden fence.
We'll spend a little more time photographing in your second outfit before changing into your third and final look. This gives you two completely different galleries in the same area without feeling repetitive.
If the weather cooperates and the light is just right, we may even be able to capture the mountains peeking through the trees in the background. It's one of my favorite hidden features of this location and adds an unmistakably Vermont feel to your senior gallery.
Final Stop: The Pond
Our final stop is the pond, where you'll finish your session in your third outfit.
This area has a peaceful, classic feel and is the perfect way to end your session.
We'll photograph around the water and also use the nearby picnic table for a few sitting poses. Because of that, I recommend avoiding anything that's extremely short or likely to ride up when sitting. Choosing an outfit you feel comfortable moving around in will help you relax and enjoy the final part of your session.
Planning Your Outfit Order
Here's the outfit order I typically recommend for Mills Riverside Park:
Outfit One: Start in the upper field. This area is all about movement, open space, and getting comfortable in front of the camera. Wear something that feels like you and that you're comfortable walking and sitting in.
Outfit Two: Wear this for the wooden fence and river. This can be one of your more adventurous outfits, especially if you're thinking about stepping into the water. Just remember to bring shoes that are safe for walking on rocks.
Outfit Three: Finish at the fence field and pond. This is a great place for your favorite outfit since it will be featured in multiple backdrops and wraps up your gallery with a polished, timeless feel.
My Biggest Advice
Come prepared to walk a little, embrace the adventure, and trust the process!
Mills Riverside Park is one of my favorite locations because every section looks completely different from the last. By the end of your session, you'll have a gallery that feels like we visited several locations—all in one beautiful park.
If you're unsure which outfit should go where, send me photos before your session! I'd love to help you decide the best order so each backdrop complements your outfits and you get the most variety possible from your senior session.
