It is the night memories are made, heartaches and fights ruin friendships, and at least one person severely hurts themselves: Homecoming. The evening consists of dancing, eating, and the awkward passing of time in the Commons; but most importantly, the mandatory taking of pictures. Every year, teens flock to the same, basic sites as though the Minneapolis area only has five locations that are adequate for pictures of the utmost importance.

Centennial Lakes

The metal bridges and abundance of green space are what make this site so appealing. It does, however, provide the probability of running into several other groups of the desperate, homecoming-bound peers. No matter how hard the photographers try, there will always be old couples in the background on real dates.

Any Body of Water

Lakes, ponds, or rivers provide theromantic sunset that all awkward freshman crushing on their date dream of. What they don’t dream of is the blinding sun in their eyes or any aquatic animal that may photobomb their pictures. Also never allow a young girl in heels near slippery docks. The wobbly, unstable girls will completely ruin the picture with a drastically hilarious fall.

The Sculpture Garden

The Cherry and the Spoon is one of the most iconic spots in Minneapolis. The spot is meant for tourists, not BSM’s students. Once four or five groups take pictures at the location, the sculpture has lost all of its meaning and the pictures come out looking shabby and tacky. The traffic in the background is also not very appealing. Nearly every photo taken there will have hundreds of angry people in bumper to bumper traffic frowning in the background.

Guthrie

The Guthrie is a great location to take pictures. Fabulous even, if the pictures are intended to look as if the teens are hot and cramped. The location is tiny so peope will be photobombing the picture while taking their own pictures. Also, the building has super shiny walls. The pictures will automatically have the reflection of the obviously taller parents taking the pictures, while looking disgusted at the sight of their child awkwardly touching their date.

Lake Harriet

Lake Harriet is very popular due to its close proximity to school and the beautiful landscape. The brightly colored sails, however, make the pictures look cheesy. The huge bandshell that rarely ever gets cleaned turn the pictures into a tasteless mess. The wandering parents in the background while they admire the lake scenery, also makes the location an obvious ‘don’t’.

Better Options:

Gold Medal Park

Next to the Guthrie and Mississippi River, Gold Medal Park’s scenery provides the same great views as the theater as well as a water backdrop. Plus, the park will not be as crowded as the packed theater. Also, the rolling hills allow fun photo opportunities, like rolling down the hill.

Lakewood Cemetery

Do not be scared by the name. Although it is a cemetery, the gorgeous, Uptown location is easy to find. The huge yard and amazing interior
decorations allow numerous photo opportunities. Also, the location is private, so the group can feel as if they are the special, one of a kind group that they always hope to be.