Client Utah Location Guide
When choosing a location, think about what feels most like you. The best photos come from places that match your personality and the kind of experience you want—whether that’s running through an open field, a fairytale forest setting, standing in front of a dramatic mountain backdrop, playing in the water, or wandering through the city streets together. Let the setting help tell your story.
When it comes to posing, I keep it natural and simple. We’ll start with a few guided poses to get comfortable, then move into prompts you can make your own. That’s where the best moments happen—real and full of personality. It’ll feel like creating little movie scenes together, and I’ll guide you the whole time so you’re never guessing what to do.
You are always welcome to add on a second location to your session! You have the choice of doing an outfit change in the middle of your session if desired!
Keep in mind that in Utah, green landscapes typically start to show from April through October, with peak fall colors hitting in late September to early October. If you’re dreaming of blossoms in the spring, those usually peak from late March to early–mid April, though timing can shift slightly each year depending on the weather.
Forest/Gardens/Parks
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A small creek, an aspen grove, green bushes, and an open field.
Yellow wild flowers in June.
Best time of day is 1–2 hours before sunset or 1 hour after sunrise. The field faces south and gets direct sunlight near sunset, so the best lighting is either after the sun dips behind the mountains or during sunrise with the sun rising behind your subjects.
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Duck pond with lots of green trees and an open grass area. Can be busy.
Best time of day is 1–2 hours before sunset.
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Located up a canyon with an open grassy field surrounded by trees and a white barn. A popular and often busy location.
Best time of day is 1–2 hours before sunset.
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A nature trail located near Utah Lake State Park.
Great for dreamy golden hour photos along the river, with tree-lined paths and a canopy of trees overhead.Best time of day is 1–2 hours before sunset.
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Must call ahead to reserve. Typically around 20 dollars (cash).
Rows of green trees and blossoms in the spring. Peak bloom is usually late March through mid-April, depending on the year.
Best time of day is 1–2 hours before sunset.
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Pond surrounded by trees with a dock extending onto the water.
Gives a forest-like feel with water. -
Aspen grove forest with a wide open field and mountain views. Has a “Pride and Prejudice” feel.
About a 2-mile drive up a steep, bumpy dirt road. A 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.
Incredible in the fall, but can be very crowded with limited parking.
Best time of day is 1–2 hours before sunset but I would arrive earlier to get a parking spot!
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Trees, open grass, and small garden areas with flowers.
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Green trees, river, and small garden areas. One of the most popular SLC locations.
No permit required for casual photoshoots. This is a public space and cannot be reserved.
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Green gardens, flowers, and pathways.
Photography permit required for posed sessions.
Permit is approximately 100 dollars, plus admission (around 18 dollars per person).More details: https://redbuttegarden.org/plan-your-garden-visit/general-info/
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The Loggia is an incredible location for photos in late spring and summer. Can get very crowded during dance season.
The Tulip Festival can be beautiful, but you must stay on designated paths and there are large crowds, which can make editing more difficult.
Photo Pass is typically around 50–100 dollars, in addition to admission.
Must be reserved in advance. -
Green gardens, some flowers, and unique statues and structures representing different countries.
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Pond, small gardens, and a willow tree with a European, high-end feel.
A reservation is required for all photoshoots. Sessions must be booked in advance and typically cost around 30 dollars per person or vary depending on the reservation type.
This is a shared, non-private space and does not include access to indoor areas or the château unless booked separately.
Green Hills and Open Fields
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Green rolling hills with wide open views.
Best for either sunrise or sunset. Sunrise gives soft light coming over the hills, while sunset creates golden light over the valley and direct sunglight when facing the hills.
Very popular location and can get busy, so plan to arrive early.
Green grass typically lasts from late March through the end of June.
In late summer and fall, the grass turns into tall wheat, giving a different but still beautiful look. -
Steep hike up the hillside to a grand overlook of the valley with green rolling hills.
Yellow wildflowers bloom in May and June.
Best lighting is in the evening as the sun softens over the valley.
Not so busy.
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A short but steep hike leads to a large open field with mountain views in the distance.
Green from May through the end of July.
Tall wheat grass begins in early August and makes for a great fall location in September and October.Very popular and can be busy.
Best lighting is 1–2 hours before sunset to catch sun rays before they drop behind the mountains.
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Open green space with bushy trees and occasional views of the valley.
Green grass typically lasts from May through the end of June.
After that, it transitions into wheat-colored grass for a more fall-toned look.Best time of day is evening for softer, more even lighting.
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Wide open landscapes with views of the Great Salt Lake, rolling hills, and mountain backdrops. Offers a mix of shoreline, grasslands, and open fields for a clean, natural look.
Can be a great spot in March if you don’t want snow or bare trees!
Very easy access with paved roads and multiple pull-offs, but can be busy, especially on weekends and during sunset.
Grass is green in late spring (May–June), then turns golden in late summer and fall, giving a warm, earthy tone.
A fee is required to enter (typically around 15 dollars per vehicle).
Best time of day is 1–2 hours before sunset for soft light across the hills and lake, or sunrise for fewer crowds and a more peaceful setting.
Bugs can be intense at certain times of year, especially near the water, so plan accordingly.
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Open hillside trail with views overlooking the valley and surrounding mountains. Features rolling hills, dirt paths, and a mix of open space with some scattered trees.
Easy access with parking near the trailhead and a bit of a steep hike to reach good viewpoints.
Green from late May or early June. In late summer and fall, the grass turns golden, giving a warm, earthy look.
Best time of day is 1–2 hours before sunset for soft light across the hills and valley.
Mountain Scapes
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Great location all year round! Great spot for snowy winter shoots and green summers.
Mountain lake surrounded by pine trees with views of the mountains. Offers a mix of water, forest, and open shoreline areas.
Very easy access with parking right by the lake, but it is a very popular location and can get crowded, especially on weekends and during summer evenings.
Green trees and full water levels are best from late May through early October.
A fee is required to enter American Fork Canyon (typically around 6–10 dollars per vehicle or covered with a recreation pass).
Best time of day is 1–2 hours before sunset for soft light on the water and mountains, or early morning for fewer crowds and calm reflections.
Little to no reception!
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High alpine meadow with mountain views and one of the best wildflower displays in Utah. Surrounded by peaks with open fields and patches of trees.
Very easy access with parking near the main meadow areas, but extremely popular during peak season and can get crowded, most parking spots get taken.
Wildflowers typically bloom from mid-July through early August, with peak bloom usually in late July. Timing can vary slightly each year depending on snowpack.
A fee is required to enter Little Cottonwood Canyon during summer months.
Best time of day is early morning for fewer crowds or evening for softer light on the mountains.
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Aspen grove forest with a wide open meadow and mountain views. The open field gives a soft, cinematic “Pride and Prejudice” feel.
Access requires about a 2-mile drive up a steep, bumpy dirt road. A high-clearance or 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.
Green from late May through July. In the fall, the aspen trees turn yellow, making it one of the best fall locations, but it can get very crowded with limited parking.
Best time of day is 1–2 hours before sunset for soft light across the field and mountains. Right when the sunsets can be the best lighting when getting a view of Mount Timpanogos.
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A scenic hillside trail with wide open views overlooking the Heber Valley and surrounding mountains. Features rolling hills, dirt paths, and a mix of open space and scattered trees.
Very easy access with multiple entry points and minimal hiking required to reach good viewpoints.
Green in early summer. In late summer and fall, the grass turns golden, giving a warm, earthy look.
Best time of day is 1–2 hours before sunset for soft light across the hills and valley, or sunrise for a quieter, more peaceful setting.
Best time of day is evening for softer, more even lighting.
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Forest setting with tall pine trees, a small creek, and open clearings. Offers a mix of shaded woods and soft light filtering through the trees for a cozy, mountain feel.
Very easy access with parking nearby, but can be busy during summer and fall, especially on weekends.
Green and lush from late spring through early fall. In the fall, the surrounding canyon areas bring in some yellow tones, though this spot stays more evergreen.
Best time of day is evening for soft light coming through the trees, or morning for fewer crowds and even lighting.
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Forest setting with a wooden boardwalk, tall pine trees, and a creek running nearby. Offers a shaded, moody mountain feel with soft light filtering through the trees. Can be a great location for winter snow and summer mountain scapes!
Very easy access to the boardwalk area with minimal walking required. The full hike to the waterfall is longer, but most photos are taken near the lower trail and boardwalk.
Green and lush from early summer through early fall. In fall, the canyon adds some yellow tones while still keeping a forest feel.
Best time of day for lighting is 2 hours before sunset to catch the golden sun rays!
Can be a very popular trail, so expect people, especially on weekends.
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Grand view of the canyon, rocky mountain scapes. A bit of a hike.
Very easy access with parking right off the road and minimal walking required. Can be a popular stop, especially on weekends.
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Open hillside trail with views overlooking the valley and surrounding mountains. Features rolling hills, dirt paths, and a mix of open space with some scattered trees.
Easy access with parking near the trailhead and a bit of a steep hike to reach good viewpoints.
Green from late May or early June. In late summer and fall, the grass turns golden, giving a warm, earthy look.
Best time of day is 1–2 hours before sunset for soft light across the hills and valley.
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A high-elevation overlook in Provo Canyon with sweeping views of the valley, mountains, and open sky.
Water/Lakes
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Lakeside setting with open shoreline views, docks, and wide open sky. Offers a mix of water, sandy/rocky edges, and distant mountain views for a simple, airy look.
Very easy access with parking close to the shoreline. Can be busy, especially on weekends and summer evenings.
Water levels and shoreline appearance can vary throughout the year. Surrounding areas are more neutral in color, with some green in late spring and early summer.
A fee is required to enter (typically around 10–15 dollars per vehicle).
Best time of day is sunset for soft light reflecting on the water and mountains.
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(I-80 between Salt Lake City and Park City)
Mountain reservoir surrounded by rolling hills, sagebrush, and views of the canyon. Offers a mix of water, open shoreline, and soft, natural textures.
Small patches of wildflowers May and early June.
Very easy access with parking near the dam and along the shoreline. Minimal walking required to reach good photo spots.
Green tones are best in late spring through early summer. In late summer and fall, the landscape shifts to more golden and earthy tones.
Best time of day is 1 hour before sunset for soft light reflecting on the water.
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Open lakeside area with views of the water, surrounding hills, and distant mountains. Features a mix of shoreline, open grass, and natural textures for a clean, simple look.
Very easy access with parking near the trailhead and minimal walking required to reach good photo spots.
Green tones are best from late spring through early summer. In late summer and fall, the grass shifts to more golden and earthy tones.
Lighting can be best for sunrise or sunset.
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Wide open landscapes with views of the Great Salt Lake, rolling hills, and mountain backdrops. Offers a mix of shoreline, grasslands, and open fields for a clean, natural look.
Can be a great spot in March if you don’t want snow or bare trees!
Very easy access with paved roads and multiple pull-offs, but can be busy, especially on weekends and during sunset.
Grass is green in late spring (May–June), then turns golden in late summer and fall, giving a warm, earthy tone.
A fee is required to enter (typically around 15 dollars per vehicle).
Best time of day is 1–2 hours before sunset for soft light across the hills and lake, or sunrise for fewer crowds and a more peaceful setting.
Bugs can be intense at certain times of year, especially near the water, so plan accordingly.
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Mountain reservoir surrounded by pine trees and rugged peaks, with a mix of open shoreline, forest, and mountain backdrops. Offers a more remote, adventurous feel compared to other lakes.
Access requires driving up a long, rocky dirt road. A high-clearance or 4-wheel drive vehicle is recommended.
Green and lush from late spring through early fall. In the fall, surrounding trees begin to change, adding some yellow tones.
Best time of day is 1–2 hours before sunset for soft light on the water and mountains.
Desert/Red Rock
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Diamond Fork Canyon
Red rock cliffs and canyon walls with a mix of desert tones, trees, and mountain surroundings. Offers a unique look compared to typical green Utah locations, with warm colors and dramatic textures.
Easy access with pull-offs along the road and minimal walking required to reach good photo spots.
Best color tones are late spring through fall. In summer, the contrast between red rock and greenery is strongest, while fall adds warmer tones to the surrounding landscape.
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About 1 hour and 30 minutes from Provo
Large open sand dunes with a desert landscape. One of the best locations in Utah for a clean, minimal, and editorial look.
Great for barefoot sessions, flowy dresses, and movement-based shots with no distractions in the background.
Very easy access with parking close to the dunes, but expect walking in sand.
Best time of day is sunset or sunrise. Midday light is very harsh with little to no shade.
No permit required for casual photoshoots.
Entrance fee is typically around 10 to 15 dollars per vehicle.Wind and heat can be intense, especially in summer. Weekends can be busy with off-road vehicles, so plan accordingly.
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Some great locations I have been to!
Near the St. George Area
Snow Canyon
Zion National Park
Bryce Canyon National Park
Near Moab
Arches National Park
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A vast, flat white landscape that creates a clean, minimal, and almost surreal look. When conditions are right, the surface can reflect like a mirror, making it one of the most unique photo locations in Utah.
Great for editorial-style sessions, simple outfits, and wide open compositions with no distractions.
Very easy access right off the freeway, with parking along the roadside. Minimal walking required.
Best time of day is sunrise or sunset for soft light and reflections. Midday is very bright and harsh with little to no shade.
No permit required for casual photoshoots.
Free to access.Conditions vary depending on weather. The flats are only reflective when there is a thin layer of water, typically after rain or during certain seasons. Dry conditions create a cracked white texture instead.
Be prepared for wind, extreme brightness, and heat. Avoid driving on the flats if they are wet, as vehicles can get stuck easily.
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20–25 minutes west of Salt Lake City
A unique lakeside location with a historic pavilion, boardwalk, and wide open views of the Great Salt Lake. Combines architectural elements with water and mountain backdrops.
Great for a mix of editorial and candid shots, especially using the pillars, walkways, and shoreline for variety.
Very easy access with parking right next to the building. Minimal walking required.
No permit required for casual photoshoots around the exterior.
Free to access outdoor areas.The building is an active event venue, so availability may vary depending on concerts or private events. Indoor access is not guaranteed.
Can be windy, and bugs near the water can be intense at certain times of year.
Architectural and Indoor
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A grand, white marble building with columns, staircases, and a large rotunda. One of the most iconic and high-end locations in Utah, offering a clean, timeless, and editorial look.
Great for bridals, engagements, and more formal or dressy sessions.
Very easy access with parking nearby and minimal walking required.
No permit required for most casual photoshoots.
Avoid using tripods or large setups, and be respectful of the public space.It is recommended to call ahead to check for private events or restrictions, as availability can change.
The building can be very busy on weekends and evenings, especially with weddings, events, and other photographers.
Best time of day for indoor photos is midday, when sunlight comes through the ceiling of the rotunda and creates soft, even lighting. Outdoor photos are best 1–2 hours before sunset.
Hours
Monday through Friday: 7:00 AM – 8:00 PM
Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
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A classic city park centered around the Salt Lake City and County Building, featuring grand stone architecture, arches, stairs, and open green space. Combines formal architectural backdrops with a park setting.
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A classic, high-end location with white stone architecture, columns, and a clean, timeless look. Great for formal, editorial-style sessions and dressy outfits.
Very easy access with nearby parking and minimal walking required.
Must call ahead of time to check if the property is available for outdoor photos, even if you are not planning to reserve the space.
For private photoshoots, reservations are required.
Cost is typically 100 dollars per hour during business hours (8 AM – 5 PM).
After business hours, pricing is 200 dollars per hour after 5 PM.Availability depends on events and scheduling, so booking in advance is recommended.
This location can get very busy during school dance season!
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A versatile urban location with brick buildings, storefronts, alleyways, string lights, and clean architectural backdrops. Great for a mix of candid and editorial-style photos.
Works well for dressy outfits, casual street-style sessions, and more modern or city-inspired looks.
Very easy access with nearby street parking and public lots. Minimal walking required between spots.
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A modern city location with a mix of clean architecture, glass buildings, classic city streets, and upscale urban backdrops. Offers a wide variety of looks within a small area.
Great for editorial-style sessions, dressy outfits, and more polished, city-inspired photos. Works well for both candid movement shots and structured posing.
Very easy access with street parking, parking garages, and walkable blocks between locations.
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Gorgeous location! The château is the large European-style mansion on the property and offers a luxury, editorial look with stone architecture, ivy walls, and formal grounds.
This area is not included with standard photoshoot reservations. Access to the château requires a separate private booking and is typically reserved for weddings, events, or approved sessions.
Pricing varies depending on use, but château access is generally significantly higher cost (often several hundred to thousands of dollars) depending on the space, time, and type of reservation.
The château is not open for casual public photography, and you cannot walk up and shoot there without permission.
To reserve, you must contact La Caille directly through their events or booking team to check availability and request access.
Availability depends on:
Private events
Weddings
Seasonal scheduling
Because of this, access can be limited and should be planned well in advance.
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A modern indoor studio with large windows, clean white walls, and controlled lighting. Offers a minimal, high-end look that works well year-round. Has natural light coming through a window. Creates some fun creative lighting.
Great for editorial-style sessions, bridals, and backup locations when weather is unpredictable. Works especially well for clean, timeless images and styled shoots.
Reservation is required.
Cost is typically around 125 dollars per hour, depending on the time and booking details.Booking is done online through their website by selecting an available time slot in advance.
Very easy access with nearby parking. No weather concerns since it is fully indoors.
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A bright, natural light studio with white walls, soft tones, and a clean, minimal aesthetic. Creates a light and airy look that works well for timeless, romantic images.
Great for bridals, couples, and styled sessions, especially when you want a simple, distraction-free background or a weather backup option.
Reservation is required.
Cost is typically around 60 to 100 dollars per hour, depending on the room and time booked.Booking is done online by selecting an available time slot in advance.
Very easy access with nearby parking. Fully indoor location with consistent conditions year-round.
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A beautiful, classic art museum with white walls, tall columns, archways, and clean architectural lines. Offers a timeless, refined look with both indoor and outdoor options.
Great for editorial-style sessions, bridals, and more elevated, formal photos.
If planning to shoot inside, it is best to contact the museum ahead of time and book a sesion. $40 per session for 1.5 hours. -
A unique indoor conservatory filled with tropical plants, humidity, and live butterflies. Creates a vibrant, exotic look that feels completely different from typical Utah locations.
Great for creative, editorial-style sessions and close-up, detail-focused shots with movement from the butterflies.
Reservation and admission are required.
General entry is typically around 20–25 dollars per person, and additional photography rules may apply depending on the type of shoot.
Spring Blossoms
Spring blossoms in Utah typically peak from late March through mid-April, but timing can vary each year depending on weather and how quickly winter transitions into spring. Warmer years can bring blooms earlier, while colder seasons may delay them by a week or two, so flexibility is important when planning. Some of the best locations for blossoms include local orchards like the Utah State Hospital orchard, along with parks and neighborhoods that have flowering trees. The Utah State Capitol is also a very popular spot, with rows of blossoms lining the walkways and creating a beautiful backdrop. However, it becomes extremely crowded during peak bloom, especially in the evenings and on weekends, so planning for early mornings or being prepared to work around people is key.
You can pay to go to orcahards like Cherry Hill Farms ($75) or Manning Orchards ($35).
Fall Folliage
Fall foliage in Utah typically peaks from late September through mid-October, but timing can vary each year depending on temperature and weather patterns. Cooler nights and steady weather usually bring the best color, while early snow or wind can shorten the season. Higher elevation areas like canyons and mountains change first, followed by valleys a week or two later. Some of the best places for fall colors include alpine areas like Aspen Grove, Albion Basin, and mountain roads near Empire Pass, where aspen trees turn bright yellow and orange. Lower elevation spots like parks and city areas change later and can be more accessible. Fall is one of the most popular seasons for photos, so many locations can become very crowded—especially on weekends and evenings—so planning for early mornings or weekday sessions is recommended.