Location Guide

One of the most frequently asked questions I receive is "Do you know of any good locations that I might like?"

I wanted to create a place where my you can explore options and then come to me with any additional questions you might have.


Below you will find tips for how to pick a location, the pros and cons of renting a studio space, and my top 3 location picks by county.


Please don't hesitate to reach out with any questions you might have while reading this guide or picking a location for your session.

Thanksgiving Point, American Fork

Utah Lake, Vineyard

Albion Basin, SLC

How to pick a location

The first step to choosing a location is to identify the goals of your session. These goals might be something like: "6 month milestone photos for my son," or they could be something like "light, airy, candid photos of my husband and two other kids at 36 weeks somewhere with lots of flowers while I'm wearing a white dress that has flutter sleeves." The goals of your session will look different for everyone!


To determine YOUR goals, ask yourself these questions:

  1. Why am I getting my photos taken?
  2. What do I want to feel when I look at my completed photos?
  3. Do I naturally like color? Or do I learn toward neutrals?


By answering these questions, you will be able to determine which locations are or aren't for you. Knowing what is important to you will help you determine if you should stay inside or head outside, venture to the mountains or find red rock, stay local or try a location in another city.

Memory Grove, SLC

Should you rent a studio?

Pros of Renting a Studio

  1. There is no sun in the eyes, wind messing up hair, grass to pull and throw, or pressure from other photographers to hurry. Studios are always warm, never windy, and hardly rushed. They are perfect for littles.
  2. Studios are great for those who desire a more intimate setting. Studios often have beds, couches, chairs, and other props that are available to use during your session.
  3. If you love the feel of an in-home newborn session but don't love the look of your own home, studios are the perfect compromise.


Cons of Renting a Studio

  1. Studios often cost around &50-$100 to book for an hour session. This adds to the cost of your session & does not include a travel fee if the studio is outside Utah County.
  2. You cannot be late to your session. Studios are rented hourly and cannot be changed less than 24 hours in advance. If you are late, there is no grace period & your time cannot be made up at the end of your session.
  3. Studios must be booked during daylight hours.


These pros and cons can also be applied to in-home newborn sessions which generally take place within the comfort of your own home.

Fresh Light Studio, Springville UT

Locations by county

Bridal Veil Falls, Provo Canyon

Utah County

Utah County has so many amazing options for photos! Most locations are easily accessible with stunning views all around. It is easy to fall in love with the locations here.

Here are three of my favorites:

  1. Provo Canyon - Squaw Peak, Bridal Veil Falls, Sundance, Big Springs Park - All are surrounded by green trees and mountains. Be prepared to walk in grass and dirt to reach specific locations. (30 minutes from downtown Provo)
  2. Utah Lake (Vineyard) - A vast blue lake contrasted with yellow and green reeds. Sometimes marshy and wet, but always beautiful. (15 minutes from downtown Provo)
  3. Tibble Fork Reservoir (American Fork) - A blue reservoir surrounded by evergreen tress and tall mountain scapes. (30 minutes from downtown Provo)

Memory Grove, SLC

Salt Lake County

Salt Lake County is very versatile with many different options. I love the combination of the urban city skyline and beautiful mountain scapes.


Here are three of my favorites:

  1. Albion Basin (Little Cottonwood Canyon) - A stunning view of Utah's mountain landscape & fields of wildflowers in the summer. This location has never failed me yet! (30 minutes from downtown SLC)
  2. Memory Grove & the Utah State Capital (Salt Lake City) - Memory grove is just below the capital building and is covered in beautiful greens & florals. In the spring, the Capital is surrounded by a trail of blooming pink trees. (5 minutes from downtown SLC)
  3. The Great Salt Lake (Salt Lake City) - Classic to Utah's landscape with white sand and distant mountains adding soft blues. (30 minutes from downtown SLC)

Tunnel Springs, NSL

Davis County

I grew up in Davis County and have a special love for the locations here.


Here are three of my favorites:

  1. Tunnel Springs Park (NSL) - This location is popular for a reason! The park is a large meadow of green grass, rolling hills, and yellow reeds. (15 minutes from downtown Bountiful)
  2. Antelope Island (Ogden) - Beautiful location for outside photos during winter months. Beachy, earthy tones. Sometimes marshy and wet. (40 minutes from downtown Bountiful)
  3. Bountiful Main Street - Small town urban location with fun colored walls and details. (0 minutes from downtown Bountiful)

There are so many locations all over Utah that are stunning & accessible.


Some that I love but are not mentioned above are:

Jordan Pines Campground

Mary Lake

Silver Lake

Diamond Fork Canyon

Little Sahara Sand Dunes

The Salt Flats

Exchange Place SLC


Please reach out if you have any questions about locations!

Utah Lake, Vineyard

Great Salt Lake, Saltaire, SLC

Utah Capital Building, SLC

Session 101

how to prepare