From red rock deserts to glowing golden hills, these spots are pure magic.
My Go-To Outdoor Photoshoot Locations in Utah
I’m always asked, “Where’s a good place to take pictures around here?” So I put together this list of my favorite outdoor photo spots in Utah. The ones with the best light, the prettiest views, and the vibe that makes your photos feel like you. Whether you’re planning portraits for your senior, your family, or just for fun, these outdoor photoshoot locations near me are ones I use again and again for a reason.
A good photo isn’t just about posing. It’s about the light, the setting, and how it all feels. Some places are clean and bright. Others are wild or full of texture. Every spot in this list has a look I love and keeps showing up in my favorite sessions.
📍1. Bonneville Salt Flats – West of Salt Lake City
Style: Clean, surreal, and wide open
Best for: Editorial, seniors, couples
Why I love it: It’s like stepping onto a blank canvas. The salt reflects light beautifully, and you get that dreamy, endless horizon feel.
Pro Tip:Go at sunrise or sunset for softer light (and to avoid frying your eyeballs).
📍 2. Albion Basin – Alta, Little Cottonwood Canyon
Style: Wildflowers, alpine views, forested trails
Best for: Families, couples, dreamy lifestyle portraits
Why I love it: Wildflowers. Everywhere. The colors pop, and it feels like a fairytale. Add a dreamy mountain backdrop and you’ve got one of the most magical portrait spots in Utah. Pro Tip: The best time to shoot here is mid-July to early August — and weekday mornings are your best friend for avoiding the crowds.
📍3. Sand Dunes – Little Sahara, Juab County
Style: Desert chic, soft textures, dramatic
Best for: Styled shoots, solo portraits, adventurous couples
Why I love it: The curves, textures, and glow here are unreal. It feels like a mini Sahara and makes every photo look next-level.
Pro Tip:Sunrise is quieter and cooler. Avoid windy days unless you’re okay with sand in your hair, your bag, your shoes… basically everywhere.
📍 4. Red Ledges – Spanish Fork Canyon
Style: Desert chic, soft textures, dramatic
Best for: Styled shoots, solo portraits, adventurous couples
Why I love it: The curves, textures, and glow here are unreal, it feels like a mini Sahara and makes every photo look next-level.
Pro Tip:Sunrise is quieter and cooler. Avoid windy days unless you’re okay with sand in your hair, your bag, your shoes… basically everywhere.
📍5. Silver Lake Boardwalk – Brighton, Big Cottonwood Canyon
Style: Serene lake, pine forest, mountains, reflective water
Best for: Couples, families, maternity, nature-loving teens
Why I love it: You get so much variety without walking far. It has lake reflections, tall pines, open sky, and wildflowers in late summer.
Pro Tip:Go in late September or early October for stunning fall colors. Early mornings are misty and soft, golden hour brings out that perfect warm glow.
📍6. Tibble Fork Reservoir – American Fork Canyon
Style: Pines, water, mountains
Best for: All sessions (teens, engagements, families)
Why I love it: It’s easy to access, has a lot of variety, and works year-round. The trees, lake, and mountains all give you different looks without needing to go far.
Pro Tip:Head to the right or across the bridge to avoid the main crowd. The light is best in the late afternoon when the sun hits the water just right.
📍7. Cascade Springs – Near Midway, UT
Style: Boardwalks, waterfalls, lush greenery
Best for: Maternity, couples, dreamy lifestyle portraits
Why I love it: It’s quiet, green, and different. The mix of water, bridges, and trails gives you lots of options, especially if you want something that feels more natural and tucked away.
Pro Tip:Go on a weekday morning to avoid the weekend crowd. Fall adds beautiful color without losing the forest feel.
📍8. River Road – Midway to Charleston, UT
Style: Farm fields, fences, dirt roads, open sky
Best for: Seniors, couples, lifestyle shoots
Why I love it: It feels natural and open. You get clean backdrops, golden grass, and space to shoot without a lot of people around. Pro Tip:There are some great little pull-off spots just off the main road. Go at golden hour , everything warms up and gets that soft glow without needing to over-edit.
Best for: Seniors, moody couples, lifestyle portraits
Why I love it: It’s versatile and close to the city but doesn’t feel like it. You get big views, a quiet atmosphere, and that kind of wild terrain that photographs really well. Pro Tip:Go right before sunset when the light skims the ridge, it makes everything glow just enough without losing detail.
📍10. McPolin Barn – Park City, UT
Style: Classic barn, mountain views, golden fields or snow
Best for: Families, seniors, engagements, winter sessions
Why I love it: It’s dependable and beautiful year-round. Whether it’s snowy or sunlit, the barn and backdrop give structure and depth to every photo. Pro Tip:In winter, wear boots and bring a blanket for cozy shots. In summer/fall, go golden hour for warm light and open space.
Conclusion
I hope this list gave you some new ideas. These are my go-to locations for a reason. They’re easy to work with, beautiful in different seasons, and give you space to be yourself.
Whether you want something bold or soft, there’s a spot here that fits. I’ve used them for seniors, couples, families, and solo shoots. Every one brings something different to the session.
If you’re not sure where to start, I’m here to help. The right location can change how your photos feel — and how comfortable you are. Let’s find the one that fits you best.
Ready to plan your session?
Let’s find the perfect spot and create something you’ll love. Whether you’re booking now or just have questions, I’m here to help you get started.
