Best Photo Locations near Salt Lake City, Utah
Salt Lake City is a photographer’s paradise. With its diverse landscapes and unique architecture, it can sometimes be overwhelming trying to decide where the best location is for your photos. The last thing you want is to stress about the details of your photos, that’s why we’ve compiled the five best photo spots in and around the Salt Lake Valley.
Tunnel Springs Park - 1080 Eaglepointe Dr, North Salt Lake, UT 84054
This Salt Lake photo location is a classic and a go-to for all types of shoots. The rolling hills and wide-open spaces offer a nice contrast to the typical Utah scenery. There is also a large wheat cluster located in the park that’s perfect for those dreamy shots with warm light that are most popular for wedding and graduation photos. Tunnel Springs is a public park so there is no entry or permit cost, and parking is a breeze. Family portraits, graduation photos, or couple sessions will all look stunning in this location. Winter provides its own beauty with a snowy landscape, and in the spring and summer, beautiful green grass covers the hills. In autumn the area is filled with earth tones and golden colors from the falling leaves. Timing is everything in this location, as lighting is best early morning or an hour before sunset and tends to be busier in the spring-summer months.
2. State Capital/Memory Grove- 350 State St, Salt Lake City, UT 84103
This photo spot combo is great because the two are right next to each other with very distinct surroundings. The capital features towering granite walls, marble stairs, and pillars. But a short jog down the hill sits Memory Grove—with lush green backdrops, outdoor pavilions, and clusters of forest.. This combo is great for people who want one session but are still able to get a variety of backdrops and emotions for their photos. The Capital is very busy during the weekends, so it’s best to plan a shoot there for a weekday. During spring, the cherry blossoms on the trees surrounding the Capital bring many sightseers any day of the week, so for the early risers, a morning session would be more private. These two photo spots are excellent for families, graduates, professional headshots, and more.
3. Rooftop Downtown - 31 E 400 S, Salt Lake City, UT 84111
The Rooftop Downtown is a parking garage behind Green Pig Pub in downtown Salt Lake City. The views from this parking garage feature both the industrial buildings and the gorgeous Wasatch mountain range. There is a $10 entrance fee, but when compared to many other photoshoot venues, this is definitely a deal. It is easy to access the venue, being in the center of downtown. This location provides a great city vibe to the photos, so for those who aren’t looking for the natural-outdoorsy look, this could be a great option. This venue is most popular for portraits and couples photos of all kinds. One of the best perks of this venue is the fact that it is generally less crowded. You will have the venue to yourself, with little chance of another big group getting in the way. Mid-Day shoots aren’t preferred as the harsh lighting can create awkward shadows on your face. Night flash shoots could be really fun at this venue and could provide some really unique photos, with the city lights in the background. Sunset will be the best time to use this venue and will give you the best lighting.
4. Little Cottonwood- 4358 Little Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Sandy UT 84092
Little Cottonwood Canyon could (and probably should) be a list all on its own. If you’ve ever wanted portraits taken in the Alps but you’re waiting on your passport, Little Cottonwood Canyon is a worthy substitute (and you’ll save on airfare). Take a tram ride up to the top of Hidden Peak at Snowbird and pose for your graduation photos like you really are on top of the world. If you are looking to cool off while having breathtaking bridals in the summer, take the short hike from the parking lot of Alta Ski Area into Albion Basin and experience the wildflowers in full bloom. Note that Albion Basin does get crowded during the summer months, so plan accordingly—plus the lighting is best early in the day or close to sunset. My personal favorite is the Gloria Falls trail at Red Pine Trailhead. Parking is easy to find, and if you are looking for deep reds, vibrant oranges, and electric yellows from the aspen trees in autumn, there’s no better place.
Little Cottonwood was made for portrait photography. Any season, any style, Little Cottonwood is ready to say “cheese”.
5. Silver Lake/ Jordan Pines - 8073 s Big Cottonwood Canyon Rd, Brighton UT 84121
If you love the beautiful Utah mountains but are not into hiking, Silver Lake is the perfect photo spot for you in Salt Lake City. Silver Lake is located near the top of Big Cottonwood Canyon and has extremely easy access straight from the road, making it easy for brides in big, white wedding dresses or little kids during family portraits. Silver Lake has a walkable path built all around the lake which makes it easy to move from location to location while still keeping clean and picture-perfect. Whether it’s a graduation from college, a wedding day, or those special family portraits, Silver Lake is the perfect place to capture these memorable moments.
Now that you have some amazing options near Salt Lake City to choose from, let’s get your session on the calendar! Click the button below to book your session now!
